One of a Kind...

God is on His throne. He’s in control. No one can challenge Him and succeed. Whoever opposes His will, suffers defeat. No one is like God, He is one of a kind. I’m so glad He gives us the ability to be on His side. I don’t know how I’d live if I couldn’t be on Truth’s team.

For who is like Me, and who can challenge Me?What ruler can oppose My will?” Jeremiah 49:19c

The Remedy for Complacency...

Never get too comfortable where you forget God. Having means (wealth) gives us the ability to say “NO” to God. Humility is the remedy for complacency.

4 You are proud of your fertile valleys, but they will soon be ruined. You trusted in your wealth, you rebellious daughter, and thought no one could ever harm you. Jeremiah 49:4

Your Farewell Speech...

When you come to the end of your life, what would be your message? To whom would you want to hear it? Paul, here in 2Timothy, writes his farewell speech. His concern is not about himself, rather it’s focused on Timothy carrying on the preaching of the gospel. Paul spells it out for Timothy. He even urges Timothy to bring John Mark (the one who deserted he and Barnabas that caused the two to separate). Paul’s concern was faithful preaching and teaching of the gospel. Service to God was his message. His hope was in Jesus, not any government, or group of people. He wasn’t fearful of death, because his faith was in the resurrecting God. He urged Timothy to: continue to be faithful in his duties, hold on to sound doctrine, avoid error, accept persecution for the gospel, put his confidence in scripture, and preach it relentlessly. Should we not be doing the same? So at the end of your life, your farewell speech might sound similar to Paul’s.

6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me–the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Read 2Tim 1-4

Will You Be Able To Say...

When it comes to the end of your life, will you (like Paul) be able to say, “... I’ve kept the faith”?

6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me–the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

This Time Has Come...

This time has come; it’s here and thriving. People don’t want truth, they want their ears tickled with half-truths stuffed with lies. They’d rather chase myths than pursue truth. Why? Because truth, when discovered, requires action/change. And you know how most feel about change!

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Giving God’s Judgement a Thought...

Many people never even give God’s judgement a thought. They convince themselves that He is a loving God and would never send anyone to Hell. Think about that for a second! That concept comes from the one already bound for Hell. Satan is determined to take as many souls with him as possible. His hatred for God is so intense, he’ll make up as many intricate lies as possible in order to confuse and deceive people. The scariest part of God’s judgement is that no one will escape it. People will be so terrified, they won’t even stop to look back for their children. That thought should speak volumes to unbelievers.

3 Hear the clatter of stallions’ hooves and the rumble of wheels as the chariots rush by. Terrified fathers run madly, without a backward glance at their helpless children. Jeremiah 47:3

44 “Those who flee in terror will fall into a trap, and those who escape the trap will step into a snare.I will see to it that you do not get away,for the time of your judgment has come,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 48:44

118 But You have rejected all who stray from Your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. Psalms 119:118

5 Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely. Proverbs 28:5

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when He appears to set up His Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:1-2

The Answer...

God’s word is so transforming. It is the answer to the world’s problems. We need to do a better job of sharing it with others.

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Persecution...

One of the verses in the Bible that anyone preaching the ”prosperity gospel” has problems with: "Every believer will suffer persecution." Every single one. Those "prosperity gospel” promoters try to explain this concept away but stumble through because it doesn’t fit into their agenda; they don’t have a real answer. According to them, if you are suffering or being persecuted, it’s because you’re doing something wrong (it’s 100% your fault), which is absolutely not true. Sure you may suffer for making poor decisions, or as a result of sinful behavior, but if someone gets cancer or loses their job, or experiences tragedy, it may not be related to any type of their behavior at all. They may be leading a righteous life. The Bible tells us persecution is part of following Jesus. No true believer will escape persecution if they are consistently sharing the gospel on a daily basis. For the Gospel is foolishness to the world, it convicts people of their guilt, which leads to the silencing or persecution of the church. I know, I’ve experienced firsthand. And what’s even more profound, some of it was by those “in the Church”. In the end, God will separate the sheep from the goats; the true followers from the pretenders. And no "prosperity gospel" beliefs will be able to save you.

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Timothy 3:12

Those Who Belong to God...

Never forget God knows who belong to Him and who doesn’t. For those that pursue God, they must flee from evil. For those that oppose the truth, they are held captive by Satan to do whatever he wants them to do. Believers are to focus on righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace, and they should enjoy the companionship of other believers. And most importantly, they should be patient with difficult people. Careful to instruct those who oppose the truth, and hope that God will change those people’s hearts.

19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:19-26

When We Fail...

When we fail, God doesn’t fail. We are not credited with our own salvation.

11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him,we will also live with him;12 if we endure,we will also reign with him.If we disown him,he will also disown us;13 if we are faithless,he remains faithful,for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13

We Oppose Evil because....

We oppose evil because we stand with God. It's in our regenerated, spiritual DNA.

4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;to obey the law is to fight them. Proverbs 28:4

The Next Step...

Sometimes, God provides just enough light to see to take the next step. We look up and see complete darkness, and think "how am I going to do this? I can't see far in front of me". Then we just have to focus on the short distance right in front, just enough to take the next step. We can focus on the darkness and be scared, or we can trust our Redeemer, and take the next step, securely knowing He's in control and has our best interest at heart. It's a choice we must make every single day of our lives. Some will be more difficult than others, but we can have full confidence in the fact that God doesn't break His promises.

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105

Truth...

When you know and have experienced the Truth, everything else fails in comparison.

104 Your commandments give me understanding;no wonder I hate every false way of life. Psalms 119:104

Authentic Justice...

Authentic Justice cannot and will not allow sin to go unpunished. We may think it can, but someone will always receive the punishment. Fortunately, for Christians, Jesus received the punishment we deserve. What’s your response to knowing someone took the consequences of your sin on himself? Hopefully, it involves gratitude.

28 Do not be afraid, Jacob my servant,for I am with you,” declares the Lord.“Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you,I will not completely destroy you.I will discipline you but only in due measure;I will not let you go entirely unpunished.” Jeremiah 46:28

Blessings in Perspective...

When we think of God blessing people, usually it's in the material form. We think God blessed this or that person with a great high paying job or winning the lottery, or somehow coming into a wealthy inheritance. Just goes to show how money minded we are. Here God tells Baruch that his blessing is his own life. How often do we think that our own lives are a blessing from God. Kinda puts things into proper perspective doesn't it?

5 Should you then seek great things for yourself ? Do not seek them. For I will bring disaster on all people, declares the Lord, but wherever you go I will let you escape with your life.’ ” Jeremiah 45:5

Pride Standing in the Way...

What stands between Heaven and Hell? Selfish pride. Everyone is given ample opportunity to hear and see the truth of the Gospel, yet our own selfish pride stands in the way of embracing it. God sends people and circumstances to get our attention, to warn us of consequences of our rebellious behavior. When we don't listen, judgement happens. Judgement, sometimes, is God allowing the natural consequences of our behavior to play out. Ultimately, Hell is the result of living a lifetime without God. It continues forever. No rebellious person can rightfully complain about Hell, because if the above statement is true, God would never force anyone against their will to be with Him in Heaven, if they wanted nothing to do with Him here on earth.

4 Again and again I sent my servants the prophets, who said, ‘Do not do this detestable thing that I hate!’ 5 But they did not listen or pay attention; they did not turn from their wickedness or stop burning incense to other gods. Jeremiah 44:4-5

16 “We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord! 17 We will certainly do everything we said we would Jeremiah 44:16-17a

21 “Did not the Lord remember and call to mind the incense burned in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem by you and your ancestors, your kings and your officials and the people of the land? 22 When the Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did, your land became a curse and a desolate waste without inhabitants, as it is today. 23 Because you have burned incense and have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed him or followed his law or his decrees or his stipulations, this disaster has come upon you, as you now see.” Jeremiah 44:21-23

26 But hear the word of the Lord, all you Jews living in Egypt: ‘I swear by my great name,’ says the Lord, ‘that no one from Judah living anywhere in Egypt will ever again invoke my name or swear, “As surely as the Sovereign Lord lives.” 27 For I am watching over them for harm, not for good; the Jews in Egypt will perish by sword and famine until they are all destroyed. 28 Those who escape the sword and return to the land of Judah from Egypt will be very few. Then the whole remnant of Judah who came to live in Egypt will know whose word will stand—mine or theirs. Jeremiah 44:26-28

What the Gospel Does...

What does the gospel do? It breaks the power of death and illuminates the way of life and immortality for us. The truth really does set us free. It gives us HOPE.

10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10

The Outcome is not Up to Us...

God's word cannot be chained, stopped, or held captive. Our goal and direct reason for spreading the Gospel is to bring salvation to God's chosen ones and glory to Christ. We don't know who these "chosen ones" are, so many times we focus on what we say and how we say it. We think it's up to us to convert a soul. How selfish is that? Along with that kind of thinking, we tend to be timid and fearful when witnessing. If God is the ultimate power to convert souls, and it's already determined who is destined for Heaven, why do we hesitate and act timid to those we witness to? They will either respond or not. It's up to God for the outcome, not us. The story is already written. Those that hear our witness will respond and those that don't will argue and oppose (for they are not supposed to respond, they can't). Stop worrying about the response of people and start concentrating on speaking the truth into all lives. His word never returns void, it always serves its purpose, to convict and save, or to convict and condemn. It's not up to us.

6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:6-8a 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:9-10

When There Is Moral Rot...

You can't describe America any better than this proverb. The state we are in is directly related to our leadership. That extends all the way down to the family as well. We are all responsible. And people say the Bible is irrelevant today!!!

2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability. Proverbs 28:2

Who do you trust?

Trust God or trust yourself? The million dollar question. The answer seems like a no-brainer. Why fight against God's plan? If you do, you'll join the multitude of those fighting a losing battle. You'll still be fulfilling His purposes, you'll just be on the losing team.

91 Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves Your plans. Psalms 119:91

Perfectionism...

Perfectionists take heed (talking to myself here): there is something higher than striving for perfection. Perfection has limitations, but God's word has no limits. Why not focus on something that has everlasting meaning and benefits, rather than pursuing something that has an end?

96 Even perfection has its limits,but Your commands have no limit. Psalms 119:96

Missing Out...

What people don't understand about knowing, pursuing, and serving God; it's not an obligation, or a drudgery. It's the way we are supposed to live. It brings us joy knowing we are fulfilling our purpose. It gives us hope in dark times. It gives us a reason to live. Yet those that oppose God, only do harm to themselves by living in rebellion. They destroy themselves by the choices they make. Yet they blame others for their demise, deep down inside they really know who's to blame. There's God's way, and then there's every other way. We miss out when we choose any other way.

8 Why provoke My anger by burning incense to the idols you have made here in Egypt? You will only destroy yourselves and make yourselves an object of cursing and mockery for all the nations of the earth. 9 Have you forgotten the sins of your ancestors, the sins of the kings and queens of Judah, and the sins you and your wives committed in Judah and Jerusalem? 10 To this very hour you have shown no remorse or reverence. No one has chosen to follow My word and the decrees I gave to you and your ancestors before you. Jeremiah 44:8-10

Our Destiny...

Just think, our story is already written in God's book. Why would we want to alter the outcome by rebelling against the "All-Time Best Selling Author"? Doesn't make much sense, does it?

11 And when he comes, he will destroy the land of Egypt. He will bring death to those destined for death, captivity to those destined for captivity, and war to those destined for war. Jeremiah 43:11

Who Truly Knows Our Hearts?

Regardless of what people say, and even sometimes what they do, what they believe in their heart, only God knows. We live in a world where people say one thing, yet behave in a contradictory manner. They don't match up. This reveals what's truly in their heart. God knows it long before we do. Even though a believer's behavior may not dictate what they truly believe, those who have a heart for God will eventually show it over time living it out in their lives. Words matter, those that get it choose them wisely. Those that don't use them like a raging river heading toward a high waterfall. Here in this passage the guerrilla leaders asked Jeremiah to pray to God and promised him that they would do whatever God told them to do. Jeremiah knew they wouldn't listen. They were too afraid of the Babylonian King. They planned to flee to Egypt, thinking it was safe there. God told them not to go, and if they did they would die there, from the very thing they feared if they had stayed. Only God knows the human heart. It's another reason why we trust Him. He protects us and leads away from those who mean us harm. Even if His will says "stay", and it doesn't make sense, obedience is always the best choice. It truly reveals where your heart is.

5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord your God be a faithful witness against us if we refuse to obey whatever He tells us to do! 6 Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we are sending you with our plea. For if we obey Him, everything will turn out well for us.” Jeremiah 42:5-6

Pride and Money...

Pride and money; two things that bring men down. Money, when you really think about it, is so unreliable. It can't heal your sickness, make people love you, and most importantly, save your soul. Having money allows people the belief that they can say "NO" to God. It leaves them deceived and with no real hope. In essence, it's an idol that many worship, with no real substance. If you were dying of thirst in the desert and you came across two filled buckets, one had diamonds and the other had water, which would you choose? The value in each bucket would depend on the person finding them. In this case, the diamonds' value to the dehydrated dying man is worthless, because he values his life more than he values the diamonds. But the value of the life-giving water is invaluable. The water would save his life. Pride on the other hand keeps you in a place where admitting the truth (or what you think is truth) isn't going to happen. You think you're right and you'll fight to the end defending your stance, even if you're dead wrong. Striving to be rich seems like a good thing until you get into a situation where money will be useless. The value of money is all dependent on how you view it. It will either make you a slave to wanting more, or free you because you know what's really important in life. Whatever you decide, hopefully PRIDE doesn't keep you on its deceptive side.

17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

The Unseemingly Safest Place...

Even though this seems contradictory to the unbeliever, the safest place you will ever be is right smack dab in the middle of God's will. Even if His will involves war, famine, violence, destruction, evil, sickness, or death. Here Jeremiah is living proof of this being true. Jerusalem is under attack, being conquered, exiling off some to Babylon, while killing some and leaving the poorest to tend to its needs. The king of Babylon tells his captain of the guard to find Jeremiah and take care of him. How is this possible? The enemy of Israel, an unbelieving pagan, knew to find Jeremiah and save him amid the destruction of the city. Jeremiah could've fled, fought back, or surrendered. He chose to listen to God, and ended up rescued, saved from death and captivity. He was given several options, all allowed him to be free. Just think, he was imprisoned by his own people for telling them the truth, and the enemy who came to destroy his city ended up freeing him, providing for him, and giving him the option of living with them, all the while protecting him from danger. Only our God could orchestrate such an event.

8 Meanwhile, the Babylonians burned Jerusalem, including the palace, and tore down the walls of the city. 9 Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, sent to Babylon the rest of the people who remained in the city as well as those who had defected to him. 10 But Nebuzaradan left a few of the poorest people in Judah, and he assigned them vineyards and fields to care for. Jeremiah Remains in Judah 11 King Nebuchadnezzar had told Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, to find Jeremiah. 12 “See that he isn’t hurt,” he said. “Look after him well, and give him anything he wants.” 13 So Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard; Nebushazban, a chief officer; Nergal-sharezer, the king’s adviser; and the other officers of Babylon’s king 14 sent messengers to bring Jeremiah out of the prison. They put him under the care of Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan, who took him back to his home. So Jeremiah stayed in Judah among his own people.15 The Lord had given the following message to Jeremiah while he was still in prison: 16 “Say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian,[Y] ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, 17 but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. 18 Because you trusted Me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’ ” Jeremiah 39:8-18
The Lord gave a message to Jeremiah after Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, had released him at Ramah. He had found Jeremiah bound in chains among all the other captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were being sent to exile in Babylon.2 The captain of the guard called for Jeremiah and said, “The Lord your God has brought this disaster on this land, 3 just as He said He would. For these people have sinned against the Lord and disobeyed Him. That is why it happened. 4 But I am going to take off your chains and let you go. If you want to come with me to Babylon, you are welcome. I will see that you are well cared for. But if you don’t want to come, you may stay here. The whole land is before you–go wherever you like. 5 If you decide to stay, then return to Gedaliah son of Ahikam and grandson of Shaphan. He has been appointed governor of Judah by the king of Babylon. Stay there with the people he rules. But it’s up to you; go wherever you like.”Then Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard, gave Jeremiah some food and money and let him go. 6 So Jeremiah returned to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and he lived in Judah with the few who were still left in the land. Jeremiah 40:1-6

Living in a Sin-Marred World...

How do we as Christians live in a sin-marred world? Do we remove ourselves from society? Move away? How can we stay silent when we have the cure? We are to keep ourselves pure by not sharing in the sins of others, and insulate ourselves with God's grace. We do this by drawing close to God, and doing whatever it takes to stay there. We can still love others, but sometimes that means doing it from a distance.

Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22b

Idle Hands...

This passage sounds a lot like our welfare system. I know it actually benefits some people, but it also gets abused as well. You know what they say about idle hands....

12 Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous pledge. 13 And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t. 1 Timothy 5:12-13

God Made Us to...

Why do we have a sense of right and wrong? Because God put it there, inside us. If we pursue God, we will learn that He is fair and just in everything He does. He loves us and surrounds us with "tender mercies". And lastly, God unites us with other believers. He wants us to gather together in His name often, to help build us up, so we can go out and proclaim the Truth. Does this sound like the God being promoted in mainstream America today? He hasn't changed, even if people do.

You made me; You created me.Now give me the sense to follow Your commands.74 May all who fear You find in me a cause for joy,for I have put my hope in Your word.75 I know, O Lord, that Your regulations are fair;You disciplined me because I needed it.76 Now let Your unfailing love comfort me,just as You promised me, Your servant.77 Surround me with Your tender mercies so I may live,for Your instructions are my delight.78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;meanwhile, I will concentrate on Your commandments.79 Let me be united with all who fear You,with those who know Your laws.80 May I be blameless in keeping Your decrees;then I will never be ashamed. Psalms 119:73-80

Preserving Generational Values...

I know this isn't true for all cases, but just imagine if more sons and daughters, relatives and close friends lived out this principle. There would be less of a need for "old folks" homes, and care-giving centers. Families would know more, and have more generational relationships. Values would be passed on, and maybe, just maybe, America wouldn't be so self-centered. Now there's a thought. There will come a time in everyone's life where this situation will meet them face to face.

3 Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. 4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God. 1 Timothy 5:3-4 8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers. 1 Timothy 5:8 16 If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone. 1 Timothy 5:16

When You Do Right...

When you do right, and obey God, you may lose some pride, but things will go well for you. This is a trustworthy, Godly truth worth following.

20 Jeremiah replied, “You won’t be handed over to them if you choose to obey the Lord. Your life will be spared, and all will go well for you. Jeremiah 38:20