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BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 4: 19 - 22  19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. 22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you. What does this passage mean to you? Also, this is the end of 2nd Timothy. What did you think of it?  BLOG: Last night in our Wednesday Night Life Group, we studied the parable of the Rich Fool. (We're exploring the parables of Jesus right now.)  You can read this parable in  Luke 12: 13 - 21 . Someone in the crowd shouts out to Jesus, " Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. " It wasn't uncommon for people to go to a Rabbi for rulings about justice. But Jesus didn't want to have anything to do with it. Instead, he teaches that

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 4:14 - 18   14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. 15 Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said. 16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: We've been having some discussions on how our lives are different now. Every day brings a new change, a new idea, or a new challenge. If you hear us call her "scooter" or "flash," the video above should explain that.  Betty will say, "I use to be able to do this .

BIBLE READING:  2 Tim. 4: 9 - 13 9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers. What does this passage mean to you? BLOG: It's day 3 of the broken leg, and things are beginning to change. Our morning routines, schedules, and more are being rearranged. It is amazing how one event in our lives can change everything.  Over lunch today, we had a light-hearted discussion as to whose fault this was. But we ended it with a serious but straightforward declaration. Accidents happen; it was no one's fault.  "'Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' Na

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim. 4: 9 - 11 “ Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen..”  B

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 4: 5 - 8  5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 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. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: Something happened this week that got my blood boiling. I'm not going to go into it here because this blog is for devotional purposes. While I do rant a bit from time to time, this is way past ranting.  But there was nothing I could do about it.  I am not part of the narrative, nor do I have any rela

BIBLE READING 2 Tim. 4: 1 - 4  1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes 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. 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. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: It's Saturday, and in South Florida, it means the weekend is in full swing. I'm at our local city festival to see my daughter dance today. Then I've got a wedding rehearsal this afternoon at 4 pm. I need to have the oil changed in my car sometime today. Anneka as a class to teach, and I've got to put the finish touches on tomorrow's

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim. 3: 14 - 17 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 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. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: It's been a while since I've blogged about marriage. Not that I've been ignoring it, but life has a way of distracting you.  An older gentleman walked up to me one day and said, "Marriage must be made in heaven!" I asked him why - knowing full well that he was leading me on to some sarcastic answer. His answer? "

BIBLE READING:  2 Tim 3: 10 - 13  10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: Do you know the story about the Three Little Pigs and The Big Bad Wolf?   "The Three Little Pigs is a fable about three pigs who build three houses of different materials. A Big Bad Wolf blows down the first two pigs' houses, made of straw and sticks respectively, but is unable to destroy the third pig's house, made of bricks. Printed versions date back to the 1840s

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 3: 6 - 9 6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)  8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9 But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres. What does this passage mean to you today?  BLOG: So I got up this morning and discovered what many of you already know. I didn't blog yesterday. I sat there and wondered why? I remember opening my blog interface. I remember copying the scripture for the day, and I remember - wait. Someone walked into my office and said, "Pastor!" (Insert facepalm here)  James 5:16  Therefore, confess your sins to one an

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim. 3: 1 - 5  1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: So someone said to me the other day that they believe that God, a god, or some other entity out there, punished some humans who were living on another planet by sending them here to this planet.  Huh?  We suffer from diseases, cancer, and everything else, while the wildl

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim. 2: 22 - 26   22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 23 Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: Isaiah 43:18-19 18  "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 2:19 - 21  19 But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil." 20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. What does this passage mean to you today?  BLOG: Sunday isn't what it use to be. Now I am 56 years old, and I have been going to church since I was 6. A lot has changed in 50 years.  We use to sing out of hymnals to people who learned how to play the piano just because the church needed one. Most of those pianos were out of tune hand me downs, but most of the keys worked. You

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 2: 15 - 18  15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: So, if you work on the internet, or with software, you know that you get these messages, notifications, upgrades, and patches all the time. "We're making your experience better." Or "This is going work faster. Now" It doesn't matter why, if you don't upload the upgrade, eventually everything will shut down.  So one of those messages appeared today about this blog. I clicked t

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim. 2: 11 - 14   11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. 12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. 13 I f we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. 14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God's presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: So I forgot to blog yesterday. I know - awful - right? But I discovered something about myself I didn't know. This week I am fasting all social media and internet entertainment. Usually, I wouldn't even mention this, except I discovered that using social media reminds me to blog.  Even though I have it in my day planner and even though I blog every day, without social media, I am prone to forget.  Now I am not a social media addict like some. But I do see Facebook and Instagra

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim. 2:11-13 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.” ‭‭ What does this passage mean to you? BLOG:  It’s the end of the day and as I sit here I recall how the day went. One part of me thought, “Wow!  You got a lot done today.”  But another part of me said, “But you didn’t get enough done today.”  I don’t know if you have those kind of thoughts, but as I finish the day I have to choose.  And the winner is . . . . . . . Neither! It doesn’t matter. Psalms‬ ‭121:3-4‬  “ He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” ‭‭‭ God is watching over you and me 24/7.  He will never ignore you or nod off, not even for a second. What matters to me right now is that as I get ready for bed, my Go

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 2: 8 - 10   8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 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. What does this passage mean to you today?  BLOG: It's 3:18 on Monday afternoon, and I am still trying to get my brain to work. Food, sugar, caffeine, even a blast of cold air hasn't made a difference. I'm just tired.  But this is typical for most Mondays for me. After a big weekend of ministry, the body says, "That's it, I'm done."  Rest is a crucial part of our lives. It gives us strength, sharpens our minds and helps us to be healthy. I can tell the difference between 6 hours and 8 hours sleep.  Matthew 11:28-30  Come to me, al

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim 2: 3 - 7  3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. What does this passage mean to you?  BLOG: It's Sunday afternoon, and you're probably settling into your Sunday afternoon routine. But I am going to challenge you to do something a little different today.  Colossians 4:5  Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. I've read this passage many, many times but never saw it in this light before.  Always use wisdom when dealing with the world, walk-in integrity, and don't allow their culture to be your culture. You walk with Christ;

BIBLE READING: 2 Tim. 2: 1 - 2 1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. What does this passage mean to you today?  BLOG: Hebrews 10:25   not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. I know that I have shared this verse before, but it reflects the essential habits that we are to practice.  . . . not neglecting to meet together -  There were churches in the New Testament that worshipped on Sunday. We can see from Acts 2 that there were small groups of people who met in their homes for fellowship, care, prayer, worship, and growing in their faith.  . . . encouraging one another -  What did they do at church? Encourage one another. Imagine a group of b