Reflections on Living a Christian Life
 
As time flies by, it is good to stop and think on all the blessings God has given to us.  I want to share a few of the truths I have learned in my 62 years since I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior at the young age of 12.  I want to share some of the successes and wisdom I have gained from all these years walking with Jesus Christ and being led by the Holy Spirit.

Probably the greatest advantage a person can have in this life is to know Christ as their own personal savior.  Once the Holy Spirit comes inside and dwells with you, never again are you truly alone.  Christ is there to help us each day and to pick us up when we fail.   And due to our fleshly condition, we will fail.

I was blessed to have Christian parents.  No one ever loved her children any more than my mother did, and my dad was excellent in teaching us to be disciplined and to work hard.   To learn discipline is crucial to success in life.    I believe that living a disciplined life is the strongest form of self-love.

God’s word provides instructions on the right way to live.   I start my day in the word of God and I end it in reading the word.   No matter the situation, God speaks to me through his word. I have learned that no matter what happens, you need to just trust God. Don’t question him, just trust Him.   He has a reason for all things that happen to you.

Psa 27:14  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. 

Be careful to live a free life. There are thousands of ways to be under bondage, but to walk with Christ and to live His way is total freedom.  I want to be free of sin and the ways of the world which are not to my good.

1Pe 1:3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 
1Pe 1:4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 
1Pe 1:5  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 
 
Do All to the Glory of God

1Co 10:23  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 
1Co 10:24  Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 
1Co 10:25  Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 
1Co 10:26  For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 

The world teaches us to look out for yourself.   We are told that we are number 1 and you must concentrate on what you want.  After years of living like that, I have learned it is not true at all.   As a matter of fact, putting others first is God’s way of living.  Base you life on the example of Jesus Christ.   He had nothing in this world, but lived the exact perfect life in the will of the Father.

For years I believed that if I followed the world’s teachings and got the right credit score and the right credit cards, I would have success.  All of that is a lie from Satan. Freedom comes from doing things God’s way.

We do not need to do things based on worldly teachings. Satan knows our weaknesses and will use them against us. We are bombarded with advertisements that we must have ‘their thing’ to be happy.    We must shut out the noise and listen to God.

For years I heard that the normal person could never retire well, or that you will always have a house payment and a car payment.   That might be true for some, but with God’s help and some financial control, we now have a paid for home and haven’t had a car payment in 25 years.  But I didn’t do it on my own. It took some guidance and faith in the Lord.

When I was 49 years old, I started hearing Dave Ramsey talk about finances on the radio.  Many people hate his teachings, as he believes a person should do things God’s way and pay for things in cash.  He is not shy in explaining how that financial issues are due to the person in the mirror.  

Some don’t like his direct teachings, but being hardheaded and stubborn, I needed that.  It was me causing the problems in my younger years.   No one was going to come save me from poor financial discipline. Initially I fought to keep doing things my way, but finally gave up after several more years of failures and frustrations.

If we trust God, we should trust him in all things.   You must pay your tithes to the Lord if you want a happy and contented life.   Live within your means, knowing God will supply your every need.  Paul explained that in his letter to the church at Philippi and told of how he had learned to live.
 
God's Provision

Php 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 
 
Php 4:10  But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 
Php 4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 
Php 4:12  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 
Php 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 
 
God gives rules about money in the bible.   These are Dave Ramsey’s basic principles, but they are not accepted by most.    The rules are not complex or difficult.

Rom 13:8  Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 

Pro 22:7  The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 

As we started down this simpler path of living, things got easier each year.   I started studying Minimalism and found it is a good logical way to live.   You don’t need to bring in more and more and pay out volumes of money to store extra things in storage buildings. 

I came across the book Walden by Henry David Thoreau which tells of his study on living simply out on Lake Walden.     His book is full of wise quotes.

He said that the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.    Never slowing down and thinking things out the way God intended.

Henry David Thoreau used a borrowed axe to cut down trees and built a small cabin to live in for under $100.  He wanted to show that doing things in a simple fashion could be done with no liability to anyone else.

His point is that many people are not free, but the things hold them in bondage.  A person with a big farm may look well off, but if the farm controls your life, you are not free.  By raising a garden, he found he could live on 13 weeks of wages per year, and have the other 39 weeks to read and relax and do what he wanted.  

One of his quotes in the book is this:

For a man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.

Think on that:
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For a man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.

But I would say to my fellows, once for all, as long as possible, live free and uncommitted. It makes but little difference whether you are committed to a farm or the county jail.  You are still committed.

His simple teachings have changed my way of thinking.  I read this book once every year to keep my thinking right. And to keep my focus away from the world, I watch Dave Ramsey on You Tube most every night.

One last thing to point out.    You can’t please everyone.    Your focus needs to be on pleasing God and doing your best.   The Lord desires for us to get along, but if a person is unreasonable, pray about it and then turn it over to God.    Be thankful you have a church where people understand your trials and pray for you and you pray for them.

1Pe 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 
1Pe 4:9  Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 
1Pe 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 
 
So in summary, I would say my top 5 takeaway pieces of advice are:

1. Trust God no matter what.  Lean not to your own understanding but seek God’s wisdom.

Pro 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 
Pro 3:6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 
Pro 3:7  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 

2. Don’t try to keep up with the Jones.   Whatever you have, be happy and content in that status like Paul’s example in Philippians.

3. Read and learn.  I read that 90% of college graduates don’t read another meaningful book after they graduate.   Study and grow, and most of all, study your bible.

4. Think positive thoughts.  Your brain has a part that is being programmed every day.  One negative thought takes 3 positive thoughts to overcome.   Our brain is wired to look for the negative.   Overwhelm your mind with the promises of God and don’t let negativity affect you.

4. Don’t trust the world, advertising and lies.   Satan is a liar, but God never lies or misleads us.

5.  Get right with God every night.  FORGET FAILURES and live for God the best you can.   I probably have prayed for forgiveness now over 20,000 times.   I am not happy with any failure, and try to learn from it and not repeat the same thing.  But I don’t stress about it, and I press forward each day to serve God with a peaceful heart and mind.

Php 3:13  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 
Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 
 
 
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​​II Timothy Chapter 4

Distributed by:  KJV Bible Studies
Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net
e-Email:    [email protected]
 
Introduction:  In chapter 3 we studied about the characteristics of the ‘last days’ which we found definitely point to the soon coming of Jesus Christ.   We closed the chapter reading that all scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and is profitable for ”doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” We conclude our study of Timothy this week as Paul gives a charge to young Timothy.

The first eight verses deal with Timothy’s ministry. The latter portion of the chapter contains Paul’s parting comments to Timothy. This is the last of the written word from Paul. Shortly after this epistle was written, Paul was beheaded for the name of Christ. He had fought a good fight, he had finished his course, he had kept the faith.
 
 
I.  Paul’s Charge to Young Timothy

2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

The Apostle begins this final chapter. “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.”  Paul was instructing Timothy before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living at His appearing and the dead in His kingdom.
 
The word translated as appearing is the Greek word (epifaneia) epiphaneia. The word translated as quick (zaw zao), of course, refers to the living.  Notice that the judgements at which Jesus Christ will sit take place at His appearing and in His kingdom. This is referring to the Judgement Seat of Christ which evidently takes place immediately after the catching up of the saints in the air. See II Corinthians 5:10.
 
2Co 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 
 
Then, as Jesus Christ establishes His kingdom at His second advent, there are additional judgments of the nations and of resurrected Israel. See Matthew 25:31-46 and Daniel 12:2. He is the Righteous Judge.      
 
Dan 12:2  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 
 
The Apostle begins a sequence of imperatives (i.e., commands) in verse 2 in which he charges Timothy.  The first is, “Preach the Word.” The particular word translated as preach (khrussw kerusso) has the sense to ‘herald,’ to ‘proclaim,’ and to ‘publish openly.’ A primary ministry of a pastor is to preach the Word.
 
In our revival, Bro. Harbin made mention that many churches today have lots of programs and activities, but to do the very will of God, we must Preach the Word.
 
He then adds, “Be instant in season, out of season.”   In other words be ready any day and anytime to tell others about Christ. There are several possible thoughts inherent in the word translated as be instant (efisthmi ephistemi.) In this instance, it has the idea of being ready. The word translated as in season (eukairwv eukairos) has the idea of ‘convenient’ or ‘timely.’
 
The word translated as out of season (akairwov akairos) literally means ‘no time’ and by extension has the idea of ‘not convenient’ or ‘untimely.’ There are seasons when it is easy to preach and there are seasons when it is difficult. In any event, the greater thought is to be ready to preach no matter what.
 
The next imperative is reprove. The word translated (elegcw elegcho) has a spectrum of thought ranging from to ‘convict,’ to ‘refute,’ to ‘correct.’  A preacher of the gospel at times must correct doctrinal or philosophical error. He also needs to preach by the power of the Holy Ghost who brings about conviction of the spiritual need at hand.
 
The Apostle then directed Timothy to rebuke in his preaching. The word so translated (epitimaow epitimao) is not as harsh as the modern English thought intimates. It has the general sense to ‘admonish’ or ‘exhort.’ Biblical preaching will often involve exhorting God’s people to do as they ought to do and to be as they ought to be.
 
Finally, Paul directed Timothy to exhort. The word so translated (parakalew parakaleo), in this context, has the more modern sense to ‘encourage.’ A pastor must be always sensitive to the needs of his people. There are always people who need encouraging. The Word of God overflows with precious promises of encouragement.
 
We are instructed to so encourage our people in preaching. In this regard, the Apostle added further qualification, “with all longsuffering and doctrine.”  A biblical preacher must be patient, forbearing the weakness of his people, and teach them. The word translated as longsuffering (makroyumia makrothumia) essentially refers to having patience in dealing with people.  Again, the word translated as doctrine (didach didache) has the basic sense of ‘teaching.’ Thus, a pastor is enjoined to preach the Word not only to convict, exhort, and encourage his people; but to do so patiently, teaching them what they need to understand.
 
To season one’s preaching with such patience and encouragement will not only enhance a pastor’s ministry, but will prolong it as well. Truth can be harsh and cutting, even biblical truth. Wise is a pastor who tempers his preaching with patience, teaching, and encouragement.
 
We see Paul giving this Charge before God and the Lord Jesus Christ.   Here is another promise that the dead will be judged by Jesus Christ at his appearing and his kingdom.  The saved will be judged at the Judgment-seat of Christ when He comes at His first appearance.

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II Timothy Chapter 3

Distributed by:  KJV Bible Studies
Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net
e-Email:  [email protected]
 
  
Introduction:  In chapter 2, Paul urged Timothy to pass the word of God on to those who could teach others.  He wanted them to all become good soldiers for Jesus Christ.  Paul had suffered much for preaching the gospel, and he encourages Timothy to stay in the battle, and to constantly study the Word of God.  In chapter 3, we study about the last days of the church.  There are 21 outstanding features in this prophecy of church conditions in the last days.

Paul warns Timothy of the coming apostasy. This warning remains relevant to this day. Paul concludes the chapter by establishing the foundation of faith—the inspiration of the Scriptures.
 
 
I.  Characteristics of the Last Days

2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
 
The Apostle Paul warns Timothy. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”  The word last is translated from (escatwv) eschatos. The word eschatology derives from the same word. Paul no doubt wrote of the apostasy that was taking place at the time he sent word to Timothy. He clearly addresses “the last days” as well. He indicates that in the last days there will be “perilous times.”
 
The word translated as perilous (calepov chalepos) among other things has the sense of ‘troubled’ or ‘dangerous.’ Theologically, we have been in the last days since Calvary.  
 
The last days mentioned in this verse are being fulfilled in this hour.  J. Vernon McGee said this about the last days. “The last days” is a technical term used in several places in the New Testament; it speaks of the last days of the church, immediately preceding the rapture of the church. The last days of the church are not the same as the last days of the nation Israel, which is mentioned repeatedly in the Old Testament. In the Old Testament the last days are called the “end of the age” or “the time of the end,” which is the Great Tribulation period. That is quite different from the last days of the church, which precede the rapture of the church.
 
The apostasy that began in the church in Paul’s day will continue. Paul warned the church at Ephesus that false leaders would enter the church after his decease. He told them in Acts 20:29–30: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” They won’t give out the Word of God but will fleece the congregations. Believe me, false teachers shear the sheep pretty close!  “Perilous times shall come,” which means grievous or desperate times are coming.
 
That doesn’t look like the conversion of the world, does it? It doesn’t appear that the church is going to bring in the Millennium or is going to convert the world. The Bible doesn’t teach that it will. That is the pipe dream of a great many idealists and a great many folk who have lived with their heads ostrich-like in the sand and have never faced reality.  [1]
 
2 Tim 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2 Tim 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2 Tim 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2 Tim 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
 
Paul sets forth a list of nineteen traits typical of apostasy in the last days. ”For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:”    
 
Let us notice some of these terms.

(1) The word translated as lovers of their own selves (filautov philautos) has the additional idea of being ‘intent on one’s interest’ or ‘selfish.’

(2) The word translated as covetous (filargurov philarguros) literally means a ‘lover of silver’ or more generically, a ‘lover of money.’  
 
(3) The word translated as blasphemers (blasfhmov blasphemos) literally means to ‘speak evil of’ or ‘slander other.’
 
(4) The Apostle’s reference to being without natural affection is translated from the word (astorgov astorgos and has the sense of ‘having no kindness or concern for another.’
 
(5) The word translated as incontinent (akrathv akrates) has the thought of being ‘undisciplined’ or ‘intemperate.’
 
(6) The word translated as heady (propethv propetes) has the thought of being ‘rash’ or ‘reckless.’
 
(7) The word translated as highminded (tufow tuphoo) has the thought which borders upon being ‘arrogant, insolent, and proud.’
 
These noted along with the rest (more apparent in their sense) describe the corrupt culture of the last days. If it were so in Timothy’s day, how much more so must it be today, not only from the perspective of eschatology, but also of the wickedness of the present culture.


[1]J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible commentary [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1981 by J. Vernon McGee.

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