All That a Son Could Be

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15, R.S.V.
Paul loved Timothy, his “own son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). The great apostle often drew the younger disciple out, questioning him in regard to Scripture history, and as they traveled from place to place, he carefully taught him how to do successful work.
The affection between Paul and Timothy began with Timothy’s conversion; and the tie had strengthened as they had shared the hopes, the perils, and the toils of missionary life, till they seemed to be as one. The disparity in their ages and the difference in their characters made their love for each other more earnest. The ardent, zealous, indomitable spirit of Paul found repose and comfort in the mild, yielding, retiring disposition of Timothy. The faithful ministration and tender love of this tried companion had brightened many a dark hour in the apostle’s life…. All that a son could be to a loved and honored father, the youthful Timothy was to the tried and lonely Paul.
Paul loved Timothy because Timothy loved God. His intelligent knowledge of experimental piety and of the truth gave him distinction and influence. The piety and influence of his home life was not of a cheap order, but pure, sensible, and uncorrupted by false sentiments…. The Word of God was the rule which guided Timothy…. Impressions of the highest possible order were kept before his mind. His home instructors cooperated with God in educating this young man to bear the burdens that were to come upon him at an early age.
In his work, Timothy constantly sought Paul’s advice and instruction. He did not move from impulse, but exercised consideration and calm thought…. The Holy Spirit found in him one who could be molded and fashioned as a temple for the indwelling of the divine Presence.
As the lessons of the Bible are wrought into the daily life, they have a deep and lasting influence upon the character. These lessons Timothy learned and practiced.
Prayer Requests
—–update—Buddy says his Hgb is holding at 10 and they have moved him from ICU to a regular room. He knows your prayers have been sustaining and keeping him and ask that you continue to keep him in your prayers. Thanks, Donna
—–I heard from a friend today who has just spent a month in the hospital and is still determined to take her life. This last overdose she had to be airlifted to a better equipped hospital to revive her. One of these times she will get it right without someone finding her to bring her back to life. She is on a path that will lead to her final act on this earth. Her name is Crystal. Please pray that God will keep her safe and for healing of her brokeness. Judy
—–My oldest niece has a cyst on her lung, they think it might be valley fever a virus or possibly cancer. She needs prayers very badly not only for that but for other problems the Lord knows about. Heather
—–Need prayer for infection in toe–may be staff or strep infection. Also feet and legs are swelling. Thanks for all your help. Loraine
—–Prayers for Texas and the surrounding area. Andrea
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Dear Friends,
Before I went to work for the district court, I often found myself looking for work since I had been out of the workforce most of the time that my children were young. Sometimes, something will happen that will remind me of the most humiliating job interview I had ever had. It was for a telemarketing company that offered great bonus incentives and I was sure that I would enjoy some of those prizes.
Since I had years of experience in telemarketing, I was confident that I would get the job. In fact, from the time that I was 16, whenever I needed a job fast, I would apply for a telemarketing job. I didn’t really like doing that type of work, but it was a way to make the money I needed until I could find something better. The more experience I had, the easier it became to get hired at one of these places. Selling over the telephone is not easy work, so there is a very high turn over. I always joke that a telemarketer has to thrive on rejection. Therefore, companies that use telemarketers are always looking for workers. The day of my interview with that particular company, I was full of confidence that I would be hired. The company had good benefits and it had an easy service to sell not to mention those contests among the workers with those great prizes. Oh how I wanted that job.
In my mind’s eye, I could see myself winning many of those contests. Visions of Ron and I lounging on a tropical beach filled my head. I had been very successful at selling financial packages that cost from $495 to $895 to professional people all over the country. Before we moved away, only one person had been with that telemarketing company longer than I. Surely this would impress my interviewer.
As I was sitting in the waiting room full of confidence and plans, a young woman called my name. She was the picture of success and unfriendliness. When she took me to a small room where the interview would be held, I noticed a doctor’s scale. What was THAT doing there? A weight chart hung upon the wall. She was called out of the room for a moment. My eyes were riveted on that chart. It was one of the strictest charts I had ever seen. Since I’m the short, overweight, “dumpy” housewife type, it made me a little nervous.
My interrogator returned and began firing questions at me as rapidly as a machine gun. These questions were not about telephone sales, not about my qualifications, but about interactive issues of which I was only vaguely aware. She talked so fast that I did not have time to think of an answer. I completely failed that part of the job interview. Then she looked me up and down and pointed to the weight chart on the wall. She told me that she felt that only those people who were within the weight limits of that chart would be successful in selling their long-distance service. I was totally humiliated. One day some years later, as I was reliving this experience, it suddenly dawned on me what a blessing it was that I did not get that job. I suddenly realized that what had seemed like a great disappointment to me at the time, was really a great blessing. God had His hand in keeping me from working at a place that would have been high stress and that I would not have liked, but would have done anyway just to earn money. God had a far better job awaiting me. It was not too long after this experience, that I was hired for the job in the district court. I really loved it there. The people that I worked with were great, the pay and the benefits were much better than I have ever had before.
Paul tells us that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom 8:28 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor 10:13 Sometimes we have to cling to those promises with all of our strength when temptations, disappointments and sorrows come rushing upon us. We don’t always understand why our life suddenly makes a dramatic turn for the worse, but if we could see the end from the beginning, we would not want to be led any other way. Our Great Creator assures us of His love and care, yet that assurance does not keep trials and troubles away. No. Instead, He promises to be with us in trouble. “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isa 43:1-3 “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” Ps 91:14-16 In the book of Job, the curtain is drawn aside and we can see the origin of troubles and trials. “Now there was a day when the sons of God [obviously a representative from each of the inhabited planets in the universe] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. [ When he sinned, Adam gave up this world to the devil.] And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” Job 1:6-12 The evil one challenged God in front of the entire universe first about Job’s possessions and then about his good health. He declared that Job was only serving God for the blessings he received. God trusted Job enough to take the challenge. Job did not understand why he had to go through all that heartbreak of losing family and possessions, yet here was the reason. Poor Job was devastated at experiencing such a debilitating and painful illness, yet, he trusted God with his whole heart. In the end of the trial, God abundantly blessed Job for his faithfulness. Indeed, he was blessed far more than he had ever been blessed before. Moreover, his experience has given comfort and hope for the many generations that have come and gone since Job lived upon the earth. It helps put things in proper perspective. Had Job known all these things while he was going through the experience, I’m sure he would have borne the trial gladly.
Let us trust our Dear Saviour’s love even when going through the most heartbreaking trials. Let us declare as did Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Job 13:15 Let us look forward to the time when “God shall wipe away all tears from (our) eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev 21:4
Rose