Don’t let people look down on you because you are young; see that they look up to you because you are an example to them in your speech and behavior, in your love and faith and sincerity. 1 Timothy 4:12, Phillips.
He [Timothy] was a mere lad when chosen by God as a teacher; but so fixed were his principles by a correct education that he was fitted for this important position. He bore his responsibilities with Christlike meekness. He was faithful, steadfast, and true, and Paul selected him to be his companion in labor and travel. Lest Timothy should meet with slights because of his youthfulness, Paul wrote to him, “Let no man despise thy youth.” He could safely do this, because Timothy was not self-sufficient, but continually sought guidance.
There are many youth who move from impulse rather than from judgment. But Timothy inquired at every step, “Is this the way of the Lord?” He had no specially brilliant talents, but he consecrated all his abilities to the service of God, and this made his work valuable. The Lord found in him a mind that He could mold and fashion for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
God will use the youth today as He used Timothy, if they will submit to His guidance. It is your privilege to be God’s missionaries. He calls upon you to work for your companions. Seek out those you know to be in danger, and in the love of Christ try to help them. How are they to know the Saviour unless they see His virtues in His followers?
The highest aim of our youth should not be to strain after something novel. There was none of this in the mind and work of Timothy. They should bear in mind that, in the hands of the enemy of all good, knowledge alone may be a power to destroy them. It was a very intellectual being, one who occupied a high position among the angelic throng, that finally became a rebel; and many a mind of superior intellectual attainments is now being led captive by his power. The youth should place themselves under the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, and weave them into their daily thoughts and practical life. Then they will possess the attributes classed as highest in the heavenly courts.
Conflict and Courage p. 344
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Prayer Requests
—–The M family that just last month tragically lost their 1 year old boy in an accident had their truck broken into two nights ago and $1600 of essential tools for the dad’s work were stolen. . . . Please pray the items are returned and God comforts the family. Thank you and God bless. Pastor Rich
—–update—The doctor found a tumor in Buddy’s jejunum which was the source of the bleeding. Please pray for him as he heals from the surgery. Donna
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Dear Friends,
As I was talking to Esther on the phone the other day I heard her exclaim, “Peter, don’t jump on the trampoline with your roller skates on!” (They got a small exercise trampoline for Emma’s birthday as that was what she asked for.) It sounded so funny that I had to laugh, but really, it was no laughing matter. To a four-year-old mind, jumping on that trampoline while wearing roller skates was perfectly logical, but to an adult mind it logically would bring disaster.
How often we are like Peter. We think we are having a fun time but little realize our danger. The world is full of allurements that appear fun and exciting but “the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov 16:25
The Apostle Peter warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 Then he advises, “Whom resist stedfast in the faith.” vs 9
Daily we are bombarded by the media telling us how wonderfully happy we will be if we only live a certain way, buy a certain product, visit a certain tourist attraction. Daily, sinful practices are glamorized until we begin to desire to partake of them or find those who do desirable.
Paul tells us the way to keep from jumping on the trampoline of life with our roller skates on. “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8
May God give us wisdom to take his advice is my prayer.
Rose