But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 3:14-15
These words are straight from the heart of God, my child, and they are for you.
From the time you were a newborn – in the crazy hours of the night when only you and I were awake – you have heard the words He breathed out whispered into your tiny, inconsolable ear. How I prayed that the Spirit would use His words to usher in supernatural peace and rest during those sleepless nights that turned into years. And He did.
As you grew, in between sweet giggling and milk spilling and couch snuggling and mama tugging, you heard His voice in the morning – our Word of the Day. The Word that sustained us and trained us in the busy toddler days sustains and trains us still today.
You heard His sacred words while you were hanging upside down off the couch during family worship; those years when you struggled to sit still and I thought you’d never keep your busy hands to yourself. And just when it seemed like it was all for nothing, you’d pop up long enough to contribute truth to our conversation – a mercy sign from God that He was working in little hearts even when we couldn’t see. There were mercy signs that reminded us to press on in His Word; to be faithful in the waiting.
In between dishes clanging, voices competing, the door bell ringing, and homework waiting, we’ve sat around our battered table and have wrestled through the hard stuff. When outside voices grow louder, His words grow sweeter. When questions arise, His words hold the answers. When the news grows colder, His words are our refuge. By the power of His Spirit, His words give us insight, compassion, and a greater understanding of how to live and shine in a world that doesn’t know Him. We have learned that we might feel like strangers in a foreign land, but with His thoughts and His heart woven throughout the pages before us, we are never alone.
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2
Since before your feet could touch the floor, I’ve tickled your arm in our shared pew as the Word is preached. In chorus and from the pulpit, His inspired words have lifted, convicted, encouraged, corrected, and given us a hope that is not of this world. And when you see the hot tears quietly stream down my face? I’m simply overwhelmed by Jesus, sweet one. So remorseful for my sin. So humbled by His grace. So grateful for the cross. His words bring us to this place. They bring us to Him.
The time is here, my child. It’s now time for you to open this Book for yourself.
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suite their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Daily soak in His truth. Daily drink in His presence. Through these precious pages, get to know the One who gave it all for you, and then never, ever stop seeking to know and love Him more. Others will turn away from His words, following temporary passions instead of finding lasting freedom in Him. But you – stand firm in this sound teaching. Hide it in your heart and do not depart from it. It is your lifeline – a sure foundation in troubled times, and your call to endure until your faith is made sight.
Your Bible is not meant to be kept on a shelf, but meant to lead you straight to the Father.
In Spirit and in truth, He’s given us all that we need.
Run to Him.
Know Him.
Worship Him.
Cling to Him.
And then take up your cross and follow Him…
“As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:5
At His feet,
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We’re in Week 6 of our 1 & 2 Timothy study! You can find our women’s and corresponding kids’ journals here:
Women’s journal: http://amzn.to/2uPvmOS (aff)
Children’s journal: http://amzn.to/2ub0VAA (aff)
Your words this morning have moved me to tears. I felt your heart in them and it inspires me to share it with my young mom friends. I thank our Father for all you wonderful, God lead women, who devote countless hours to further our walk to know Him more.
Tammy,
So glad you are here with us and moved by the blog today! What a beautiful message to share with your friends and other Moms. God Bless You!
Thank you Whitney! My heart is touched and blessed this morning by your inspiring and encouraging words! Beautiful! ??
Rachelle,
Wasn’t it a beautiful message today! Thank you for being here, sweet friend. God Bless You!
Oh my Whitney!! Your words were so God inspired & moving!! Brought me to tears Good tears!!
God bless you abundantly!!! Blessings,
Carol,
Thank you so much for joining us on the blog today and sharing here with us! Tears of joy are always a good thing. This message took me back to my childhood days with my family in church on Sundays and our daily family devotionals. Wonderful memories! God Bless You.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! There were days I thought I’d never get through nor even survive the days of our four little ones … until they turned into teenagers! Lol! But as they all matured into adults, married, and had their own children, the “fruit” that we fed them found a place for its seeds to be planted and are growing in our precious children who are now walking where we once walked! It was enormous work, it was enormous fun, it was enormous heartache at times, BUT GOD honors effort and prayer for which I thank Him deeply and raise my hands and heart in worship❤️!
Pat,
Thank you for being here with us and sharing on the blog today! Parenting is truly great work with tremendous rewards. What a beautiful thing to pass God’s Word to the next generation and see the fruits of your labor blossom. God is so good, isn’t He? God Bless You and your family!
I was truly touched and blessed by these words today. Like the Lord was speaking straight to my heart. Thank you for sharing His Words.
Wow…such beautiful words and a beautiful prayer for your children. Thanks for touching my heart so deeply and for encouraging my spirit and for inspiring me to keep pressing on and planting/watering those seeds in my girls.
Thank you so much for this beautiful words! God bless you ❤