2 Timothy 2:20-26 The love of God empowers us to be gentle, kind and humble!

1 Timothy 2:3-6 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

1 Timothy 3:7

Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

We must be very careful that we do not call evil good nor good evil. All of God’s creation deserves dignity and respect. Those who teach otherwise are going against the teaching of Christ to the detriment of His Body. We are to rejoice with those who rejoice and sit in solidarity with those who mourn. Blessed are those who seek justice and peace in this world. God loves the world that He created in Christ Jesus. Jesus came that the world through Him could be saved. God wants all people to be saved. Carla

2 Timothy 2:20-26

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (NKJV)

The imagery of the house is used to describe two categories of believers. Gold and silver represent believers who are faithful and useful in serving Christ. Wood and clay represent believers who fail to honor the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:12–15). Master is a strong term for God’s authority over the lives of believers regardless of their level of spiritual maturity. We choose to serve the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit in order to be useful to our Master.

Flee … pursue … avoid: In these verses Paul describes in practical terms how Timothy can be a useful vessel for God’s work.

Quarrel translates a military term for hand-to-hand combat. The Lord’s servant must not battle with words, but instead must be gentle and kind to all.

Correcting means “training” or “bringing to maturity.” Those who are in opposition are those who place themselves in conflict with the preaching of God’s truth, such as Hymenaeus and Philetus (verse 17). The aim of correction is repentance, or a “change of thinking.” Paul exhorts Timothy to persevere in correcting his opponents because it is imperative that they should know the truth, even though they might oppose the truth at present with their false teachings about the resurrection. It was Paul’s hope that they would finally come to their senses, or become sober again. 

False teaching has an intoxicating effect that dulls the mind to God’s truth. Timothy’s persistence in correcting them might enable them to escape the snare of the devil. The devil takes captive believers who teach false doctrine, leading others astray. One of Satan’s tactics is to cause divisions in the church. The NKJV Study Bible

Righteousness, faith, love, and peace. This list of virtues defines true godliness.

Talking about foolish controversies leads to more conflict, not resolution. Timothy must be able to communicate truth and, in doing so, protect the community of believers from false doctrine. The Greek word used here for tolerant, anexikakos, describes tolerating difficulties without resentment. Such a leader must extend patience and kindness to those who oppose him or her.

When faced with opposition, the servant of the Lord must display the character of the Lord. 

The Greek word used here for repentance, metanoia, refers to a change in attitude toward sin that results in a change in lifestyle.

The trap of the devil refers to Satan, the enemy of God and His people. The idea of being captured by the devil to do his will most likely refers to accepting and living according to the doctrine of the false teachers. Faithlife Study Bible

1 Timothy 6:11

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 

Romans 9:21

Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?

1 Timothy 1:4–5

nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 

Here’s the deal my friends. In being seen, we invite self-compassion. In that soil, mercy, hope, redemption, and healing blossom. When the world feels broken, I take heart in Gandhi’s wisdom, “As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as in being able to remake ourselves.” And, we are able to let the light, and grace, spill.

Thank you for voting. 

And I’m grateful for this from Rev. Benjamin Cremer this morning. It does my heart good.

“We must continue to stand against the misuse and abuse of power and wealth in our country and take a stand for the most vulnerable people and our planet, no matter the political affiliation of those in power.

As I wrote in a recent prayer, our greatest loyalty is not to a party, a president, a nation, an ideology, or a political movement. Our greatest loyalty is love.

Love that tells the truth. Love that protects the vulnerable. Love that cares for creation and creatures large and small. Love that refuses to dehumanize an enemy. Love that confronts injustice without becoming unjust. Love that will not make peace with cruelty. Love that seeks the flourishing of every human being, not merely the victory of our own side.

Hate has been loudly rebuked by so many in our country. Let us now make love our reputation.

May those who follow Jesus be on the front lines of building that reputation of love.

‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ John 13:35” Sabbath Moments

Dignitas infinita: The Dignity of Every Person

 https://youtu.be/6Ct8o1UVnrg?si=r_LplKVMceDF5ORm

Every person has an inalienable dignity. "Dignitas infinita" explains why that dignity endures in every circumstance and examines how poverty, war, and human trafficking violate our human dignity. Vatican News

Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets.

 Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law (NKJV)

To love God above all and to love our neighbors family as much as we do our  own are His commandments. We are made in His image. Faith matters. Character matters. Morals matter. But above all put on LOVE. Love can change chaos into stability. Love can change the heart of stone and replace it with a soft, pliable heart that God can use for good. Good overcomes evil. Praise be to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Carla

Matthew 7:15-20

15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (NKJV)

Jesus teaches that people—godly and ungodly—are distinguishable by their deeds (Ephesians 2:8–10).

Beware meaning “be alert” or “be watchful.”

By their fruits refers to people’s deeds—the natural outcomes of their choices and inclinations.

False prophets refers to those whose teaching contradicts Jesus’ teaching. Beginning in Matthew 5:17, Jesus has reinterpreted the established religious and social norms of His day. Here, He portrays those who contradict His instruction as false prophets—people who falsely claim to speak on God’s behalf (2 Peter 2:1). Sheep’s clothing refers to disguises that portray innocence.Ravenous wolves describes those seeking to undermine Jesus’ teaching for personal gain.

Every good tree produces good fruit In other words, teachers of righteousness act righteously. 

A  bad tree produces bad fruit. False prophets act wickedly in accordance with the nature of their testimony. Faithlife Study Bible

Beware of false prophets: Deuteronomy 13:1–11; 18:20–22 provide information on discerning and responding to false prophets. The way to tell false teachers from teachers of truth is by their fruits. Fruits here refers to more than their deeds; it includes their doctrine (16:12; 1 John 4:1–3). A person speaking in the name of God is to be tested by the doctrines of Scripture. The same principle still holds true today. Speakers and teachers should be tested against the truths in God’s Word  (Jude 3; Revelations 22:18, 19). The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 12:33–35

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks…

Luke 6:43–44

“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 

Matthew 3:10

And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 

James 3:12

Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Matthew 24:1–51

Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”…

No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present little instant.

Take peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Behind it, yet within our reach, is joy.

(Fra Giovanni Giocondo—1435–1515—was a Franciscan friar, a Renaissance pioneer, architect, engineer, antiquary, archaeologist, and classical scholar.)

Yes. More than ever, we need emotional and spiritual nourishment. Places of sanity and restoration… including reminders to invite and welcome the healing power of goosebumps. Letting us savor moments of palette cleansing awe. Yes, “Welcome it, grasp it, and you touch the angel’s hand that brings it to you.”

Or as we learned this week, Lagniappe—dollops of Grace. Sabbath Moments

O Great Spirit, our Father from above,

your name is sacred and holy.

Bring your good road to us, where the beauty of your ways

in the spirit-world above is reflected in the earth below.

Provide for us day by day — the elk, the buffalo, and the salmon.

The corn, the squash, and the wild rice.

All the things we need for each day.

Release us from the things we have done wrong,

in the same way we release others

for the things done wrong to us.

Guide us away from the things that tempt us

to stray from your good road.

First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament

Psalm 119:33-40 Character matters!

 Ezekiel 33:31 So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. 

Luke 12:15

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

As believers we follow the two commandments that God, in the Word made flesh, gave to us. We Love God above all and we love and care for our  neighbors and ourselves. In these two the law is fulfilled. In keeping them, we show by our actions, God’s love for the world.  He sent His only begotten Son, that in Him and through His sacrifice, the world could be saved. Through your good deeds show others His agape love for all of His creation. We live in the righteousness of Jesus not our own. Character matters. Carla

Psalm 119:33-40

33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes,

And I shall keep it to the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;

Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,

For I delight in it.

36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies,

And not to covetousness.

37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,

And revive me in Your way.

38 Establish Your word to Your servant,

Who is devoted to fearing You.

39 Turn away my reproach which I dread,

For Your judgments are good.

40 Behold, I long for Your precepts;

Revive me in Your righteousness. (NKJV)

The phrase Your way describes the will of God as a path, distinguished from other paths that lead to destruction. God’s path leads to life, and His ways are a reflection of His good character. The NKJV Study Bible

The  psalmist asks Yahweh to change him so that he might keep Yahweh’s directions. The psalmist wants Yahweh to transform him so that he can avoid being seduced by unjust gain (verse 36), continue to worship Yahweh (verse 38), receive protection from attack (verse 39), and receive sustenance (verses 37, 40).

Incline my heart expresses the idea that the heart is wayward and needs help in pursuing what is good. 

The word betsa' for dishonest gain can imply unjust gain and is sometimes associated with bribes.

The psalmist asks God to rescue him so that he can continue to honor Him at a personal level, and perhaps proclaim Him to others. Faithlife Study Bible

Psalm 119:25–27

My soul clings to the dust;

Revive me according to Your word.

I have declared my ways, and You answered me;

Teach me Your statutes…

This is not about who you are supposed to be.

Or who you should be.

This is not about the denial of pain and suffering.

Or the denial of grief and loss and hardship.

Or even the denial of death.

Because grace imbues courage. This is not easy to do in a world that can rattle and unnerve us.

“I want to separate courage and bravery,” Brené Brown writes. “Courage, the original definition of courage, when it first came into the English language, it's from the Latin word cor, meaning heart, and the original definition was to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart... and wholehearted folks had, very simply, the courage to be imperfect. They had the compassion to be kind to themselves first, and then to others. Because as it turns out, we can't practice compassion with other people if we can't treat ourselves kindly. And the last is, they had connection--this was the hard part--as a result of authenticity. They were willing to let go of who they thought they should be in order to be who they were.”

If you voted, thank you. If you have not, please make your way to a ballot box, or voting center.

As parents, we strive to teach our children indispensable values, like kindness, compassion, responsibility, and fairness. And one of the most powerful lessons we can share with them is the importance of participating in our democracy through voting. While voting might seem like an adult responsibility, it plays a significant role in shaping the future that our children will grow up in. Sabbath Moments