My Tea Time With Jesus

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (MSG)  "Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, disobedient of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people."      Wow! We are totally living in these times, according to these descriptions! Ouch. The last few descriptions really got me: "addicted to lust and allergic to God". Addicted to ALL of the things listed actually. Allergic to God.... allergic to good in general. Allergic to right verses wrong. Waiting verses instant gratification. Having honor and respect for people, places and things verses entitlement. The other thing that struck me - is that EVERY generation seems to have one of these ...

2 Timothy 2:23-26 "Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants."      Interesting, SO many times in the bible it warns us of things, over and over again. Getting involved in foolish arguments that lead to fights is one of them. LOL Oh how many times have I been "hooked" into having a conversation with someone that has lead to crazy, foolish talk and even some turning to arguments?!?! Way too many to count actually LOL I love how these verses tell us just how to act and behave: be kind to everyone (not just those we like), be able to teac...

2 Timothy 2:15-17 (MSG) "Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won't be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they're not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul."      Well, I think this is pretty plain and simple - right to the point! We need to always be doing work that we won't be ashamed of. Work at our work-place, work at home, work at church, work in the community.... we are working for God after all, anywhere and everywhere!      The part that really jumped out at me today "Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know." Talk that is only talk - and then words are not mere words. That messed with me for a minute. Until I realized that our words can do several things all at the same time. In one set of ears, we can just be a blabber mouth, jibber-jabbing and not making any sense. Or t...

2 Timothy 1:8 "So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for Him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News."      How do you think the Christian life is? How has it been portrayed to you? All roses and sunshine? No doom and gloom? If so, that is NOT an accurate portrayal of the Christian life. God NEVER says it will be easy, care free, or uneventful. Quite the opposite actually. Scripture tells us over and over that "when" suffering comes - not "if" suffering comes. What does than mean for us? Well, that means we have to "be ready" for what comes our way. Like soldiers. We have to be covered in both the armor of God as well as in prayer. From ourselves and from/with others. Life is a battle field. We do not and will not "win" without 'suffering' - however, it is "how" we handle the suffering...

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (MSG) "and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed - keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be she with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible."      So, how is your "fire" for the Lord? Has it gone out? Is it just the embers slowly fading? Perhaps it is the kindling just starting the fire? How big and thick is your "log for the Lord"? Is it just small pieces of kindling, several small branches, or is it a solid log? The MEF (minds eye flash) I had today, was of a fire in a really big pit. Seeing the "gifts" of God as bits and pieces of wood in this pit. It moved from little to big, back to little again. Seeing the darkness of the wood change colors as it started to blaze up. Seeing that each and every one of us are given these pieces of wood when we receive the free gift of salvation from/by/through Jesus. Actually, the pit if FULL of wood! Small, medium, long, sh...

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (MSG) "Tell those rich in this world's wealth to quit being so full of themselves and so obsessed with money, which is here today and gone tomorrow. Tell them to go after God, who piles on all the riches we could ever manage - to do good, to be rich in helping others, to be extravagantly generous. If they do that, they'll build a treasury that will last, gaining life that is truly life."      Have you heard that phrase "here today and gone tomorrow"? Here is one of the places in the bible it comes from. I like the way The Message puts it. So plain and simple. When we have "riches" like the world views riches, we are NOT to be all full of ourselves, stuck up, stingy, forgetting "where we came from" and who has helped us along the way. God gives and gives to us each and every day! Sometimes, it is monetary blessings, and sometimes it is wealth in things that can NOT be taken away. Riches can always be gone or fade, but t...

1 Timothy 6:6-8 "Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content."      Some of the "poorest" people I know, seem to be the richest!! They are content with the basics and always have some to spare. They may not drive a fancy car, live in a fancy house with tons of gadgets or "stuff". They normally have a "full house" either by choice or those they invite in. They live by the philosophy of 'what is mine is yours' and they mean it. They seem to have joy, unexplained and overflowing! During hard moments and during times where life seems to be going well. They are content with what they have and where they are. Perhaps, the only thing they are NOT content with: is someone else suffering or doing without. They then offer what they have to help others....

1 Timothy 6:1-2 (NIV) "All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves." (The Message MSG) "Whoever is a slave must make the best of it, giving respect to his master so that outsiders don't blame God and our teaching for his behavior. Slaves with Christian masters all the more so - their masters are really their beloved brothers!"      This made me think of my work place, and the many work places I have been at over the years. If you think of it - we ARE like slaves in our work places. If you had to go through a hiring process, compete with others for the position, and are now being paid money for it - t...

1 Timothy 5:24-25 "Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deed of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light."      Interesting, that the things we do and say, in the form of sin and or deeds - ALL will be revealed at some point in time. I have had this happen in my life after someone has passed away. Either by reading their journals, or by papers and or pictures that were found. Interesting, how some people actually live a "double life". Sad. We here on earth don't have any say-so in their eternal living space, but when they stand before God at the final judgment, they WILL have to answer for those things. Even if, we here on earth never find out, God sees and knows, and will have His final say when they stand before Him. The same is true, for the 'good things' we all do. Some ...

Job 11:13-19 NLT “If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to Him in prayer! Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.”      My weight loss journey started with bowing down and letting go. Letting go of SO many things!! First, acknowledging that I was being selfish and sinful. In my actions and attitude towards food. Planning all things in my day, around it. Like it was a "lover": I was secret, compelled, and just plain hung up on anything and everything to do with it. It has been a little over a year since my weight loss surgery, and my journey is far from over...

1 Timothy 2:8-10 (The Message)  "Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray - not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it."      I really like how The Message translates these verses! The key being humility. I find it interesting that in these verses, for men, it focuses on their anger and actions towards others. Then for women, it is more of an inner action. Primping and looking in the mirror or chasing fashion... not too many men fall victim to this. Yes, there are a few, but it is women who are wired that way.      What is "doing something beautiful for God"? Well, to me, it is actually acts of service. Things that people don't expect. Things done behind the scenes. Character. Like, being k...

1 Timothy 2:5-6 "For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity - the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time."      Ever wonder how the gap between God and us if "bridged"? Well, here it is. Plain and simple, yet again. The only way to God is through Jesus Christ. He "purchased freedom" for EVERYONE, yes, everyone!!      The part that jumped out at me is God gave this message "to the world at just the right time" - who's right time? Mine? Yours? Theirs? His? I believe all of these are right. Gods timing is not like ours. So, really, when this truth hits each one of us, THAT is the PERFECT timing He had planned. I believe that each one of us has a Divine Appointment with God, where He has laid out the path before us, to "follow the yellow brick road" so to speak - and FIND Him! The thing is, each road is speci...

1 Timothy 2: 1-4 "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand truth."      Pretty straight forward right there! We are to pray for ALL people, not just those we know and love, but for ALL people. Then here is the kicker, we are to "intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them" - What?! So, the person I pass on the street looking all grumpy, focused, and into themselves? Yup! The person on the freeway that just cut in and out of traffic being impatient with others? Yup! The person at the grocery store loading up their cart with unhealthy options? Yup! The young, old, and in-between - ALL of them! It doesn't have to be deep, long, and super detailed. Simple an...

1 Timothy 1:15-16 “ 15  Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.   16  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life. ”      Have you ever thought of yourself as the “worst” of something? Have you ever been involved in a ‘judgment’ of a whole group (that you really didn’t partake in) but suffered anyway? Have you ever been in a gathering of people, and felt like you didn’t ‘fit in’? Here’s an “ouch” question: have you ever been the ‘ring leader’ in a situation that was not a wise decision, choice, action… to be in? Looking back at your life, or the life you are living now – are there things, moments, days…. that you feel like you are the “worst of them all”? Well, we are in good company! ...

1 Timothy 1:5 "The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith."      How can we be filled with love that comes from a pure heart? What is a "pure heart" anyway?! I believe that it is a heart that focuses on the 'pure' things of God. Kindness, gentleness, service, peace, joy, self control, love, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness.... these things we are to focus on and share with others. We are to always be looking for good in others. We are to share the love of Jesus in all places and in all things that we do. THAT can only come from a "pure heart".      "A clear conscience" - well, now that is a bit different. A conscience is not seen by others. It is only personal to us, and us alone. Yes, God knows what we are thinking and feeling, LOL even before we realize it ourselves. However, just because He already knows it, doesn't make it ...

Exodus 4:11-12 Then the Lord asked Moses, "Who makes a person's mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say."      Chapter 4 is an interesting story of Moses and God interacting. Much like we act today with God LOL He instructs us to do something, and we shoot back with our doubts and concerns. Perhaps we even make a list of our flaws, and insist that He use someone else. What struck me in this chapter and chapters 5-7 as well, is that God had plans to move and work/speak through Moses. Just Moses. However, God being the gracious and merciful Father that He is - He allowed Moses to share his concerns and doubts. And like a father to an insistent child, that just doesn't see around the corners of life yet - God said "ok - I'll talk through you AND Aaron". God changed His plans and His "tools...

James 4:4 "You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with the world makes you and enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God."      Well now. I guess if I look at my relationship with God like I look at my own marriage - I do NOT want to be an adulterer!! No way! However, I guess I have been. When we get caught up in the desires of what we "think" we want, based on what the world shows us "to want" - then we start pulling away for God and His things, and are lured out into the night with these other things. This is 'sneaking around' - OUCH!! It is the things we do, the way we talk, the life we live - that show if we are 'of the world' or if we are 'of God'. Are you the same person in public that you are in private? Are you the same person on Monday to Friday that you are on Sunday? If not - then perhaps you are committing adultery on God. I know, OUCH again!...

James 3:5-6 "In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself."      These verses, popped a memory in my head. One that started out not so good. A lot of people that struggle with self-esteem and or their weight, have a "starting point" in their life where that happened. I believe with all of my heart, that is NOT what God had planned for us! That "people" make choices and decisions that affect others, in ways they may never know. Good and bad. Enter the memory at these verses.... When I was young, it only took a few comments from family members to affect me for MANY years to come! The sad thing is, that their negative words became the same talk I told myself, in my head, in private. The "tongue" is a great and mighty thing. Look how many ...

James 2:1-7 A Warning against Prejudice 2  My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2  For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes.   3  If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well,   4  doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5  Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love Him?  6  But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?   7  Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble nam...

James 1:26 "If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless."      The strange thing about this verse, is that I personally, don't 'claim to be religious' - rather, I follow Jesus. I have a relationship with Jesus. However, in the eyes of someone that does not have that relationship, or doesn't understand the difference between different 'religions' - call ALL church people "religious". They use the term for people that they see that go to church, act different in situations, and or seem to follow a different standard or set of rules. Good or bad - "religion" can swing to both extremes.      What jumped out at me in this one, is that we can be just as fooled as outsiders. We can do what seem to be 'good works' and 'follow the rules' of what ever it is we believe in.... BUT, if we don't control our tongue.... well, it is like we shatter g...

James 1:22-24 (The Message - MSG) 22-24  Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other.  Act  on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. James 1:22-24 (New Living Translation - NLT) 22  But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.   23  For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.  24  You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.  25  But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.      Do you remember what you saw this morning in the mirror? Now that you are on with y...