Don't Give Up!

This weekend, we had the opportunity to spend time with our boys for Spring Break.

One of our many conversations included the topic of ministry life. We talked about those who we have loved and poured into over the years, and how many of them still walk with Jesus today. I think there are some here who may be just as discouraged.

You have poured into your children and grandchildren and spiritual children and perhaps it seems it was all for nothing. I want to encourage you today. JESUS WENT TO THE CROSS TO DIE FOR THE ONES HE KNEW WOULD NEVER ACCEPT HIS GIFT.

HE DIED FOR YOU AND ME whether or not we would accept Him.

His love was proven in that His grace was made available.

Do you understand? It is not in your response to His sacrifice that makes it valuable - or loving. It is His Work and His Sacrifice and His grace made available to you and me - that is love

1 John 4:10 NIV

10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:10 RVR60

10 En esto consiste el amor: no en que nosotros hayamos amado a Dios, sino en que él nos amó a nosotros, y envió a su Hijo en propiciación por nuestros pecados.

Parents - and Mentors, your love and sacrifice is not something that is only valued by the response of the those you are pouring into.

Paul also had this type of father-son relationship with Timothy. In his second letter to Timothy we see the way Paul loves Timothy.

2 Timothy 1:2–5 NKJV

2 To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, 5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.

2 Timothy 1:2–5 RVR60

2 a Timoteo, amado hijo: Gracia, misericordia y paz, de Dios Padre y de Jesucristo nuestro Señor. 3 Doy gracias a Dios, al cual sirvo desde mis mayores con limpia conciencia, de que sin cesar me acuerdo de ti en mis oraciones noche y día; 4 deseando verte, al acordarme de tus lágrimas, para llenarme de gozo; 5 trayendo a la memoria la fe no fingida que hay en ti, la cual habitó primero en tu abuela Loida, y en tu madre Eunice, y estoy seguro que en ti también.

Notice the love Paul has. Similar to the love you have. While we don’t see Timothy leave the faith, we do see the warnings of Paul. Let’s read those together:

2 Timothy 2:7–13 NKJV

7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.

2 Timothy 2:7–13 RVR60

7 Considera lo que digo, y el Señor te dé entendimiento en todo. 8 Acuérdate de Jesucristo, del linaje de David, resucitado de los muertos conforme a mi evangelio, 9 en el cual sufro penalidades, hasta prisiones a modo de malhechor; mas la palabra de Dios no está presa. 10 Por tanto, todo lo soporto por amor de los escogidos, para que ellos también obtengan la salvación que es en Cristo Jesús con gloria eterna. 11 Palabra fiel es esta: Si somos muertos con él, también viviremos con él; 12 Si sufrimos, también reinaremos con él; Si le negáremos, él también nos negará. 13 Si fuéremos infieles, él permanece fiel; El no puede negarse a sí mismo.

Keep Blessing Them

Keep Praying for Them

Keep Believing in Faith that the seeds sown will grow.

Let’s pray for all who are struggling in their faith.