The summer my oldest son, Jonathan, was 13, he came home from Bible camp and asked, “Mommy, will you write a blog post about my week at camp?” Of course, there was no way I could refuse, especially after he agreed to write out what he learned at camp that he wanted to focus on in his life.
Lessons from 2 Timothy
Practical Ways to Live Unashamed for Our Lord (2 Timothy 1)
- Refresh your gift (v. 6)
- Serve with courage (v. 7)
- Anticipate hardship (v. 8)
- Remember the God who saved You (v. 8)
- Trust your security (vv. 11-13)
Jonathan’s Application: After hearing these steps, I am going to try and be more open to talk about the Bible at school.
Jobs of a Christian (2 Timothy 2)
- Teachers (v. 2)
- Soldiers (vv. 3-4)
- Athletes (v. 5)
- Hard-Working Farmers (v. 6)
Jonathan’s Application: I am going to try and do these jobs to be a better Christian.
How to Be a Useful Vessel (2 Timothy 2)
- Handle the Word rightly (vv. 14-19)
- Have a clean heart (vv. 21-22)
- Engage others correctly (vv. 23-26)
Jonathan’s Application: I am going to try and be a useful vessel to God by following these steps.
How to make Time for God’s Word (2 Timothy 3)
- Pray for help & guidance (James 4)
- Make a plan (Isaiah 32:8)
- Get accountability (Proverbs 27:17)
- Get back-up (Psalm 37:23-24)
Jonathan’s Application: I am going to try using these steps and make time for God’s Word.
How to Effectively Preach the Word (2 Timothy 4)
- Have spiritual wisdom and an understanding of the Gospel
- Experience the power of the gospel in your heart
- Handle the Bible with skill
- Have the right motive
- Be ready at all times
Jonathan’s Application: After hearing these steps, I am going to try and preach the Word to some of my friends.
Mom’s Thoughts
Not only did my son come back excited about studying God’s Word, but he also came back questioning some of the teachings. Through his questioning, he and I were able to discuss several important aspects of being a Christian. Not only that, but we discussed the importance of “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) on your own in addition to hearing preaching/teaching.
My son was too young that year to become a junior counselor after going through Christians in Training (CIT), but he did become one after that. To have your child excited about not just learning about God’s Word but also eager to apply it in his everyday life and beyond truly brings the greatest joy a parent can have.
Loren Pinilis
Ha, great for Jonathan! It's so cool to see kids applying scriptural principles. Mine are 1 and 4, so we're just handling the extreme basics now 🙂
The most powerful part is being a useful vessel. It's about who we are, not what we do!
Kari Scare
You know, my mom told me that every season with kids was fun, and I would add that every season brings increased joy. You are giving your kids an advantage that so many kids don't get, and you will see the rewards of what you're doing later for sure. What struck me most about his notes is that what they are teaching teenagers are points we adults still need taught, partly to be reminded and refocused and sometimes because we aren't moving forward.
Mary McCauley
I am so thrilled to read Jonathan's understanding and application of God's word. My grandson is 13 and how I wish he were at that point. I am just thrilled that he is attending a church and going through confirmation classes. I want to use Jonathan's material for my own growth. He has some good points and will be a great counselor and minister of God's Word through his life. How proud this must make you! What a great job you and your husband have done to prepare him for this. God Bless you all!
Kari Scare
We really do have to take each kid where he/she is at and appreciate that, don't we? My youngest is at a different place spiritual as far as understanding, but he definitely lives with more passion. Yes, we are pround (a good kind of proud, if that's possible) that He is allowing God to speak to his heart.
Chaplain Daniel Lane
Having just received a call from Bob Tissot, the Director of Bair Lake Bible Camp, with joy in his voice after receiving your blog, I had to call Rex and congratulate him and now you on Jonathan's time at camp. How amazing it is when our children recognize that God is real in their personal lives. It also shows the love and dedication for our Lord that you as Jonathan's parents have shown him. Jonathan is an awesome young man!
Kari Scare
We feel blessed to have an awesome local Bible camp and a company who sees God as The source. God is good!
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