“Karen’s Notes!
Insights from a Glory-Bound Lady”

Selected Notes
Volume 5 Number 35 “Now That’s the Way to Live!”
August 31st, 2022

Well over 200 times I have shared brief clips from either Karen’s conference notes that she wrote and taught or her Bible study journal containing notes that she wrote to herself. I know her well enough to know what I can share and what I must not share.

During this month of August, I wanted to do something very different. I’ve opened an entirely different notebook containing notes that Karen wrote to herself during messages I’ve preached. I am taking you back to 2010 when she as well as Billy and Rachel (who were teenagers then) accompanied me to Camp Manitoumi in Low Point, Illinois.

I was the family camp speaker and preached in morning and evening chapel. We absolutely loved it there. What a wonderful staff as well as precious camping families. The week flew by entirely too quickly. The theme I used during the week was “A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ.” This was based on Paul’s statement to Timothy about viewing himself as a good soldier of Jesus Christ and how to please the Lord (2 Timothy 2:1-3).

On Friday morning of the week, I spoke about “When Hard Times Come!” I will share what Karen wrote that I preached as well as her own personal notes. Last week I shared about the assurance in alarming times. Today we move to the letter T.

Karen wrote: Let’s have a pointed and precious C.H.A.T. together from the book of 2 Timothy. When hard times come, and they will, it will be important to remember these four things that Paul wrote to Timothy.
C stands for conviction in confusing times.
H stands for help in hurting times
A stands for assurance in alarming times
T stands for triumphant in trying times.

Triumph in trying times is the precious and powerful way the believer faces the prospect of going Home to be with the Lord. In the worst of circumstances, Paul gives the very greatest encouragement to Timothy.

Paul’s departure.
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” (4:6).

Paul’s determination.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (4:7).

Paul’s delight.
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (4:8).

Michael’s observation: What a powerful testimony Paul is not only to Timothy but to each of us as well. Someday I will leave this world either by going in the Rapture of the Church or by death. Two years ago, I came very, very near dying. I can tell you from personal experience, the precious presence of the Lord Jesus, His promises from the Word of God, and the wonderful calmness that only He can bring truly does give triumph in the most trying of times.

A good fight fought, a course that is finished, and the faith that is kept produces a love and joy in meeting Him. It really does.