3 I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 6 For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.
The letters to Timothy serve as an invaluable reminder of the importance of living in a faith community. Faith is lived together and is passed down from generation to generation. When we baptize people, the first promise we make is to “live among God’s faithful people”. Surrounding ourselves with the faithful gives us support, guidance, and encouragement in our spiritual journey.
Like Timothy, I can trace my faith back to those who have walked alongside me. Grandma Joyce lived her life for others as a teacher, mother, and Christian. Like her name, she brought joy into the world in all that she did. My father taught me how to love with your whole heart, even if it was not flamboyant or mushy. Numerous pastors taught me the love of theology and what it means to serve others.
We need these saints in our lives. They make the Kingdom tangible so that we can understand what gifts we have and how we can also be a part of the body of Christ. Take some time to give thanks for those saints who have blessed your life and look around for others who can continue to aid you in your faith walk.
Almighty Father, thank you for the saints you have graciously placed in my life. Help me to walk in community with my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
Chad Ryberg
Cryberg@livinglord.org
Prayer Concern: Those who hunger
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Living Lord Lutheran Church
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