February 22nd, 2024

Today is the 8th day of Lent. 
 
Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. 

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”  
 
Today’s reading is from the Book of 2nd Timothy.
 

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.


Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him that his own faith was deposited in him through his mother and grandmother. Was there a person in your life, maybe a family member, who was intentional to instill the gift of faith in you? Or maybe someone else that God brough into your life who had a role in shaping your faith? Take a few moments to recall that person, and to thank God for them.

This passage reminds us that our faith is passed on to us through others, and needs to be passed on by us to others. Who are you passing your faith on to right now? A child perhaps? A friend? A colleague? Perhaps there’s no one who comes to mind. Could you pray for that person, or pray that God gives you someone to pass your faith along to?

Paul writes with such encouragement to Timothy. Who can you encourage today? As we close our time, ask God for a spirit of power and love, that you might be an encouragement to someone around you today.
 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of your saving help again and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Music: Fall Afresh - Vineyard Worship/Samuel - (YouTube)