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Day 152 2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus, 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. 6 Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 8 Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He can keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. 13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing, which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. How do you remember people in your life? Do you spend as much time with them as you can? Do you call or text them when something significant happens in your life? Do you encourage them when they face difficulties or situations that could change their lives for the better? What place do they hold in your life? Paul wrote to Timothy, letting him know the joy he felt as he remembered him daily in his prayers. He encouraged his genuine faith found first in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice. Paul told him to stir up the gifts God gave him through laying on of hands. He reminded Timothy that God did not give him a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Paul told him not to be ashamed of his chains but share in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God who saved them and gave them a holy calling, not of works, but according to God’s purpose and grace before time began and revealed by Jesus Christ, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel of which he was appointed as a preacher, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles. Paul encouraged Timothy, letting him know he was not ashamed because he knew whom he believed and knew God could keep him and everything he committed to God until the day when he would face Jesus Christ. He encouraged Timothy to hold fast the pattern of sound words given to him in faith and love through Jesus Christ and committed to him by the Holy Spirit. Too often when Christians meet and ask each other how they are, they answer with ‘fine’, ‘good’, ‘excellent’, and go on their way. They don’t spend time getting to know each other or encourage each other as Paul did Timothy. What would happen if the body of Christ took a genuine interest in each other? Encouraged one another, prayed for one another, called to let them know they were thinking about them when they faced major situations? Instead, nobody knows what each other faces. When the body of Christ learns of life-threatening situations, surprise fills them, and then they seek the details. Then they pray. You tell yourself that’s the purpose of small groups, to get to know each other. How many people take part in small groups? How many people stay to themselves because they don’t believe anyone would care about their situations? Paul took the time to let Timothy know the joy he felt in knowing him. He told him he prayed for him daily. Do you feel joy when you think about those you call friend in the body of Christ? As their friend, do you know what they are going through? Do you know their joys and sorrows? Do you send a text of encouragement to let them know you’re thinking about them and praying for them? I’m not only telling you these things, but myself too. We are the body of Christ, yet we don’t take time to know each other. If we took a genuine interest in one another, the church would take on a new persona. People in the body would know how much we care for one another. Then nothing Satan could do against us could tear us apart. Our prayers would have more power because we would know the situation and could come against it or rejoice when the news is good. People would no longer ask for prayer and say, God knows my situation. You cannot pray in power when you don’t know the struggle. Paul knew Timothy’s struggles and encouraged him. He told him he prayed for him daily. Do you know anyone who prays for you daily? Do you pray for people daily? It’s time to let the body of Christ know you genuinely care about them. Then you will have the Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Let’s pray: Father, help me encourage people in the body of Christ. Help me get to know them so I can pray in power for them. Let me know the joy of encouragement as I get to know my friends and encourage them in their walk with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 15 December 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.