January 25, 2018 – 2 Timothy 1:5-6

I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 2 Timothy 1:5-6.

Apostle Paul is writing to his dear young friend, Timothy. Paul blesses Timothy with these words…May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. And Paul remembers Timothy’s faith in God.

Timothy’s faith came from the examples of loving Jesus Christ, and faith in Him, his Mother and Grandmother lived.

The preciousness of this example is mine as well.  My maternal Grandmother had a deep effect on me when I was young.  My favorite memory of what a family is, happened when I visited.  It was Christmas time, and we were in the parlor.  Then Grandpa said, “It is time for prayer,” and everyone knelt, leaning on the couches and chairs they had been sitting on. Each one prayed, one at a time. I peeked, and saw the large circle of loved ones in the room, with feet pointing to the center.  My grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles were in the circle.  The words spoken in the circle of prayer covered the room in peace and a hushed moment before the throne of God.

Faith is not just one generation long. If the older generation does not teach about the faithfulness of Jesus’ Love, the next generation will not know or care.

Is it difficult when friends and people we meet make fun of our faith?  Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.”

How can this be? God has given us a spirit, not of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline!

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 5:7.