Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1.3-7 (Common English Bible)
I’m grateful to God, whom I serve with a good conscience as my ancestors did. I constantly remember you in my prayers day and night. When I remember your tears, I long to see you so that I can be filled with happiness. I’m reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I’m sure that this faith is also inside you. Because of this, I am reminding you to revive God’s gift that is in you through the laying on of my hands. God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.
Devotion:
When asked who the most influential person has been in my faith (and this would also be true for Ben), a few names come to mind, but one name floats above all: Audrene Schwartz. Both Ben and I among many other children had the privilege of learning about the Bible from Mrs. Schwartz in our older elementary years. Through Mrs. Schwartz, we memorized the books of the Bible, learned about a number of Bible stories, and were inundated with Bible trivia. But most importantly, we had the great opportunity to see a woman live her faith in her actions in life: she was incredibly selfless, devoted to her faith not just academically but spiritually, and an example of persevering faith that I still, nearly 30 years later, consider anytime I have to make a hard faith choice.
I would guess that if I asked each of you to say something about the people who taught you in faith, some other saints would come to mind. We remember these amazing people, and they continue to inspire our faith years and years later. I love this passage in 2 Timothy because it is a testament to the women, Lois and Eunice, who deeply and indelibly impacted Timothy’s faith. We all have these people, and the author of 2 Timothy gives us an example and a reminder that we should thank these people for making us the disciples we are today. Remembering these folks gives us a great joy in considering the past, and a great hope for the future.
This Sunday, August 28, I will be away on vacation. Ben will be preaching, and he will also be honoring the individuals who have volunteered with various Christian Education ministries this past program year. I hope you’ll join our congregation on Sunday in remembering those who have led us in discipleship in the past, while looking forward to the joy and hope of tomorrow’s generation as well. I look forward to seeing you all when I return on September 4. In the meantime, if there is a pastoral emergency, please contact Rev. Phil Beck, whose contact information can be obtained from Chrissy in the church office or from one of the Deacons.
I’m grateful to God, whom I serve with a good conscience as my ancestors did. I constantly remember you in my prayers day and night. When I remember your tears, I long to see you so that I can be filled with happiness. I’m reminded of your authentic faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice. I’m sure that this faith is also inside you. Because of this, I am reminding you to revive God’s gift that is in you through the laying on of my hands. God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.
Devotion:
When asked who the most influential person has been in my faith (and this would also be true for Ben), a few names come to mind, but one name floats above all: Audrene Schwartz. Both Ben and I among many other children had the privilege of learning about the Bible from Mrs. Schwartz in our older elementary years. Through Mrs. Schwartz, we memorized the books of the Bible, learned about a number of Bible stories, and were inundated with Bible trivia. But most importantly, we had the great opportunity to see a woman live her faith in her actions in life: she was incredibly selfless, devoted to her faith not just academically but spiritually, and an example of persevering faith that I still, nearly 30 years later, consider anytime I have to make a hard faith choice.
I would guess that if I asked each of you to say something about the people who taught you in faith, some other saints would come to mind. We remember these amazing people, and they continue to inspire our faith years and years later. I love this passage in 2 Timothy because it is a testament to the women, Lois and Eunice, who deeply and indelibly impacted Timothy’s faith. We all have these people, and the author of 2 Timothy gives us an example and a reminder that we should thank these people for making us the disciples we are today. Remembering these folks gives us a great joy in considering the past, and a great hope for the future.
This Sunday, August 28, I will be away on vacation. Ben will be preaching, and he will also be honoring the individuals who have volunteered with various Christian Education ministries this past program year. I hope you’ll join our congregation on Sunday in remembering those who have led us in discipleship in the past, while looking forward to the joy and hope of tomorrow’s generation as well. I look forward to seeing you all when I return on September 4. In the meantime, if there is a pastoral emergency, please contact Rev. Phil Beck, whose contact information can be obtained from Chrissy in the church office or from one of the Deacons.