Living in the Spirit
October 13, 2022
Scripture Reading:
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, and equipped for every good work. –2 Timothy 3:14-17
From whom did you learn it? Paul wrote this probably with himself in mind, but in 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul lifts up Timothy’s mother and grandmother,
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.
We all have someone in our lives who have left their imprint on our souls. I often describe my mother as the world’s greatest egalitarian. I occasionally see that trait in myself and my siblings. My dad gave me the joy of music in celebrating the love of God.
Beyond family, my faith life has been touched by pastors and Sunday school teachers. I was recently reminded of the teachings of two of my professors as I read their obituaries. Dr. Robert Simpson introduced me to finding faith in literature, and Dr. Joe Jones reminded this justice nut of the need to consider the forces of principalities and powers.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (NRSV)
What we all must consider is how we are modeling Christ for the next generations.
1 Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Refrain:
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
2 Tell the sweet story of Christ and his love,
Tell of his pow’r to forgive;
Others will trust him if only you prove
True, ev’ry moment you live.
Prayer: Lord, make us a blessing for someone today. Amen.
First and second verses and the refrain of Make Me A Blessing by Ira B. Wilson see at https://hymnary.org/text/out_in_the_highways_and_byways_of_life
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.