Living in the Spirit
October 21, 2022
Scripture Reading:
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. –2: Timothy 4:16-18
We find out who our real friends and supporters are when we see who turns up when our lives turn down. I must say I cannot remember a time when I did not have support in challenging situations. Jesus did know how it felt to be deserted in his time of need. Peter denied even knowing him. I appreciated the visits and calls when my father died. When the phone stopped ringing, and all the visitors had left, I sat quietly in my favorite rocking chair, closed my eyes, and felt the full, presence of the Lord. I had the deepest sense that dad had experienced some distress until he too entered the peace of God that passes understanding.
We do need to present for those we love and even those we meet along the way, but the greatest gift we might give them is to share the eternal presence of God with us when we seek God.
But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ` (Matthew 6:33)
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the constancy of your presence. Amen.
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.