From The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Sawyer
For the last few weeks the members of the Men's Bible Study group that meets on Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. have been reflecting upon First and Second Timothy, the two letters written to Timothy who today we would refer to as a young priest. Written by Paul from Prison near the end of his life, these letters offer words of direction, encouragement, and support for Timothy.
In First Timothy Paul tells Timothy, "I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child...so that by following them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience." (I Timothy 1:18-19) Then in Second Timothy, Paul calls upon Timothy to be steadfast in proclaiming the message of faith, "...for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power, and of love and of self-discipline." (II Timothy 1:7)
While reading these Epistles, one also encounters the reality of how important prayer is for the life of the community of faith. All of us, lay and ordained, need not only to be surrounded by the prayers of others but also offering prayers ourselves daily so that as Paul reminded Timothy, "...that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone." (I Timothy 2:1)
We start our Program Year on September 12, Rally Day. There are excellent activities planned for all ages with dedicated teachers and leaders. I encourage you to pray daily for those who are leading our programs and for all of those who will participate in them. Pray that lives might be nurtured and relationships with our Lord deepened. Pray also that people will be empowered to" fight the Good fight", that is to live their lives in such a way that they are manifestations of Christ's love for the world.
Published:
August 26, 2010