Listen

From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, to promote the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.

To Timothy, my dear child.

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

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.

2 Timothy 1:1-5

Think

Faith as a gift is not like opening up a box and voila! – the gift of faith. But faith is a gift in that it is given, given by God to us all. It’s not something we earn but something we develop. For us all, the gift of faith is always there, but it needs others with the help of the Holy Spirit for us to recognize it and grab hold of it. Thus we have the faith community – your church, your youth group, your family, your friends, etc.

Timothy had his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. I had my grandfather and a host of others that made up my community. It’s not that they formally taught me faith, but rather they lived it, and I absorbed it, and through it all God makes it come alive. Know that no matter where you are in your faith, God is with you, and there are those who love you and are willing to walk along beside you and help you develop that gift of faith.

Kris “Bubba” Brammer

Pray

Thank you, O Lord, for the gift of faith and the community that helps me see it, hold it, and use it.

Amen.

Go

The gift of faith is yours;

Receive it so that it may refresh your soul,

Live it so that it brings inspiration to others,

And share it so that others may know the good gifts of God.