As the rain and snow

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.” 1 Peter 1:3-8

Outside looked grey like rain, yet all was dry, with lots of wind. It’s smoke, choking the wind swaying the trees, choking my senses with its pungent smell, ash particles, and haze. My throat burns, coughs, my eyes sting trying to see clear edges through. Brush fires ignite and quickly spread destruction and irritation that are difficult to manage and quell.

There’s a brush fire inside me today, a pesky spark of irritation and unease that’s captured surrounding dry mind space and taken off. Unchecked thoughts spread to unleashed attitudes to unfiltered words, leaving a dark cloud of sting and regret and burnt opportunities.

Where have I allowed tinder of fear or doubt to grow dry and brittle, left void of the soak of what is true, only to allow them to spread and lick up all comfort and hope? Am I letting anger at reactions, restrictions on my world, and reverberating messages of doom to ignite, then stoking it to flame by my unchecked tongue? Where have sparks of malaise, disquiet, and despair come to life in my spiritual outlook and begun to spread, vanquishing my remembrance of God’s past faithfulness and swallowing my trust that God reigns over all things? (Psalm 47:2-4,8; 66:5-12; Philippians 4:8)

I make my way through the smoke to my Lord, and submit to the firehose of His living word.

“Speak, O Lord, as we come to You
To receive the food of your holy word.
Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfil in us
All Your purposes, for Your glory.

Teach us Lord full obedience,
Holy reverence, true humility.
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of Your purity.
Cause our faith to rise
Cause our eyes to see,
Your majestic love and authority.
Words of power that can never fail;
Let their truth prevail over unbelief.”  ~Keith Getty, Stuart Townend (2006)

These fiery trials test us, purifying what we believe, in our blindness, about God’s glorious order.

Lord, keep me soaking in You. Extinguish my carking brush fires with Your stronger Spirit and truth. Awaken rejoicing and hopeful faith into the blessing and praising of Your name!

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And [He] commanded [him], saying, ‘You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die’… [The serpent] said to the woman, ‘Did God actually say, “You shall not eat of any tree in the garden”?’ And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden,.. lest you die.”‘ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die…’ So the woman… took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband and he ate… To Adam [God] said, ‘Because you have.. eaten of the tree,.. you are dust, and to dust you shall return.’” Genesis 2:15-17;3:1-4,6,17,19

“It is my eager expectation and hope that… with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell… My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Philippians 1:20-23

The taste and immediate fallout of death entered the world when Eve believed the Tempter over God. First shame, then fear, then separation enveloped human experience. Since the fall, we have all inherited death. It is inescapable, often cruel, sometimes a mercy, always final. The terrible reality of Eden lingers today: the fear of death grips us when we believe lies over God’s great promises. (Genesis 3:24; Hebrews 9:27)

But for those of us in Christ, life is different. We have also, by faith in Jesus, been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us and guaranteed by the indwelling Holy Spirit as our deposit. The shadow of the first inheritance disappears in light of the second, glorious one. Eternal death is swallowed in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:53-54,57; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:3-4)

And it is in this hope we are spurred, like Paul, to ‘live Christ,’ to zealously do the works He has prepared for us in the time we’ve been given. God ordains our purposes and numbers our days, and we are accountable for them. We need not be anxious about the future; our glorious inheritance is secured. (Psalm 139:16; Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13)

Where is the enemy stealing today’s fruit by dangling worry over a tomorrow we cannot control? What earthly thinking, what lies from the world, prevent us from living to the full today without fear? Where does our outlook on death need adjusting in light of truth? (John 3:16; 15:16; 1 Corinthians 15:55)

Lord, for today, give me a heart of wisdom. May I be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in Your work, and courageously inviting others to receive the joyful hope of a promised inheritance with You. (Psalm 90:12; 1 Corinthians 15:58)

“He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing. He binds up the waters in his thick clouds, and the cloud is not split open under them… The pillars of heaven tremble… By his wind the heavens were made fair… Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?” “Where were you… when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?.. Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it?.. Where is the way to the dwelling of light, and where is the place of darkness, that you may take it to its territory and that you may discern the paths to its home?.. What is the way to the place where the light is distributed, or where the east wind is scattered upon the earth?.. Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?” Job 26:7-8,11,13-14; 38:4,7,12-13,19-20,24,33 

“He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in.” Isaiah 40:22

Watching the predawn sky as color rose in its cheeks, I saw the Creator, whose glories are reflected in all He has made, blushing. Lord, teach me about Your beautiful flush.

Is it the vibrant glow of energy, a grand smudge of zeal in Your wonder-working power to orchestrate the hours and human history as they unfold? Is it the pique of awakening purpose You have ordained from eternity past, and the vigor You expend as You work to fulfill it? (Jeremiah 1:12; Ephesians 1:11)

Is it red-faced holy shame at our willful rebellion, our prurient desires and foolish choices, our ugly words and rude actions toward others You have made? Does it portend Your righteous anger at our impatience at anything in the way of our agenda, our pride and greed, which is idolatry, our dismissal of Your gracious authority and ownership of every breath and possession? (Daniel 9:5-6,8; Colossians 3:5)

Is it the irrepressible glow of affection, of uncontainable love that pulses warm and bright when You look down on Your beloved children? Your blood that was spilled for us surely flows hot and true when You watch over those You have saved and are saving.

Whatever its meaning, it is the dazzling display of Your glory, a lovely hue of Your divine countenance, pure and perfect and glowing. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.” (Psalm 19:1;97:6)

Magnificent Creator, You are worthy to be pondered, and Your beauties extolled. Magnify Yourself in the way I see things and in my countenance, that I would reflect Your resplendent blush to Your world.

“And the people of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin. And Miriam died there and was buried there. Now there was no water for the congregation. And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron [and] quarreled with Moses and said, ‘Would that we had perished! Why have you brought [us] into this wilderness,.. to this evil place?’ Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them… 

“Moses sent messengers to the king of Edom: ‘Please let us pass through your land.^‘ But he said, ‘You shall not pass through.’ And Edom came out against them with a large army and with a strong force… And they journeyed from Kadesh, and the people of Israel came to Mount Hor… And Aaron died there on the top of the mountain… From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way and spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.’ Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died.

“They continued to Beer… Then Israel sang this song: ‘Spring up, O well!—Sing to it!—’ Numbers 20:1-6,14,17,20,22,28; 21:4-6,16-17

His was an unimaginably hard daily existence, wandering through the desert in charge of thousands of unmotivated, grumbling Israelites, going nowhere fast. Moses knew it would be years before they reached the promised land, and was freshly and painfully aware he would not even be able to lead them in. His only siblings had died, his ‘white noise’ was constant complaining by those he led, and at every new turn there was an impasse, rejection, more scrappy fighting or lengthy detouring to make their way forward. (Numbers 20:10-13)

What enabled Moses to keep on? It was the glory of the LORD, his Captain. It was the well He supplied, the deep drink and sustenance that bowing before Him affords.  It was the living water He bubbles inside us when we come to Him. His Lord was his constant companion, his Paraclete, the One who was ever-present and spoke personally and guided him. His goal was clear and his heart’s desire was to obey and fulfill his calling. He clung to God in desperation, in dependence, and found in Him proven faithfulness, and strong resolve. (Numbers 21:16-17; Psalm 46:1; John 4:14; 14:16,26)

Do we faint when the going is hard? Do we stub toes on grumbling and stumble on disappointment? Does grief weigh us down for longer than it need? Surely there is a time for sorrow, but the trials we meet also produce endurance over time, enabling us to move ahead with steadfast confidence in the One who has ordained and is redeeming them. (Ecclesiastes 3:4; James 1:2-4)

Do we plod with spotty tolerance in growing irritation, or, as Friedrich Nietzsche stated, with a long obedience in the same direction?

Lord, keep me drawing deeply from Your wellspring of life, and plodding not somehow, but triumphantly.

“Show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?.. Love your neighbor as yourself… The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness… No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God… If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.”  James 2:1-4,8; 3:6,8-9,14

“Put away… malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Put off the old self with its practices” Colossians 3:8-9

There is much chatter these days, and when we are not in person, there seems to be less filter on what is said. Beware the heart and the tongue it controls! My spirit detects rumble warnings when I perceive ‘putting up,’ idolizing and esteeming certain people by way of parroting their verbiage or pandering to their appearance, qualifications, perceived importance, or opinions. I get just as uneasy hearing a barrage of ‘putting down,’ criticizing, castigating, or dismissing those who disagree in view or by vote. The Bible says of both, put off! (Luke 6:45)

There is no place in the Christian life for erecting pedestals, for playing favorites, for idolatry of people we prefer, valuing (and even revering) them as more more important, as though they are exclusively superior. Nor is there any place for riding astride a high horse with irreverent or disrespectful talk, denigrating others based on their disparate views, judging their motives, ultimately diminishing them as inferior to our pompous, enlightened selves. Our distorted allegiances have thrown civil discourse of ideas and principles off kilter to the detriment of fruitful discussion of truth.

We are called to be discerning and wise, and also to respect and upbuild. There is no way to put on kindness, reason, and love to all if we are trapped in polarized affections, esteeming some and snubbing others. Putting these ungodly attitudes and ingrown habits off frees us to be renewed in the spirit of our minds so we can be imitators of God in the way we interact with and speak of others. (Ephesians 4:22-26,29-5:2)

Whom have we put on pedestals, and for what reasons? Does aligning or agreeing with certain people make us feel more important or esteemed? Whom are we trying to impress, and do we recognize we’ve made idols of them too? Whom have we dismissed, or disparaged before others, belittling them to try to make ourselves big? We dishonor God when we dishonor His image bearers. (Proverbs 11:9,12-13)

Lord on high, reveal to me where and when I lift too high or abase another. By Your Spirit I put off these practices to exalt You alone, and to honor others in Your grace.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity…

The Lord is merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;
    he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:1-3,8-14

“David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.'” 2 Samuel 12:13

“Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus… Sin will have no dominion over you.” Romans 6:11,14

It is hard for a human mind to grasp the distance from east to west, but that is just the illustration David gives for the infinite space God puts between us and our sin when He forgives us in Christ. The Almighty, who Himself is beyond measure, describes in this treasure of a psalm the vast, unfathomable mercy of God in a way that compels us to bless Him and to live reverently unfettered.

The king had been miserable under the burden of his unconfessed sins, yet at the moment of recognition and acknowledgement, that sin bore no more sting, its guilt and penalty separated from him forever. Blotted-out sin cleans the heart, renews the spirit, and restores joy. Fully forgiven and dead to sin means alive to Christ as His changed and ever-being-transformed child. We are, in Christ, new creatures, as different as east from west. So how shall we then live? What does it look like to consider ourselves alive to God? (Psalm 32:1-5; 51:7-10,12; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

We live as the psalmist, continually blessing the Lord for His manifold benefits: He has washed us in mercy, invigorated our strength, guided our steps, worked for us righteousness, and loosened our tongues to proclaim His excellencies in praise and witness to others. David determined to teach sinners His ways so they, too, would be contrite and know His forgiveness. (Psalm 51:13-17; 103:4-7)

Living in the joy of our salvation means we are unencumbered by guilt, which Jesus has vanquished, and by shame, which we can nonetheless nurse ourselves in opposition to what is actually true about us. It means we are free to put off old ways of thinking and behaving and responding, and have power through the resurrection to put on Christ instead. We allow Him to control our mindset, our tongue and tone of voice, our flesh desires, our selfish impulses. (Colossians 3)

Loving Lord, You have separated me from my sin unto Yourself. May I, with steadfast zeal, live and rejoice in the “no going back,” ever blessing You as You deserve.

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption… He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant…  For Christ has entered… into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly… But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified… Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 9:11-12,15,24-28; 10:10-12,14,23

The gospel is good news. Good news that breaks bright on a dark day, that penetrates wrangling uncertainty with assurance, that shines hope into desperation. Jesus came once for all, times two. He paid the penalty for sin with death once for all, proclaiming It is finished! to the yearly sacrifice for sins, and He won Calvary’s victory once for all who would come, all who are called by His name and are now being sanctified. Twice good news! (John 19:28-30)

This hope we can receive by faith and claim as ours for good is that Jesus died instead of me, and He died for me. Just as His once-for-all substitutionary death fulfilled the annual sacrifices made by priests, it is also the full recompense for my sin. I am free to surrender self-effort at winning God’s favor and live unshakably secure because Jesus, in immeasurable love toward me, achieved forever my favored place with Him through His blood.

Believing His once for alls also stirs great motivation to spread the good news. Held-fast confession becomes resounding, glad profession: Come, all who are weary and burdened! Jesus offers freedom and spiritual rest! Come, all who thirst! Jesus satisfies with living water! Blessed are you whose transgressions are forgiven! He came and did all for you, and He lives to redeem all of you who come! (Psalm 32:1-2,5; Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 4:10,14)

Lord Jesus, may I faithfully proclaim your glorious once for alls with word and deed.

“Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ… gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works… Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work… The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people… And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Titus 2:13-14; 3:1,8,14

Good works accompany genuine faith, and about good works it is clear we are to be zealous, ready, careful, and fully devoted. We have been redeemed and purified to do good works, and designed for particular ones within the Body of Christ. These works are the hallmark and proof of our faith, evidence of Christ’s transforming of the very inclination of our hearts. Bearing the fruit of good works is no option for the believer in Jesus– it is our life mission, the very purpose for which we were saved. (John 15:8,16; Ephesians 2:10; James 2:18,22,26)

How does the way we spend our time, money, and other resources identify us as Christ’s possession? Does the unbelieving world see us expending ourselves for our own benefit, pleasure, and promotion, or for a higher purpose? What do our deeds betray about our allegiances and motives? Do they draw others to ourselves in pride, or to the worthy King we serve? In what ways does our submission to those in authority over us free us from self-will, preparing us to do good work with glad abandon?

Would we begin each morning seeking the specific work God has for us this day, and trust that even if we do not understand it or especially feel so inclined, it is excellent, worthwhile, and profitable in His divine economy? Would we be willing to step outside the comfort boundaries we have delineated, into the place or task we know God has prepared, and therefore provided for? When our zeal flags, and focus and devotion wane, would we ask in confident hope that God’s Spirit would renew our fervency and empower our service? “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (Romans 12:11-12; 2 Corinthians 9:8)

Gracious Lord, Holy Fuel of my passion and commitment, ignite me each day to do the good works You deign for me. May I so demonstrate my faith and honor Your redemption of my soul, to the praise of Your goodness and glory.

“Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said,.. ‘Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land…’ So they went up and spied out the land… 

“At the end of forty days they returned… and showed them the fruit of the land. ‘We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large.’ But Caleb quieted the people and said, ‘Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.’ The men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.’ Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and… all the people of Israel grumbled… ‘Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword?’ 

“Joshua and Caleb said to all the congregation of Israel, ‘The land is an exceedingly good land… Do not fear the people. The Lord is with us.’ ..And the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will this people not believe in me?'” Numbers 13:17,20-21,25-28,30-31; 14:1-3,6-7,9,11

The Israelite spies lost sight of God’s promise for their future and the lush fruit of the land because fear of the enemy and defeat blocked their vision, obliterating any bravery and hope. But Joshua and Caleb’s resolve to trust God’s pledge invigorated boldness, swelling their holy desire into confidence to conquer and see God glorified. Since when had their Captain commanded they stay safe?

I recently read a book about today’s “safety” culture. After eons of ‘preparing children for the road,’ we have morphed into ‘preparing the road for children,’ determining that safety should be our number one focus, at all cost. Is this scriptural? In everyday life, with each challenge faced, we are confronted with choosing whether to trust God in the good conquest, or fear for our safety, and retreat. These tests of our faith, which are really a measure of our belief in God, He presents continually as opportunities to build our faith.

Where have our priorities fallen prey to the world’s message and mold? Have we become deaf to the heavenly call, and lost sight of God’s ability and eternal benefit for the muddle of temporal obstacles, discomforts, and risks? (1 Peter 5:7)

Have we succumbed to fearing what lies ahead, instead of the God who calls us forward? Certainly we should exercise discernment and prudence, but are we more concerned with our safety than our courage to trust His care and purposes? Faith muscles atrophy from misuse and protecting ourselves from every possible peril. Jesus frequently met His disciples in dangerous situations with the admonition not to fear, and the Scriptures command us to trust the Lord completely, obey and work wholeheartedly, witness boldly,  forgive lavishly, speak truth lovingly, wage battles bravely, not ‘be safe.’ They teach us that hiding in Him and His name is our place of safety, no matter what happens. They give numerous examples of heroes who lived by this faith. Will I be one? (Psalm 4:8; 37:3; 91:1-2; Proverbs 18:10; 29:25; Isaiah 41:10; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 18:21-22; John 6:18-20; 20:19; Ephesians 4:15; 6:12-13,19-20; Colossians 3:23; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 11:23,27,32-34)

Lord, may I unhaltingly fight the good fight of faith. In every risk of heeding Your call, into Your strong, able hands I commit my spirit, my life, and my times. (Psalm 31:5,14-15; 1 Timothy 6:12)

 

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

To Titus, my true child in a common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:1-4

In any introduction, to a letter, a publication, a message, it helps to have an aim, to know why we are presenting what we are. To Paul, his motive is singular, his purpose clear. His letters are as his life, wholly composed and communicated for the sake of faith in those God had entrusted to him. In everything he did and spoke and preached, he endeavored to open the way for others to grow in their understanding of the gospel, apply its truths, and walk more closely with God. The faith that had captivated him, by which he was drastically saved and set free, now shaped the mission of his days on earth. (Acts 9:3-18; Romans 1:16-17; 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 1:5)

Paul was encouraged by and delighted to hear of lively faith within the churches, and thanked God for it. He rejoiced in their development and expression of faith, and urged that people continue in it so it would grow abundantly. He commended them to take it up as a potent shield in waging spiritual battles. He counted it a privilege to suffer for the sake of others’ faith. He encouraged unity and cooperation in the faith, and prayed that it would be shared effectively. He encouraged Timothy to set an example of faith and to train others in it. (Romans 1:8,12; Ephesians 1:15-16; 6:12-13,16; Philippians 1:12-14,27; Colossians 1:3-4,23; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:6,12; Philemon 4-6)

What about me? What do my words and conversations reveal about my real inspiration and intentions? How clearly do I live and speak for the sake of Jesus and faith in Him? Where can I be more deliberate in introducing the concept of faith to a spiritual novice, or encouraging faith in someone less practiced or knowledgable?

With whom in my family and church and the places I minister can I invest in developing faith, taking opportunities to speak of God’s ability and trustworthiness? How faithful am I to cheer them on to be strong and not to waver? In what situations at home, work, or in my community, can I better exemplify faith with courage and joy, even if it seems subversive or strange? (Romans 4:20)

Lord, may my words unlatch the way for Your gospel, that others hear of You and Your gift of salvation. May my love for others open wide Your arms to them, that they sense Your limitless and grace-filled affection. May every aspect of my life invite others to behold the beauties of Your mercy and faithfulness. O God, may I live and breathe for the sake of faith, and keep it all my days. (2 Timothy 4:7)