Pray For Loved Ones

 2 Tim 1:3

I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day.

The Apostle Paul took Timothy under his wings, and thought of him as one of his own. Paul probably had some influence on Timothy’s life, but much of Timothy’s life was influenced by his mother and grandmother Eunice and Lois. Their faith was true,  unwavering, and unshaken by the criticism and skeptics around them. They passed this faith on to Timothy. Sustaining this faith is not done by tradition that is handed down, it requires diligent prayer and supplication. Praying for those close to us daily is crucial in keeping the faith. Satan is relentless in his attacks. He seeks to defeat and destroy those who believe in Jesus.  Being rooted and grounded in faith is made possible through prayer. We need the Holy Spirit in our lives to give us the power to overcome the trials and temptations we face. When our faith is attacked, it is the power of God in prayer that will keep us faithful to the teachings of Christ and keep our relationship with God genuine and sincere. Those of us who have children, we have a responsibility to hold them up in prayer. Yes, we need to pray for the sick and the lost, but praying for our children should be a daily priority. We may not be able to help them in many ways, but praying that they will keep the faith and trust God in everything is paramount.

Unfeigned Faith

 April 13, 2021
2 Tim 1:5
 …I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee,…
It is possible to have insincere faith. Fake faith that pretends to believe that God is in control, but deep down doubting God’s ability to take care or even notices our need or problems. There is also Fake faith, like Simon in the book of Acts who offered money to receive the power of the Holy Spirit that he may also lay hands on people. Fake faith like Ananias and Sapphira who pretended to give all they had, yet kept back part of the price. Jesus exposed fake faith in the Pharisee, calling them “Hypocrites! For you are like whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness'' There are many who call themselves Christians, but in the day of judgment, Christ will say, “Depart from me you worker of iniquity”. Timothy possessed a faith that was true and rooted in believing Christ as his Savior and redeemer. His unfeigned faith was handed down by his mother and grandmother who also believed and lived the teaching of Christ. Faith is to believe God that He is and is able to do that which we have committed to Him. To believe that no matter the darkness or hardship we find ourselves that He watches over us. Faith is submitting to the will of God regardless of what the last chapter holds. Many have given their lives having an unfeigned faith, knowing that there was a better life here after.

Unfeigned Faith

2 Tim 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

The current political tread is all about “Fake News” News that is fabricated that may have some bases of truth, but is often twisted to serve someone’s point of view. Information that is often taken out of context or sometimes just plain made up. Fake faith is pretending to believe, but not willing to stay true to that belief. Saying you are a Christian, but not keeping His commandments or willing to follow in His Word. Fake faith is shelf serving, it wants others to perceive that they are righteous and upright. It desires to be seen of men and be praised. Unfeigned faith is true and genuine. It seeks to know God and desires to have a closer walk with Jesus. It believes that God is the maker of all things and controls the affairs of men. Unfeigned faith is sincerely believing that God is a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him. Unfeigned faith does not live for this world. The journey is important, but it is not what we live for. Unfeigned faith lives for things that are eternal where moths and rust cannot destroy. Many people have fake faith, but God has a remnant that is His true church, and their unfeigned faith will see them through.