What Matters Most (The Book of 2 Timothy)Sample

REFLECT

My first grader had upped her game in writing. Her teacher issued a weekly Monday writing assignment, "Over the Weekend.” I adore reading my girl’s thoughts about what our family did each weekend! First grade is also when children learn how to write a letter. The parts of a letter are explained as a heading (date), salutation (known as a “greeting” to first graders), body, closing, and postscript. We’ve walked through each section of Paul’s letter to Timothy, and today, we read the closing.

Paul’s bottom-line message to Timothy is repeated: “Come quickly before winter.” The missionary longs to see Timothy one last time because he feels his time on earth is short. His final remarks reveal his deepest desires for his dear friend Timothy and those connected to him. Those desires are for his friends to experience God’s presence and recognize grace for every moment in life.

Grace is forgiving and also for giving. When we both receive grace from God and extend it to others, we become most aware of God's grace and presence.

PRAY

Dear Father, thank you for the book of 2 Timothy. Thank you for Paul’s letter to his friend, providing timeless advice for us today. Thank You that Your word is living and active, and Your grace is ever available to us. Help us lavish it on others today. Amen.

CHAT

When is it hardest for you to receive God’s grace? When is it hardest for you to extend God’s grace to others? Choose one small step you could take to begin changing your usual response in difficult situations.

CONNECT

If this series was helpful to you, you'll love the When You Can't Pray prayer guide, a simple tool to help you pray when you struggle to find the words. GET IT HERE