I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; — 2 Timothy 1:3

Paul’s life is almost over, and he is being persecuted in a terrible prison. Many of the young men he mentored have stopped believing or turned against him. How can he show gratitude? Paul says that he is sure that he will win in the end with Jesus and that his son Timothy will also win. What makes this unique is that he tells Timothy about it. He doesn’t just say thank you to God in prayer. In this letter, he also tells him how important he is. When was the last time you wrote a thank-you note to someone you like and told them they make you happy before God’s throne?

 

Thought

Paul’s life is almost over, and he is being persecuted in a terrible prison. Many of the young men he mentored have stopped believing or turned against him. How can he show gratitude? Paul says that he is sure that he will win in the end with Jesus and that his son Timothy will also win. What makes this unique is that he tells Timothy about it. He doesn’t just say thank you to God in prayer. In this letter, he also tells him how important he is. When was the last time you wrote a thank-you note to someone you like and told them they make you happy before God’s throne?

 

Prayer

Thank you, Father of all grace, who is without equal. Thank you for all of Christ’s spiritual gifts to me. Thank you for the special people in my life who help me grow in my faith (take a minute and just say their names before the Father). Help me get better at telling these wonderful people how much I appreciate and like them, so they know how much they mean to me. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.