– Today’s Community Scripture – 11/3/2025

Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye, and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion. That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible. So don’t be embarrassed to speak up for our Master or for me, his prisoner. Take your share of suffering for the Message along with the rest of us. We can only keep on going, after all, by the power of God, who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all his idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. This is the Message I’ve been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It’s also the cause of all this trouble I’m in. But I have no regrets. I couldn’t be more sure of my ground—the One I’ve trusted in can take care of what he’s trusted me to do right to the end. So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It’s as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us. I’m sure you know by now that everyone in the province of Asia deserted me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes. But God bless Onesiphorus and his family! Many’s the time I’ve been refreshed in that house. And he wasn’t embarrassed a bit that I was in jail. The first thing he did when he got to Rome was look me up. May God on the Last Day treat him as well as he treated me. And then there was all the help he provided in Ephesus—but you know that better than I.

                         2 Timothy 1:3–18, MSG

– Reflection:

Riding up to see our son Isaiah play in his first college basketball game, I call on your name to continue to be the blessing over our family that is welcomed and needed each and every day. To have the ability at this time to move around and visit a child who has left the home is a special event. Not sure of the outcome of the game yet, but just knowing we will get to experience this milestone in his life with him today. He trusted his mom and me with this young man, and we will continue to do our part, never running from our responsibility. Allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and be a light to others, witnessing our lives and how we are in the community. God has blessed us so much by sending his son that we honor him by watching over those blessings and moments we are able to have with ours. Thank you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for making the home that I have helped build be one that has you at the center of it. God has not given us a spirit of fear. He gives us power, love, and a sound mind. That means we don’t have to be afraid to live for Him. Even when life is hard or scary, God is with us. He gives us strength to keep going, love to care for others, and peace in our thoughts. Paul reminded Timothy to be bold and not ashamed of his faith. We can do the same. Let’s stir up the gifts God has put in us and trust that He will help us use them for good.

– Where do we go from here?

We keep walking in faith, not fear. We keep showing up for our families, our communities, and the people God places in our path. We keep trusting that the same Spirit that helped us raise our children and build our homes will guide us as we step into new seasons. We don’t shrink back—we stand firm. We live boldly for God, knowing He’s already gone ahead of us. Whether we’re cheering from the bleachers or praying in quiet moments, we let our lives speak of His goodness. We carry the light. We stay faithful. And we remember: God didn’t give us fear—He gave us power, love, and a sound mind.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You for walking with us today. Thank You for the strength, love, and peace that You give so freely. Help us to live boldly for You, without fear. Let Your Spirit guide our steps, fill our hearts, and shine through our lives. Bless every reader with courage, comfort, and clarity. May we honor You in our homes, in our communities, and in every moment You give us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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– Let Your Spirit guide our decisions, our conversations, and our actions. When challenges come, remind us that You are our strength. When we feel weak, remind us that steel is forged in fire, and You are shaping us for something greater. Let today be a day where we grow, serve, and reflect Your love in everything we do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.