I thank God as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 2 Timothy 1:3

Paul wrote a letter to young Timothy to motivate him in his ministry. Paul openly expressed his positive feelings for Timothy by sharing fond memories of him. 
Paul's relationship to Timothy was like that of John Wesley to William Wilberforce. For years Wilberforce had worked to abolish the slave trade in England. The intensity of the struggle had so discouraged him that he was ready to give up. On his deathbed, Wesley heard of his friend's weariness. With trembling hand he wrote, "Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you? Oh, be not weary of well-doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might, till even American slavery shall vanish away before it." Wesley died six days later, but Wilberforce fought faithfully for forty-five more years till in 1833, only three days before his own death, he witnessed the abolition of slavery in Great Britain.
Everyone needs an encourager. Paul encouraged Timothy as he wrote: "I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy."
Today we have opportunity to motivate others to give their all for Jesus. Encouragement lights a fire in our soul and inspires us to work with our whole heart. So tell those around you today how much they mean to you!

REFLECTION

Who needs encouragement from you today? Communicate with someone in your life today and share with them a word of encouragement. Who encourages you?

Prayer

Father, may encouragement flow from our lips so that we may motivate those around us. We praise you for your encouraging grace, which energizes us to keep growing. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 9, 2011

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF THE LORD'S HEALING
Declan Green [Infant Grandson or Ken and Pam Green] recovering from emergency surgery and other health problems.

You who answer prayer, to you all people will come. When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts!

We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. - Psalm 65:2-4

All For Jesus
Paul Nickel
Director of Christian Education
Our Savior Lutheran Church