Today is May 6.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  
 
Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”    
   
Today’s reading is from the book of 1 Timothy, chapter 6.  
 

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 
  
 
Paul is writing to the young man he’s mentoring. He’s calling Timothy to be a ‘man of God’, and to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. As we enter into prayer today, think about a man in your life who you consider a ‘man of God’, who truly reflects these qualities. Thank God for these men- young and old - around you who have demonstrated Christlikeness to you. 
   
The language in this text is pretty directive and strong: flee from sin! Pursue righteousness! Fight the good fight! “take hold of...”. Listen again to the text and pay attention to what word stands out to you. 
  
The early church was made up of women and men who pursued God with passion and strength, as well as with humility and self-sacrifice. Would you take time as we close in prayer – right now - to write a letter, or text, or an email of encouragement to someone in your life who’s inspired you to ‘fight the good fight of faith?’ We all need to hear words of courage as we pursue God. 

Lord God, Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do, direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   
 
Music: "Take My Life" - Vineyard Worship - (YouTube)