Faith Building Friday

"Love others not by trying to become their god but by fueling their own faith in God."

I recently purchased "Praying Gods' Word Day by Day" by Beth Moore (yes, I'm a bit obsessed with her!) for my Kindle. I am trying to get into the habit of turning it on every morning before I get out of bed and read the short passage she has for the day. This was the topic for Tuesday, April 26th. I did not read it right when I got up. By 8am I was already having a bad morning - not by anyone else's doing but my own. At 9am I decided it was time to get serious about my attitude for the day. I couldn't afford to be in a bad mood all day. And neither could my family. So I turned on my Kindle and this is what I read.

"Father, according to Your Word, those who heard the testimony of the woman at the well said, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world" (John 4:42). Please cause my life to impact others by making them desire to meet You for themselves and believe!

O Lord, I want others to be able to boast to You about my perseverance and faith in any persecutions and trials I endure (2 Thess. 1:4). Help me to remember that others observe the way I handle trials. I want to have a faithful witness, Lord. Like Timothy's grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, help me to pass down a heritage of faith (2 Timothy 1:5)."

I am going through trials, as I'm sure most of us are. This last part about Timothy's mother and grandmother really struck me. I want to pass down a heritage of faith to my children! Of course I want to impact others around me as well, but my first priority and inner circle is my family.

On Sunday we had an amazing time of worship at church. I was playing keyboard. At one point I looked out and saw one of the teenage boys putting his face into his coat and wiping away tears. He is a tall, blonde young man. He reminded me of Riley. I lost it - I was completely done for! I had to really focus to not lose my place and mess up. I always get emotional when ever I see children or youth worshiping, but this was different. I knew some day this could be my own son. I made sure and found his mom after church to tell her what an impact her son had on me.

Are you passing down a heritage of faith to those around you?