Walk with Me

SCRIPTURE:  2 Timothy 4:9-22         Read the passage

BIO:  I am Cleat Simmons.  Before, and if, you read this bio, please let me explain so you don’t think I’m bragging about all my wife Rhonda and I do.  I have put all the stuff in this bio to make a point in the devotion below.  We are just gladly serving where God is leading us.

Rhonda, my treasured wife of 34 years, and I began attending FPCO in December, 2004.  We attended the new members classes and became members in the spring of 2005.  Other than Rhonda’s sister, Lou Ann King, we didn’t know anyone at FPCO.  In order to get to know people in the church we hosted a 40 Days of Purpose group in our home, and also led an Awaken group and another Bible study.  In January of 2006 we started an adult Sunday school class, Pass the Word, which continues to meet weekly.  Since the first Jobs Partnership class hosted by FPCO in the spring of 2008 we have  been involved in Jobs Partnership; Rhonda serves in hospitality and I lead the  Jobs Partnership Mercy Corridor Initiative.  I led the prayer ministry team when we had prayer meetings on Wednesday nights, and am currently an elder on the Session and chair the Prayer and Spiritual Formation committee.   Rhonda has participated in several confirmation classes and IMOG classes for the youth of the Church.  We were also part of a Life Community turbo group, and currently are in a Life Community which meets either in our home or the home of another couple in our Life Community.

KEY VERSE:  2 Timothy 4:16 – 17a  At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me

CENTRAL TRUTH:  We are never alone. Paul writes in this passage about the many people who had an impact on him. And, he emphasizes that no matter what, God was with him, strengthened him, and protected him

DEVOTIONAL:  Reflections on Relationships
At the end of the year it is natural to reflect on the past year, and look forward to the new year. Such reflections will always include thoughts about people who have impacted our lives. Paul’s second letter to Timothy concludes with a long list of people who impacted his life. Some were helpers, such as Luke, Mark, Tychicus, and of course Timothy to whom he is writing. Others had labored with him in the past such as Priscilla and Aquila. Some opposed him, such as Alexander the coppersmith. Others had been a part of his life in unspecified ways but had left fond memories, such as Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia and the family of Onesiphorus.

If you read my bio, you’ll notice that when my wife and I came to FPCO we didn’t know anyone. We purposely involved ourselves in activities in order to get to know people in the church. We have grown in fellowship with many people over the past 6 years. But, it wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t invested ourselves in their lives, and they invested in ours.

Paul would not have known any of the people he was writing about in his concluding remarks to Timothy, if he hadn’t spent time with them, investing his life in their lives, and allowing them the privilege of co-laboring with and serving him.

As you reflect back on 2010, and look forward to 2011, are there people who have impacted you in meaningful ways? Are there people who you would like to have a closer fellowship with? Are there some who have left fond memories as your paths crossed? There might be some who have hurt you in some way also. The memories they leave are not pleasant, but they are still there.

The end of a year and the beginning of the next is a great time to spend time in reflection on relationships. And, like Paul, it is always important to remember the one who never abandons you, never hurts you, and always desires the best for you, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Finally, Paul didn’t simply sit and think about these people, he wrote a letter, remembering them, and giving instructions about them such as bring them; greet them; come yourself. People were of prime importance in his life. The letter to Timothy letter illustrates that fact.

QUESTION 1:  Are there people who have impacted you in significant ways in the past year? Have you let them know of their impact? Now would be a good time to write someone a letter and tell them just how meaningful their involvement in your life has been.

QUESTION 2:  Are there people you would like to have a deeper relationship with? What ways can you specifically seek to make your relationship deeper. What actions do you need to take to make that happen? What do you need to make your relationship with God deeper and more meaningful?

QUESTION 3:  Has anyone hurt you in the last year? Is that memory still painful? Have you taken the specific action of forgiving them? Paul had been hurt by Alexander. He turned that hurt over to God. When you choose to forgive someone, even if you don’t think they deserve it, you are turning your hurt, and the consequences of that person’s actions over to God. Write them a letter and tell them you forgive them. Even if you don’t send it, if you really mean it when you forgive them, you’re well on your way to freedom from the hurt they’ve caused you. Start 2011 fresh, let go of old hurts.