September 21, 2026 | Be Connected
Disciples Who Make Disciples
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-7(NIV)
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Devotional
When I read this Scripture, I was reminded that our job, as Christian brothers and Christian sisters, is to encourage others to be strong disciples in Christ. Many times friends will say “I am a believer but I don’t know the Scriptures well enough to encourage others in Christ. I am not “Bible skilled” enough to make a difference. My answer is. “Do you know your own story?”
Your personal story has more power, in other’s eyes, than quoting Scripture. God guiding your life, through discernment from the Holy Spirit, from experiences of God’s changing your personal life, from God’s lifting your spirit, is more meaningful than you being able to quote Scripture. You sharing God’s power in your personal life may help another see God’s power in their own personal life. Some of the most powerful influences in my life have been hearing other’s sharing God working in their life.
Years ago, we were new at Fishers UMC and a friend, in our small group, shared with me “When God puts someone’s name into my thoughts, I stop and pray for them. I think God put their name into my thoughts for a reason.” I’d never thought to recognize God steering my life to pray for another person. When that idea was shared with me it spurred me to do the same thing. I’ve shared that with my friend, Jim. His experience influenced my experience. That wasn’t quoting Scripture, but it was sharing a God-thought that helped me grow in my Christian walk.
Another person, in my life at Fishers UMC, came to me when Interfaith Hospitality Network was forming (now Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis). Our church was instrumental in helping start IHN and our pastor, who helped start it, passed away that New Years Eve. Carol, came to me and said, “I see your role in business management and I think you’d be a good replacement following our pastor’s recent death.” I’d never thought of my skills being good for anything but my job. She helped me to understand God’s gifts and how God can help me use them. That was 31 years ago and I’ve served on the board ever since.
My suggestion: Listen to God’s voice, in your everyday life, and pay attention.
