PJ's Prayer Line: Grandparents are Great

Good Evening to All!

The Answers to Week 4's Bible Challenge

1. d) Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18)

2. c) told him how the Lord had already delivered David from a bear and a lion. (1 Sam. 17:32-37)

3. a) Eliakim (Isaiah 22:20-24)

4. b) the authority to make decisions on earth that would be binding in heaven. (Matthew 16:19)

5. "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's and unto God the things which be God's." ( Luke 20:25)

6. C) because God, the ultimate power, has ordained these lesser powers.... (Romans 13:1-7)

7. d) Paul (2 Timothy 3:16)

8. c) Timothy (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

9. c) Titus (Titus 2:15)

10. d) Peter (1 Peter 2:13-14)

****************************************************************
****************************************************************
Tonight's Devotional - Grandparents are Great

Today's Seed: "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." 2 Timothy 1:5

Grandparents delight in their grandchildren. In them they see the continuation of the family, and they see the future. Whether we have one or a dozen grandchildren to love, we enjoy being with them, watching them joining in their play, and teaching them. Lots of fun surrounds grandbabies and even "grandteenagers."

Grandparents have a great opportunity to mentor the next generation. They can teach many skills and character qualities. Grandparents can read to grandchildren, helping them to love reading. Some may teach children to play baseball or soccer; others may teach them to knit or play the piano. All grandparents need to do their part in leading the young generation to Christ.

Timothy was one of the first "second-generation Christians." He learned about Christ at home through his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice--not from the disciples or Jesus himself. His grandmother and mother began their teaching of Timothy at an early age. Paul said of him, "From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Although Timothy's father was not a Christian, the influence of Lois and Eunice overcame that. Timothy absorbed what was taught and became a godly man and served the Lord well--thanks to his grandmother and mother.

Dig Deeper: The Greek word for "sincere" is anupokritos, which originally meant inexperienced in the art of acting. Lois and Eunice weren't acting. Since their faith was real and not fake Timothy learned true Christianity from them.

Background Bulb: Paul was alone in a Roman prison when he wrote the second letter to Timothy. He was allowed only a few visitors, but could have his writing implements. Paul encouraged Timothy to carry on the work of leading the church. This letter, more personal sounding than Paul's first letter to Timothy, became the last words of Paul. He emphasized what he felt was important: sound doctrine, faith, endurance, and love.

Sprout & Scatter: Storybooks centered on Bible characters can be a good way to get the message of the Bible across to grandchildren. We don't have to limit our influence to our own grandchildren, though, Bible storybooks can be given to the children of friends and neighbors and to our local libraries. If your grandchildren don't live near you, volunteer to read to or listen to children at your local elementary school.

Think about it: How do you think Lois and Eunice shared their faith with