My dear son Timothy,
The grace of God has been evident in your life from childhood. Timothy, you have been taught the gospel and it has been lived out before you. I plead with you to practice the things that you have seen God do in and through me, as well as through other faithful men in your life. May grace continue to mark your character and calling. As you preach and live the truth graciously before others through the trials and triumphs of life may you know Jesus will give you grace to persevere until He calls you home.
Secondly, continue to set ablaze the gifts God has given to you to be employed in loving service to His body, the church. May these gifts be exercised with love to the building-up of the body.
Thirdly, do not neglect to communicate your passionate love for Jesus to your family through your example inside and outside your home. As you Iive through tough times may your family see your feet of clay and your wrestling with God through prayer. May your love for Jesus spill over to your family as you love them and others.
Fourthly, be a man of prayer. Be one who daily communicates by listening to God, hearing His voice speak into your soul as you read, study and ruminate over the scriptures. Knowing full well that God’s armor is there to protect you from the evil ones exploits: the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith …standing in His righteousness and living it out, be filled with His Spirit and pray in the Spirit.
Fithly, set your hope completely on The Lord Jesus as you fight the good fight. Don’t give in, stay with the stuff, flee the destroying enticements if this world, knowing it is The Lord God whom you serve.
Finally, stand firm in the faith, be on the alert, set an example to those who follow, and pass on this wonderful gospel to other faithful men.
Yours rejoicing in Jesus,
Tim Waggoner
