Read
2 Timothy 1
Meditate
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:6, 7 (ESV)
God has a gift that he has given to you. This gift of grace is meant to be shared with others for his glory. What prevents us from sharing the good gift of God which is in us through the Spirit? According to Paul, it is fear, timidity, or cowardice.
To live as a Christian means to live a courageous life. To live courageously means we live it with all of our heart not holding anything back out of fear.
Football players and other athletes talk about their performance with this phrase, "I am going to leave everything I have on the field." What do they mean by this? They mean that they are going to try their hardest and not hold anything back in their pursuit of victory in the game.
We as Christians are called to have this same kind of attitude that is courageous and whole-hearted. Where does the courage come from? It comes from the Spirit.
Paul told Timothy that he received a Spirit of power, love, and self-control. As a child of God born of the Spirit, it is the Spirit of God in us that manifests the courage we need to obey God and to love whole-heartedly.
God is calling us to leave everything on the field in this life, not holding anything back as we live for his glory, not ours.
Let's pray for and seek the Spirit's grace to live courageously for Christ everyday of our lives.
Pray
Father in heaven, thank you for giving to me a spirit of love, power, and self-control. Thank you for giving me gifts to share with the world for your glory. Grant me grace to live courageously for you without fear. Help me to take up my cross and follow Christ wherever you send me and to whomever you want me to love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Rest
"Psalm 95 (Come Worship the Lord)" (Performed by John Michael Talbot) Click here.