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DAILY DEVOTIONAL
to end the rule of fear in your life
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| “7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.”2 Timothy 1:7,8 |
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| Context for a Fearless Faith 3
When Paul last wrote to Timothy, he was soon to be tried and sentenced for denying loyalty to Caesar (and declaring him to be a god). The penalty was death. In the face of that, Paul encouraged his young protege to remember the gift given to him by the Lord (v.6) and to use it by the power of God (v. 8). It is never revealed to us what “gift” Timothy’s has – but Paul tells us we use all our human gifts in the context of God’s spirit, and we can’t be shy about it (!). The Lord gives us all talents and abilities for a purpose. But God does not give us fear. We operate our faith in the context of power, love and with a sound mind. That supplants fear. This is why, even in shackles and facing death, that Paul seemed so free…
O God we seek freedom from fear in our lives, and we ask that you help us to express our faith fearlessly. Stir up our gifts boldly within us, so that we may use them to Your glory and honor, in Jesus name, AMEN
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God bless,
Rev. Jeffrey Brown |
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