Verse of the Day 9/12

Verse of the Day 9/12

  

2 Timothy 1:6- This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.   7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.   NLT

 

 Have you ever heard anyone say that  they were "stoked" about going to see their favorite sports team or perhaps hear their favorite band play because a friend invited them, gave them a ticket to the event?  They were excited, enthusiastic and looked forward to the event because of the gift that had been given them.  They may have really liked the team or band but what "fanned their flames" was  the opportunity to see them live, to experience the action to hear the sounds firsthand.

 

Here the Apostle Paul encourages a young pastor Timothy, to stir up the flame that was in him.  Apparently, the flame may have been flickering.  The stresses of life and even ministry can threaten to snuff out the fire the flame.  Paul himself was stoking the fire, challenging Timothy to remember to stir up what was in him, yes it was still in him, it just needed to be fanned into flame.

 

Yesterday we considered the importance of spiritual leaders who had made an impact on our lives.   Chances are when you look back at those spiritual leaders in your life, they did the same thing for you in your relationship with God.  They made the scriptures "come alive", you could feel yourself being there, hear the sounds and see the sights, but more.  They helped you to feel, to experience and to long for more of the love of Christ and at a time when the light may have been flickering, they rekindled those embers.

 

Perhaps you know someone, a fellow Christian who needs some encouragement, whose gift in ministry needs to be "fanned into flame".  Recall a previous event, invite them to a new one, create a new one.  If it has been done to you, why not pass it on.  Remember "it only takes a spark to get the fire going".

 

Verse 7 speaks of a spirit of power.  It reminds me of Ephesians 6:10 which starts off the passage on putting on the full armor of God.  It starts with His power, not ours.

 

Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.    NKJV

  

Blessings,
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com

   

2 Timothy  1:4-8

 

4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.

 

5 I know that you sincerely trust the Lord, for you have the faith of your mother, Eunice, and your grandmother, Lois.

 

6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

 

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

 

8 So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.

NLT