Today's reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-7
As we close this week we can be sure of two things:
- Fear is one of the greatest weapons Satan uses against
us, as it attacks our minds. Filling it with doubts and insecurities; debilitating
our faith and taking away our peace. These thoughts affect us all, he picks on
everyone; no one is spared.
- We do not have to live in Fear, because as children
of God, in Him we are overcomers! (1John 3:1)
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of
love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm,
well-balanced mind and self-control].” (2 Tim. 1:7)
Paul is saying that this kind of fear hinders what God has given us: His power, love and sound mind
(self-control). This kind of fear is not of God but of the enemy. But how
can we fight against this?
Our God has equipped us to overcome by giving us of
His Power:
Spirit of Power: This is His
Holy Spirit that dwells inside of us It is same the Spirit of God
that he promised to His timid, fearful disciples and transformed them into bold
apostles! (John 16:5-7, 33; Acts 1:8, 2 Cor. 5:5). The Holy Spirit works
in us to preserve us daily and help us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Spirit of Love: Another characteristic of the Holy Spirit is love. Jesus said in John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Spirit of Love: Another characteristic of the Holy Spirit is love. Jesus said in John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
"But if we love one another [with unselfish concern], God abides in us, and His love [the love that is His essence abides in us and] is completed and perfected in us." (1 John 4:12b)
Yes, if we live in obedience and total surrender, we will live in His Power. (1 John 4:7-21) -You can also read here -
Yes, if we live in obedience and total surrender, we will live in His Power. (1 John 4:7-21) -You can also read here -
The Holy Spirit, who is given to us, gives us confidence (not fear) in
whatever situation we may encounter in this world. This perfect love of God
casts out all fear because “there is no condemnation to those
who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1), and He gives confidence in
the Day of Judgment.
I remember years ago when my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer,
he would not only suffer from the anxiety of this illness, but of his salvation.
Our God gave me the privilege to lead him to His Savior and whenever satan would
accuse him, he would call me over the phone and through God’s Word and prayer,
my father received His peace as he waited for the final day when Jesus would take
him Home!
Spirit of Self-Control: Whenever we are
tempted to fear, His Holy Spirit will clear our minds and bring our
thoughts to His Word, taking captive those thoughts that are not of Him
“ The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
Our hearts and minds are renewed and restored in Jesus Christ (physically, mentally and spiritually). Romans 8:29 tells us that those who are foreknown by God are “predestined to be conformed into the image of His Son.
“ The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ,” (2 Cor. 10:4-5)
Our hearts and minds are renewed and restored in Jesus Christ (physically, mentally and spiritually). Romans 8:29 tells us that those who are foreknown by God are “predestined to be conformed into the image of His Son.
“The Christian doctrine is a
trust committed to us; it is of unspeakable value in itself, and will be of
unspeakable advantage to us. It is committed to us, to be preserved pure and
entire, yet we must not think to keep it by our own strength, but by the power
of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us; and it will not be gained by those who trust
in their own hearts, and lean to their own understandings.” M. Henry
Fear and timidity will keep you from using the gifts God has given you for
His Purpose: to reach His people and a needy world. God wants you to take His
power, His love, and His sound mind to overcome fear, so you can be used by Him
with all the gifts He has given you!
Remember, we can face this 2019 with the assurance that we are under the
care and direction of the Holy Spirit. In Him “we
are more than conquerors” (Rom. 8:37) because “He who is in you is greater than he that
is in the world”!! (1 John 4:4).
Blessings
my sisters,
Mari
