A Bowl of Encouragement by Herb Cotton
God Speaks:
2 Timothy 1:5-7 King James Version (KJV)
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Listen to God Speak & Obey:
Today I am encouraged by the letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy. Timothy was going through a difficult time serving God’s people, and he was a young man serving many who were his elders.
In this letter, Paul encouraged Timothy to continue with the work that God had called him to do and to use the gifts that God has equipped him with to fulfill his God tailored purpose for his life.
There are three things that Paul admonishes Timothy to remember.
First, Paul urged Timothy to remember the spiritual foundation of faith that he received growing up surrounded by faithful family members. Notice that Paul was able to see that Timothy was a young man who had faith in God.
Second, Paul urged Timothy to stir up the gift of God that is within him. God equips His people with spiritual gifts to carry out the purpose of their life.
Third, Paul reminded Timothy that God had not given him the spirit of fear; but of power, love and a sound mind.
Finally, what God did for Timothy, He will do for you.
My Soul Sings:
“It is no secret, what God can do.
What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you.
With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you.
It is no secret, what God can do!”
Stuart Hamblen – Author
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Father, we lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for who you are, and for what you provide for your people in every generation. Father, we agree with the prayer that the Apostle Paul prayed in his pastoral prayer about the love of God and the power of God that you have deposited in our hearts.
Ephesians 3:20-21 King James Version (KJV)
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
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