This is a special verse today. Maybe you have seen it, but this verse is my youtube banner. And in the video I explain why.

Here is the text for today:
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2 Timothy 1:7, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
Interesting points:
1. In this verse, Paul helps us better understand the gift God gave us upon hearing and accepting Jesus as our Savior: our spirit -- made alive by His Spirit. Yesterday we looked at the need for us to avoid becoming spiritually passive; and instead, to set about growing in our faith by seeking God, exercising our faith and answer His calling on our lives. This verse reinforces that point by helping us understand the nature of God’s gift in us.

2. Paul’s words are a powerful reminder of how we were when we first came to Christ: enthusiastic and fearless. Remember how easy it was to share the Gospel with others, how hungry we were to learn more about God and how our new-found faith excited us? There was no spirit of helplessness, of fear and/or hate, nor lack of purpose BUT one of power, love and self-discipline (which is also translated as self-control, sound mind or sound judgment).

Application.
Brothers, may the memories of how we were when we first accepted Jesus as Lord help us take stock of where we are in our faith today, using the following questions for reflection:
1. Do I feel empowered in life’s daily struggle to humbly serve, share my faith / testify to the Good News of my salvation, and remain steadfast no matter what circumstances are thrown at me?
2. Does His love still burn passionately in my heart, propelling me to tell others about him, serve His people and humbly obey that which God calls me to do?
3. Have I sought God’s help to tame my sinful nature, place the interests of others above my own, take time to study His Word, pray, encourage others, and to turn from sin?

Each of these is a choice, and we have to choose to fan the flame – actively – for if we remain passive and lukewarm, God will surely spit us out!