Of Power and Love and Discipline

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Of Power and Love and Discipline

We all have times  that give us pause.     They are times of doubt,  a feeling of inadequacy,  and fear.     We just don’t know  if we should speak up  and point out an error — or just be quiet  and let someone else lead,  even though they are obviously wrong.

Young Timothy was that way.     He knew God’s word very well  because his mother and grandmother  taught him well,  ever since he was able to learn.     Timothy’s father  was a Greek,  but his mother had been Jewish  before becoming a Christian.     So, Timothy knew all of the Old Testament teachings  before he also  became a Christian.     Timothy’s big problem was in dealing  with others  in the church,  who wanted to abide  by all the old Jewish laws — instead of living  according to the grace of God  in Christ Jesus.

Those older Jewish Christians  were a bit intimidating  with their authoritative mannerisms.     Even though Timothy knew the teachings  of Christ  better than others  in the congregation,  he was shy about speaking up.     So,  Paul reminds him  in 2 Timothy 1:7,

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

In other words,  stand up  for what is right  according to the word of God.     When you have God  on your side,  you don’t have to be afraid  to speak up.     You have the power  and love  of God’s truths  on your side.      Remember that.

God’s word teaches us how  to discipline ourselves rightly  according to the love  and salvation  of our Lord Jesus Christ.     Because God abides in us,  we realize  what is right  and what is wrong  in the eyes of the Lord.     Since the Lord will be everyone’s Judge  in the end,  it is our duty  to speak up  and show others  God’s truths.

In Jesus Christ,  we are not to let ourselves be bound  under Old Testament laws — nor under the loose,  idolatrous ways  of this world.     Instead,  we are to realize our freedom  in Christ.     We are free  to live  the way Jesus lived — showing love,  compassion,  mercy,  forgiveness,  patience,  trust  and obedience  to God Almighty.

Let us not be timid  in sharing the truths  of God  because we are all  in the same boat.     Without Jesus as our Savior,  we are all headed  for eternal destruction.     So,  when we know the truth,  it is our duty  to share that truth  and help the people around us.     If they choose  to reject God’s word,  then they are responsible  for their own demise.     But,  when we appear before our Lord,  He will say, “Well done,  good and faithful servant.”     (Matthew 25:21)

Remembering God’s love for us  on the cross,  we discipline ourselves  with courage and love  to bravely live the Christian life,  no matter how much others try  to intimidate us.     Then,  standing on the promises of God,  we say,  “Hallelujah!     Lord,  Your word is eternal truth.     You have proven Your power  to keep Your word  for the sake  of our salvation.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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