For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
II Timothy 1:6-7
Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as a leader. His youth, his association with Paul, and his leadership had come under fire from believers and nonbelievers alike. Paul urged him to be bold. When we allow people to intimidate us, we neutralize our effectiveness for God. The power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear of what some might say or do to us, so that we can continue to do God's work. Paul mentions three characteristics of the effective Christian leader: power, love, and self-discipline (sound mind). These are available to us because the Holy Spirit lives in us. Follow His lead each day so that your life will more fully exhibit these characteristics. The average person is apt to spend more time with his fears than he does with his faith. If that is you, it is time that you turn that around. Do it now. Heavenly Father, I thank you Lord for this day. I pray that you would banish all fears the come upon us today by the power of Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen.
God Bless you,
J.H.
I like that prayer!
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