Paul wrote some seriously good letters but if you’re a leader, an evangelist, a prophet or in fact if you have any of the brilliant gifts God gives us through His Holy Spirit this one is a must read. I like to underline verses or short passages that have had an impact on me as I’ve read them. In chapter 1 I only got as far as vs. 6 and 7.

⁶ 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. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Phrases like “Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you” and “the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” are designed to inspire is to be everything that we can be for the God who blesses us with good things. We could look at this letter and acknowledge that it is written to Timothy not to us and that as such it’s not for you or me. But if any of us who have come to Christ and surrendered ourselves to Him to become His disciples think that we are sadly missing the point. God blesses each of us with good gifts and as such we are called to use them for His glory. What Paul adds to that is that we are not called to be shy, retiring, timid or terribly British about the way we go about doing that. Instead we are to be bold, courageous and filled with the fire of God as we go through life.

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Question:

If you’ve surrendered your life to Jesus He will have blessed you with gifts and talents to use to share the gospel with others. What are your particular gifts and how are you using them?

Prayer:

Lord God I ask that you would fan into flame the gifts you have given me today. I pray that you would use me for your glory. In the name of Jesus, I rebuke timidity and fear and ask that You would bless me with fearlessness and courage in all I do. Amen.