JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(2nd Timothy 1:7) “for God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity… but power, love, and a sound mind”
Before Paul’s death, Paul writes a letter of encouragement and exhortation to Timothy, his beloved protégé.
Timothy has a shy personality and feels uneasy about his weighty responsibilities.
Paul does not want fear to stifle Timothy’s ministry or his gift from God, so he addresses Timothy’s “spirit of fear”.
Paul says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2nd Timothy 1:7).
The Greek word for “fear” in this verse does not refer to reverential fear that is often associated with fear of the Lord.
Rather, the word refers to cowardice or timidity.
(Matthew 25:14-30) provides an example of this type of fear.
A certain master entrusts three servants with gold before embarking on a journey, and only two of the servants increase the master’s wealth during his absence.
The third servant fears the master and buries his gold instead of taking a risk with it as did the others.
The master responds to the servant’s cowardice by taking back the gold and giving it to the servant with the most gold.
The servant’s “fearful spirit” hindered his full devotion to the master and his ability to make wise decisions.
In the context of (2nd Timothy 1:7), Paul speaks of fear in sharing the gospel amidst persecution.
The frightening circumstances surrounding Timothy’s calling to share the gospel add additional anxiety to his already timid personality.
Paul encourages Timothy by reminding him of his heritage of faith.
His grandmother Lois and mother Eunice provided an example of devout faithfulness to God throughout Timothy’s life.
They likely taught him the Jewish Scriptures and showed him how to be an honorable man of God.
Paul writes that Lois and Eunice’s sincere faith lives inside Timothy.
Paul’s motivation in addressing Timothy’s spirit of fear is not that he doubts Timothy’s sincerity of faith.
Rather, he desires to restore or strengthen Timothy’s courage.
Paul goes on to exhort Timothy to fan into flame his “God-given” gift.
Gifts flourish when surrendered to God, and they decay when we allow fear to paralyze us.
Though fear can hinder a gift’s effectiveness… Paul is telling Timothy that Gods power, love, and peace that passes all understanding... will produce “a sound mind or confidence) aiding Timothy’s growth, boldness and maturity toward God’s glory.
Paul reminds Timothy that God has not given us “a spirit of fear”, but he focuses on the Spirit who gives us “power, love and self-discipline”.
The Spirit of power produces bravery… and the resolution necessary to face and endure danger and difficulty.
The “Spirit of love” fuels sacrificial service toward God and mankind.
The Spirit of God also gives us “a sound mind”, cultivating self-control, alertness, and truth.
Paul does not want fear of man or fear of death to keep Timothy from sharing the gospel.
For the rest of 2nd Timothy, Paul continues to prepare Timothy for a bold, gospel-focused life.
Like Timothy you and I… we should not give in to “a spirit of fear”.
When we focus on ourselves, its then that anxiety, fear of failure, self doubt in our own ability to obey and follow Christ, fear and timidity become the paralyzing result.
We must be a people whom depend, trust, and yield to the Spirit… whom gives us the power, the love, and the alertness… to focus and calm us.
It is only through God’s strength that we can boldly, lovingly, and accurately share the gospel.
May we never allow fear to hinder us from sharing the gospel, but instead rely on God to give us courage!
We must be a people whom totally rely on and are dependent upon God who is in us… (Colossians 1:27) “Christ in you our hope and our glory”
Good Day!
(2nd Corinthians 9:8) “God can pour on the blessings…so that you’re ready for anything and everything.”
Insecurity in the life of Gods people is a debilitating perception of ones self that literally paralyzes our ability to succeed in life, and in the plan of God.
And if your sense of well-being comes from any source other than God including yourself...
chances are you will always struggle with insecurity.
Paul wrote in (2nd Corinthians 9:8) “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so…you’re ready for anything and everything... more than ready to do what needs to be done.”
Another translation puts it this way: “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.
I read this quote a while back that is filled with some great insight,
“Christians are not necessarily better than other people ought to be... but they ought to be more confident than other people are."
Why?
Because as Paul writes in (Philippians 4:13)… “I can do all things thru Christ whom strengthens me”.
As long as you’re trusting in yourself, or others, you will struggle with uncertainty and self-doubt.
But once you start trusting in God… what He can do in you, with you, through you, and for you… you begin to feel differently about yourself.
Insecurity destroys your self-esteem by making you feel unqualified and undeserving.
And here is the worst part... often it means you can’t be taught because you can’t accept honest criticism,...and if you can’t except honest criticism, you will never grow to become all that you can be.
Paul wrote in (2nd Corinthians 9:8) “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so…you’re ready for anything and everything... more than ready to do what needs to be done.”
Another translation puts it this way: “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.
I read this quote a while back that is filled with some great insight,
“Christians are not necessarily better than other people ought to be... but they ought to be more confident than other people are."
Why?
Because as Paul writes in (Philippians 4:13)… “I can do all things thru Christ whom strengthens me”.
As long as you’re trusting in yourself, or others, you will struggle with uncertainty and self-doubt.
But once you start trusting in God… what He can do in you, with you, through you, and for you… you begin to feel differently about yourself.
Insecurity destroys your self-esteem by making you feel unqualified and undeserving.
And here is the worst part... often it means you can’t be taught because you can’t accept honest criticism,...and if you can’t except honest criticism, you will never grow to become all that you can be.
Let's face it…none of us has all the answers.
The thing you need most... “good input”... becomes the last thing you’re willing to accept, because you’re afraid to let anyone know you’re less than perfect.
Consequently, you find it hard to accept challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Yet deep down, you continue to feel incompetent, unaccepted, disapproved of and rejected.
In short… insecurity is an “inside job”!
(Proverbs 23:7) says “as a man thinketh in his heart so is he”.
Jesus said (Mark 9:23) “if you can believe, all things are possible for them that believe”.
With that in mind, take an honest look at your life right now.
Go ahead… it’s safe... no one else is looking… its just you and me and the words on this screen.
Do you really believe that you are in Christ and Christ is in you?
Then what are you afraid of… what is causing your insecurities?
“Jesus said I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly” (John 10:10)
Listen to me this morning folks.
I don’t’ know who you are or where you are from.
But I believe those of you that are reading this devotion this morning, have been led to this writing for one purpose.
God wants you to know that you are highly favoured and He has a great plan for your life.
Like He told Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:11) “for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and give you a future, not plans for evil”!
Ok so you’ve got some “self doubts”.
But you need to know that Gods Word is bigger than your doubts.
And here is what His Word says about you.
(Romans 8:26-37) “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
And those He predestined, He also called… those He called, He also justified… those He justified, He also glorified.
What then shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all… how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?
It is God who justifies.
Who then is the one who condemns?
No one! Christ Jesus who died…more than that, who was raised to life… is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written... “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
But No! In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord".
Now, turn to God and pray... agree with His word that you have just finished reading , “Lord, everything I need to succeed in life I have in You!”
Now go and by faith, with faith in Christ, pursue the dream that God has laid on your heart.
Good day!
(Isaiah 64:8) “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand”
Many years ago I heard a mentor pastor preach a message concerning the “Potter and the Clay” from my scripture text in Isaiah this morning.
He told us how he and his wife visited a local street fair where dozens of artisans were demonstrating their craft and talents for the visitors in attendance.
A crowed formed watching this one potter working with clay who was quite skilled in the art… a pleasure to watch.
As they watched she was finishing the top part of a vase.
As the wheel was spinning, her fingers and thumbs were smoothing, shaping, pulling, and pushing the clay that submitted to her every touch.
She never looked up at those who were watching her.
While finishing the process, the top of the vase displeased her so she gently reached over and with a little instrument, peeled off that part and remade it.
It still, wasn’t quite what she wanted it so she peeled it off again… and after a second time it still was’nt quite right so she remade it yet again…and the third time submitting to the pressure of her fingers… it magically became more beautiful than ever and what finally resulted, was this delicate flare at the top of the vase.
She gave a slight nod as if to say, “There, that’s what I wanted it to look like”… then she left it alone.
Our teacher/mentor told the class… “as we observed her artistry, we were impressed with the care she had demonstrated. No detail was unimportant… the clay had to be just right”.
Jeremiah witnessed that same process as he saw the potter at work.
(Jeremiah 18:5–6) “Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?”
“Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.”
If you have ears to hear this morning… or eyes to see as you read this devotional… there is a message from God for all of us to heed.
The Bible teaches us that we are like clay in the Potters hand… the Potter being our Heavenly Father.
The Bible also teaches that God has a specific plan and will for each of us… for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord… plans to prosper you and give you a future…not plans for evil” (Jeremiah 29:11)
As we are going thru much anxiety in our lives today… the high cost of living… aging and personal medical issues… an economy that is so volatile that many are fearing for their retirement savings and what retirement will look like a few years from now…
I encourage you to trust in God and His plan and will for your life.
Because of our relationship with Christ… as believers we have a heavenly Father that promises that He will look after us and meet our every need… notice I said need… not every want!
The Psalmist said it well in (Psalm 37:25) “I have been young and now I am old and in all that time… I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging for bread”.
Paul sums it up well in (Romans 8:28) “For all things work together for good to those that love the Lord”.
In Christ you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:31-39)… so today choose to submit to the tender hands of the Potter…
You won’t regret it in the long run…
Good Day!
(Matthew 25:28) "Give it to the one who risked the most",
Do you recall or remember the story in the bible of the three stewards who were each given a sum of money to invest?
The first two doubled theirs, while the third buried his in the ground.
The first two were promoted; the third was fired.
"The Master got rid of this play-it-safe individual who wouldn't go out on a limb” (Matthew 28-30)
Could there be a more powerful incentive to taking “a risk of faith”,
You say, "But what if I fail"?
Here’s a powerful motivational thought to remember folks.
“Failure trains you for success”!
It can show you what you need to change in order to move forward.
Think of it this way: as a redeemed child of God you have a security net that allows you to "fail safely".
But if your reputation and self-worth are all tied up in knots over some failed enterprise in the past, you’ll likely not be motivated to try again.
It’s human nature to want to feel good, to succeed, to win the prize, to move forward.
But just like a world-class athlete who backs up to gain the momentum to run faster, sometimes a few steps backward now and then can fuel your progress for later.
There is no wrong in failure… the wrong is in not trying again!
And here’s something else to keep in mind.
God assesses our accomplishments differently than people.
A failure in the eyes of men is often success in the eyes of God.
Remember Noah?
Before the flood he looked like a loser… afterward he became one of the most successful men in history.
And Samson, now there is a man whom was ruled by his feelings and succumbed to his human weaknesses and temptations… yet He did not hesitate to jump into the fray when it came to doing exploits for the Kingdom of God.
Look at Jacob who was a cheat and a conniving scoundrel in his younger years, yet became the father of Israel and the future “great ancestor” of Jesus.
Your most fulfilling reward isn’t human approval... it’s God’s... “well done thou good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)
Life isn't meant to be risk free.
It’s meant to do exploits!
You can't win if you don't run!
All through out the bible there are stories of "men and women of old" whom did "exploits" for their God.
They were not perfect, but they were men and women who did not let their "inability" effect their "availability".
Men like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaac, and Jacob, Deborah Ruth and Ester all whom trusted in God and went out at His word and God rewarded them for their exploits.
Hebrews chapter 11 is often referred to as the “Heroes of Faith” Hall Of Fame.
It is often called the "the faith chapter” of the bible.
It is filled with stories of people who were ordinary men and women who did exploits for the kingdom of God… whom did not let their humanity hinder their faith!
If they could do it… then you can too!
So take the risk today and get out there and chase your dream.
It doesn’t matter what your education is, it doesn’t matter what your experience is… it only matters where your heart is.
God will be there to catch you if you fall.
Better to try and fail than to have never tried at all.
(Psalm 37:24-25) says "for He upholds us in the palm of His right hand... I've never seen the righteous forsaken...)
(Hebrews 11:6) tells us “with out faith it is impossible to please God”.
So today I encourage you to take that “mustard seed of faith” or “the measure of faith” that Paul talks of in (Romans 12:3) that same faith that God has given you… and begin to exercise it… work it… and let God use you in ways you never dreamed possible.
Good Day!
In response to the many questions I get concerning Halloween and is it right for Christians to be involved in the celebration of Halloween… my response is this… “If it ain’t in the word… it don’t need to be heard.
The Bible, of course, doesn’t explicitly talk about Halloween.
It didn’t exist when the Bible was written.
It does, however, speak boldly and clearly on the subject of death, the supernatural, and the role Christians are called to play in combating spiritual forces of darkness and evil in the world.
God’s people are also instructed to flee from all forms of pagan worship, witchcraft, and idolatry.
However, the nature of what exactly is being celebrated or practiced on Halloween can vary.
In fact, if we look closely at the long and storied history of Halloween, we find many instances where the church actively worked to reverse and even supplant the more pagan rituals of October 31st with traditions of its own… many of which have shaped the Halloween we know loved by many
This is a time of year when countless Christian authors, bloggers, pastors, and radio hosts will offer their take on the subject.
Unfortunately, we would be hard-pressed to find a unified Christian view of Halloween. Christian perspectives surrounding October 31 are as diverse as its history.
My opinion and the debate around Halloween will only fuel further dissension and argument which I refuse to be involved in as arguing does no good and debate like this can only polarize people whom I am trying to be a witness of Gods love.
Therefore, my opinion or perspective is only useful in that it is largely up to the individual believer to determine, through prayer, spiritual discernment, pastoral guidance, and careful study of the Word of God… how best and how “biblically” we should approach Halloween and its many traditions.
Instead of offering up my perspective or view of Halloween maybe the best approach to take is to trace the history of October 31st and its roots as a holiday,
Perhaps one should enter into a personal study of the evolution of Halloween and some of its popular traditions… where they came from and began… to what they’ve become today.
What’s important is that Christians understand the traditions they participate in, know what the Bible has to say about these topics, and approach every holiday and cultural practice with prayer and discernment.
Knowing a bit of the history concerning Halloween can be an important step in that process… and possibly open doors of opportunity to witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ… in the midst of the many of these pagan rituals our Christian faith is being challenged with… as we live out our lives to be the light of Jesus in the world.
(2nd Corinthians 4:8) "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed."
There’s an old cliché that has proven to be true in my life over the years: “What doesn’t destroy us makes us stronger.”
However there are several more clichés that I have heard over the years as well, that also prove to be “untrue”.
Here are four sayings that have proved to be false:
1) “When you become a Christian all your problems are over.”
Whoever told you that didn’t get it from Scripture.
Paul said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2nd Corinthians 8-9)
2) “All the problems you’ll ever encounter are addressed in the Bible”.
This thought holds some validity, because according to Jesus our High Priest experienced and was victorious over every temptation and problem known to humanity while He walked this earth, “For we do not have a Priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities but was in all points tempted as we are, yet was with out sin.
However we can’t just sit back and wait for it to happen…we are those that have to stand, we have to fight the good fight of faith.
The bible says in (Hebrews 11:6) “with out faith it is impossible to please God”.
In fact the whole chapter is dedicated to encouraging people to walk on faith… with stories and examples of ordinary people whom did great exploits as a result of trusting God despite of impossible odds.
God tells us many things in His Word, but He still requires us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2nd Corinthians 5:7).
That’s why the Word of God says “Thy Word oh Lord is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105)
That means receiving guidance from His Word, from the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and from the counsel of godly friends.
3) “If you’re having problems, you must be unspiritual or have sin in your life”.
Also not true.
Satan’s attack is proof that you haven’t been conquered, that you represent a threat to the kingdom of darkness, and that you’re doing the will of God.
And the greater the attack, the greater the level of blessing that awaits you beyond it, so keep going.
4) “Being exposed to sound Bible teaching automatically solves every problem".
It will certainly help you solve your problems, but it won’t solve them for you.
As I said earlier, “You” and I must be “doers” of the Word and not “hearers only” (James 1:23).
Paul writes, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies [and tricks] of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Remember, “it’s a battle field brother not a recreation room, it’s a fight and not a game, run if you want to run if you will… but I came here to stay”!
Endure till the end, but remember the battle is the Lords.
Stand and having done all to stand, stand (Ephesians 6:12-14)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything to stand, stand”.
I have come to learn that most times when I am discouraged about events in my life, it’s because I have started listening to the lies of the enemy or the counsel of those whom are ungodly.
The Bible says when David faced opposition, (and believe me he had plenty), the bible says “but David encouraged himself in the Lord”.
Yes there are a lot of clichés out there but the only clichés I am interested in are found in the words of Jesus, “All things are possible to them that believe” (Mark 9:23)
That means you and it means me,
Tell the devil He’s a liar and shake off the bad advice of people whom do not spend time in the Word.
(Psalm 1) says “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or sit in the way of sinners”.
So today refuse to listen to those whom as I say, “don’t seek the Word of God” as their resource for life skills information.
(2nd Peter 1:10) says “Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble”,
Here is one of my own clichés that I have coined all on my own.
“If it ain’t in the Word… then it don’t need to be heard”
Good Day!
(2nd Corinthians 9:8) “God can pour on the blessings…so that you’re ready for anything and everything.”
Insecurity in the life of Gods people is a debilitating perception of ones self that literally paralyzes our ability to succeed in life, and in the plan of God.
And if your sense of well-being comes from any source other than God—including yourself—chances are you will always struggle with insecurity.
Paul wrote in (2nd Corinthians 9:8) “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so…you’re ready for anything and everything, more than…ready to do what needs to be done.”
Another translation puts it this way: “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work”.
I read this quote a while back that is filled with some great insight,
“Christians are not necessarily better than other people ought to be. But they ought to be more confident than other people are."
Why
Because as Paul writes in (Philippians 4:13)… “I can do all things thru Christ whom strengthens me”.
As long as you’re trusting in yourself, or others, you will struggle with uncertainty and self-doubt.
But once you start trusting in God—what He can do in you, with you, through you, and for you—you begin to feel differently about yourself.
Insecurity destroys your self-esteem by making you feel unqualified and undeserving.
And here is the worst part: often it means you can’t be taught,
you can’t accept honest criticism, and therefore you can’t grow.
The thing you need most—good input—becomes the last thing you’re willing to accept, because you’re afraid to let anyone know you’re less than perfect.
Consequently, you find it hard to confront challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Yet deep down, you feel incompetent, unaccepted, disapproved of, and rejected.
In short: insecurity is an “inside job”!
(Proverbs 23:7) says “as a man thinketh in his heart so is he”.
Jesus said (Mark 9:23) “if you can believe, all things are possible for them that believe”.
With that in mind, take an honest look at your life right now.
Go ahead—it’s safe,.. no one else is looking.
Do you really believe that you are in Christ and Christ is in You.
Then what are you afraid of… what is causing your insecurities?
“Jesus said I am come that you might have life and that more abundantly” (John 10:10)
Listen to me this morning folks.
I don’t’ know who you are or where you are from.
But I believe those of you that are reading this devotion this morning have been led to this writing for one purpose this morning.
God wants you to know that you are highly favoured and He has great plans for you to fulfill.
Like He told Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:11) “for I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and give you a future, not plans for evil”!
Ok so you’ve got some self doubts.
But you need to know that Gods Word is bigger than your doubts.
And here is what His Word says about you.
(Romans 8:26-37) “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.
What then shall we say in response to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?
It is God who justifies.
Who then is the one who condemns?
No one; Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
But No! In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now turn to God and say, “Lord, everything I need to succeed in life I have in You!”
Now go and by faith, with faith in Christ, pursue the dream that God has laid on your heart.
Good day!