I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands. For God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-7

Timothy is being reminded by his spiritual Father, the apostle, Paul, of the day he laid his hands on him and released him to the call of God on his life. Paul knew where he started and through the spirit understood what the enemy was whispering in his ears.

Timothy was young and pastoring a local church that might have knocked the wind out of him a bit. It makes one wonder if young Timothy’s spiritual flame, that once burned bright with passion, was now barley a flicker and fading fast. The Bible doesn’t tell us if it was burnout, discouragement, disappointment or a spiritual attack. But sometimes our spiritual fathers can sense when we are sucking wind, and nothing brings the flame of the Holy Spirit and renewed passion like a spiritual Papa.

Paul encourages him to fan the spiritual flame of the Holy Spirit and focus on the strength of Christ Jesus. Can’t you just picture Timothy reading this letter on the side of a hill?

Son, I know you are tired and disappointed about how things have gone for you up to this point. I believe in you, and I remember when God told me to lay my hands on you and release the gifts He bestowed in and on you. My son, do not let a spirit of fear convince you of lies that smother your spiritual flame. You have the power of the Holy Spirit living in you, so get your mind back on the truth about what Christ can do through you. He is with you and so am I. I love you son!

Ask the Holy Spirit if there is someone he wants to encourage through you today. Be bold and email someone in your life a word that will fan the flames deep within them. Let us not grow weary in exhorting one another in the love of Jesus Christ!

Many of these thoughts have come from the book…The Original Sanctuary and The All In Life written by Marc Owings and David Terry. If you haven’t already done so, order your copy today at: http://www.elevatehim.com/store.php Devotions are brought to you by Marc Owings, David Terry, Paul Panquerne and other guest writers.

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Written by: Marc Owings on July 11th, 2012
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