Apprenticing

SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.

THOUGHT: I had some light fixtures installed last week and it was impressive to hear the master electrician giving instruction to his apprentice. He was very thorough, calm, and even kind as he taught, and the apprentice listened and responded well to him. These guys will be together for four years – the way they relate to each other is important.

This passage from the Amplified translation really fleshes out what Paul is teaching his ministry apprentice, Timothy. So much of Timothy’s success depends on watching, listening, and learning that fear doesn’t have to be in control of the heart and mind belonging to Christ. If you look at Paul’s life and the hardships he endured, you know that he is the voice of experience – a master at trusting God through anything.

If you’re feeling timid, cowardly, or cringing in fear at circumstances around you, take in the coaching of Paul. Let it really penetrate to the deepest parts of your soul: the spirit God gives us (a free gift!) when we turn our lives over to him is a spirit containing what we long for: power, love, a calm and well-balanced mind, discipline, and self-control.

SONG: Brave https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iyrHs960HM

PRAYER: Oh God, we are all apprentices with much to learn. Help us listen to the wisdom of those who’ve gone before us and become masters at this laying down of fear in favor of trusting the Spirit you have put inside us. Release more of the power, love, calm and well-balanced mind, discipline, and self-control you planted inside us the day we said “yes” to you. Fill us with that and blow away the spirit of fear.