“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:6-7

If you were to go through your closets and dresser drawers today, would you by any chance find a lovely gift that someone has given you, maybe for a birthday or Christmas.  You really liked it, but you felt it was too good to use.  So, you put it away for a future time.  Perhaps if you take it out now and look at it, you might find that it is not the same as when you received it.  Some things deteriorate as they lie hidden in a forgotten place.  Some materials lose their colour, or the threads become weak and are of no value anymore.  Even good china will crack and lose its value if not used.

In our Scripture text, Paul is reminding Timothy that God has given him a gift and that he should be using it to bless others.  He reminds him that he need not fear how others will accept his gift, but He can rely on the power and love of God to bless him as he uses it.

Last week we received an e-mail from the administrator of this site, giving us our schedule for the next three months.  She encouraged us by sharing how these devotions reach more than half the recognized nations on earth.  It is a privilege for me to be able to share this platform with some great writers.  I have never met any of them personally, but we share a common desire – to use what God has given us for the furtherance of His kingdom. Each of us has a different way of presenting the Word of God. There are times when I read some of their writings and I ask myself, “What am I doing on here? I cannot write like they write.” But the Lord always encourages me to just keep on doing what I have been asked to do each month.

I woke up one morning this week, thinking about the responsibility that comes with opening our hearts each month and sharing what the Lord has been dealing with us about. I am sure that we all feel the same – that God has given us a gift that He wants us to share with the world.  We each have our own way of expressing things, but because we are all praying for each other, the Lord takes our efforts and uses them to bless others. We are not sharing our hearts because we want any praise or recognition, but from a sincere desire to do whatever we can to further God’s kingdom.

I am sure we all agree that we are living in the closing days of time.  Jesus Christ is soon going to make His appearance to take His church home.  We each must make sure that we are ready for that day. If you are reading this today, take time to let the Spirit of God search your heart.  Make sure there is nothing that stands between you and the Lord.  And then, ask Him, what gift has He given you that He wants you to use to bless others. Have you hidden it away, waiting for a special moment to use it? Stir it up today. Trust in His power and love to show you the way and to bless your efforts.

Prayer:  Jesus thank you for the gifts that you have given each of us, different, yet all essential in the spreading of your love to a lost and dying world.  Take away our fear and help us to go forward in your power and love.

Devotion by Anne Johnston

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