Prophet’s Reading Plan: Jeremiah 16-18
And the fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.
2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV) 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. For
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of
self-discipline.
Timothy
had been given some sort of gift that enhanced his ministry. But now he needed
to build that gift. The gift was a spark that Paul urged him to fan into a
flame. Sometimes we think that God will just give us everything we need to
accomplish His will and we can just sit around in comfort until that happens.
We think that if God wants us to teach, He’ll make us eloquent. If He wants us
to go on a missionary journey He’ll send us a few grand in the mail. Sometimes
miraculous things like this seem to fall into our laps, but for the most part
we are to fan into flame the gifts God has given us. Perhaps Timothy was afraid
to exercise his gift, but Paul exhorted him saying that God didn’t implant a
spirit of fear in us, but a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.
God
desires that we would discipline ourselves to grow in the areas He has called
us to. If you feel God is leading you to volunteer in a specific ministry, He
can give you what you need to do that. We are much too concerned with being the
star, being the best at whatever it is we want to do. God is not concerned that
we are the best, but that we give Him
our best. He is the best, so He can give us what we need, but He wants us to
work hard at the jobs He gives us. If you feel you should share the gospel with
your boss, discipline yourself to do it! If you feel God gave you the gift of
tongues or healing, discipline yourself to practice
it. If you are getting married, discipline yourself to stay pure and prepare to
be a loving husband or wife. Whatever God is calling you to do, discipline
yourself as you take steps towards your calling.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1. What is a gifting, calling or task God has given you that
He wants you to develop in or prepare for? What is keeping you from doing your
best?
2. Ask God for a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.
How do you need to use self-control to grow and prepare in this area?
3.
Ask God to show you any areas of laziness in your life
and confess these areas to Him.
