September 8
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a
spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:7
Though we have to fear God, fear must not rule
us. We are allowed to draw near to God. The
spirit that the new Covenant imparts to us is
called the "Comforter," which drives out anxiety,
depression, and condemnation.
Paul says we are given the spirit of power, love
and self-control. This spirit is strength to trust,
to bear, to overcome, to deny ourselves, devoted
to the service of God, and to persevere even if
we come to the end of our human strength.
Watch out and do not let the spirit of weakness,
softness, and faintheartedness rise up in you.
The spirit Paul speaks of is the spirit of love. If
this spirit fills us, we will believe in God's love
and be loving, considerate, patient, truthful, and
compassionate towards everybody. We will
have compassion, and will not be hard and cold
towards others; we will not judge or look down
upon anybody, and will refrain from hostility and
bitterness and the like. We do not always have
love and strength, but that is our own fault. Many
people possess strength but have no love. I
would rather they had little strength but much
love.
We also have received the spirit of self-discipline
so that we can refrain from carnal and sensual
pleasures and from pride. If we lead a self-
controlled life, God's spirit can rule in us, as is
promised to all who turn their hearts to him.
Therefore watch out and do not hurt this spirit of
love; let no other spirit but this spirit of power,
love, and self-discipline rule in you!
Johann Christoph Blumhardt, from
He Sent His Word.
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A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Blumhardt's prayer for today and every day of the year.
http://blumhardts.com/bl/DailyPrayer.htm?source=Breakfast
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