October 21–spirit of self-discipline 

It’s Monday 

I hope your weekend went well. Last night, after a weekend of people, I was alone. It’s not my favorite way to be but since I live alone, it’s to be expected. I opened my Bible to read a bit and I went back to pick back up in II Timothy and I didn’t even get past the first chapter. So much is packed in here. 


“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬


I have quoted 1/2 of this verse countless times over the years. I have used it so often with myself, my kids, my friends, my mom—“...not given us a spirit of fear” but I stop there. Even if I read the whole verse, I thought about the “power” but never until last did night did the “self-discipline” hit with me. 


I’ve been putting off exercising for weeks now. I know I have to get back I to a routine, but I don’t seem to be able to make myself. “He has given us a spirit of self-discipline.” Where’s mine? I’ve been given it. My issue is not “do I have it”, my issue is that I haven’t chosen to use the spirit I’ve been given—I’ve ignored It. (Don’t you hate it when we have to bear responsibility for our choices?) 


What really speaks to me is that just under verse 7 are verses 9&10–they are all in the very same context. 


“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:9-10‬ ‭NIV‬‬


(Don’t you want to read that scripture three times a day?) The power that gave us self-discipline, saved us and calls us to a holy life is the very same power that destroyed death. Wow? Right? How silly do I feel saying “I just can’t make myself...” do anything! So, I immediately jumped on the floor and started exercising—until I couldn’t bicycle my legs up any longer. 


Lord Jesus, how amazing you are! You not only save us, but give a a spirit of power and love and self-discipline, but you truly conquered death and brought eternal life to us! How we praise your name! Forgive us Lord when we fall back on our own resources and forget to tap I to the power you so freely give us—when we are fearful, or forget to love or when we lack self-discipline. Teach us Lord to more fully rely on you for our strength and the authority we have been given. We worship you this day. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear friend,

Pam





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