I
shouldn’t be afraid of good things.
shouldn’t be afraid of good things.
But
sometimes I am.
sometimes I am.
I knew I
was supposed to lead women’s ministry at our church and I tried every single
way to talk God out of His idea. I get ticked over that scripture where God
says, “Come let us reason together.” My reply is always the same.
“I’ll come but we both know I’m going to lose.” To this day, God has
yet to call me a loser, even though I never win in the “reasoning”
department.
was supposed to lead women’s ministry at our church and I tried every single
way to talk God out of His idea. I get ticked over that scripture where God
says, “Come let us reason together.” My reply is always the same.
“I’ll come but we both know I’m going to lose.” To this day, God has
yet to call me a loser, even though I never win in the “reasoning”
department.
So shaking
in my boots, or flip flops–I can’t remember what I wore–I set off to our
pastor’s office to break the news. That’s how I felt about it at the time.
Ready to vomit. Unequipped. Void of any great ideas.
in my boots, or flip flops–I can’t remember what I wore–I set off to our
pastor’s office to break the news. That’s how I felt about it at the time.
Ready to vomit. Unequipped. Void of any great ideas.
Ter-ri-fied.
I sat across from him. I told him what I felt God has nudged me in my spirit to
do, and then I broke down and sobbed.
I sat across from him. I told him what I felt God has nudged me in my spirit to
do, and then I broke down and sobbed.
I’ll never
forget his words. With a smile on his face (and he had back pain that day) he
said, “Well, don’t cry about it.” And I laughed…and cried. And cracked a terrible joke.
forget his words. With a smile on his face (and he had back pain that day) he
said, “Well, don’t cry about it.” And I laughed…and cried. And cracked a terrible joke.
In that
moment of obedience, the nerves calmed. And ideas started flittering through my
mind. And something happened. I got excited. And scared. Then excited. God
began equipping me with people–out of the woodwork!
moment of obedience, the nerves calmed. And ideas started flittering through my
mind. And something happened. I got excited. And scared. Then excited. God
began equipping me with people–out of the woodwork!
Things
clicked in place. For three years, I led women’s ministry.
clicked in place. For three years, I led women’s ministry.
But God
led me.
led me.
One of the
greatest verses in the Bible is found in 2 Timothy 1:7. You may know it by
heart. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of
love, and of a sound mind.” NKJV
greatest verses in the Bible is found in 2 Timothy 1:7. You may know it by
heart. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of
love, and of a sound mind.” NKJV
We use it
all the time, don’t we? For any fear or confusion. Some versions say
self-control in place of sound mind.
all the time, don’t we? For any fear or confusion. Some versions say
self-control in place of sound mind.
But we
can’t skip the teeny tiny linking word in this verse. Those little words are
important because it gives us context. And context is vital! Even in the Bible.
can’t skip the teeny tiny linking word in this verse. Those little words are
important because it gives us context. And context is vital! Even in the Bible.
So what
verses are linked to 1:7?
verses are linked to 1:7?
Let’s look
at verse 6 in the NKJV. “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God
at verse 6 in the NKJV. “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God
which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
Paul is
talking to Timothy about the gift God gave him. But we have one of those
important words: therefore. What’s it there for? So we have to link up again.
talking to Timothy about the gift God gave him. But we have one of those
important words: therefore. What’s it there for? So we have to link up again.
Verses
3-5: “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure
conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I
remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see
you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when
I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in
your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you
also.” NKJV
3-5: “I thank God, whom I serve with a pure
conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I
remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see
you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, when
I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in
your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you
also.” NKJV
Paul
recognizes Timothy has genuine faith. He’s not riding Mom and Grandma’s coat
tails–because that’s impossible. And with genuine faith comes something
wonderful.
recognizes Timothy has genuine faith. He’s not riding Mom and Grandma’s coat
tails–because that’s impossible. And with genuine faith comes something
wonderful.
Spiritual
Gifts.
Gifts.
Given
by the Holy Spirit. For us. To equip.
by the Holy Spirit. For us. To equip.
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There
are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are
diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But
the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NKJV
are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are
diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But
the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NKJV
You have a gift given by God. And it’s to be used to profit
all in the church.
all in the church.
Listen
to the way the Message translation reads Ephesians 4:11-13:
to the way the Message translation reads Ephesians 4:11-13:
“But that doesn’t mean you should
all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of
us is given his own gift. The text for this is,
all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of
us is given his own gift. The text for this is,
He
climbed the high mountain,
climbed the high mountain,
He
captured the enemy and seized the booty,
captured the enemy and seized the booty,
He
handed it all out in gifts to the people.
handed it all out in gifts to the people.
Is
it not true that the One who climbed up also climbed down, down to the valley
of earth? And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to
highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his
gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet,
evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant
work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving
rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to
God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive
like Christ.”
it not true that the One who climbed up also climbed down, down to the valley
of earth? And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to
highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his
gifts, filled earth with his gifts. He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet,
evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant
work, working within Christ’s body, the church, until we’re all moving
rhythmically and easily with each other, efficient and graceful in response to
God’s Son, fully mature adults, fully developed within and without, fully alive
like Christ.”
|
My
beloved has gone to his garden, To the beds of spices, To feed his flock in the gardens,
And to
gather lilies. Song of Solomon 6:2 |
NKJV
says, “to equip the saints…”
says, “to equip the saints…”
Timothy
had a gift. So do you. So do I.
had a gift. So do you. So do I.
The
#1 things holding us back is fear. Our fears may stem from many different
things. Pick one:
#1 things holding us back is fear. Our fears may stem from many different
things. Pick one:
My
past reads like a crime novel. I don’t deserve to serve.
past reads like a crime novel. I don’t deserve to serve.
No way can I do something like this. I’m a
nobody.
nobody.
I’m
a hypocrite. Half the time I don’t have it all together. And until I do, I
can’t serve.
a hypocrite. Half the time I don’t have it all together. And until I do, I
can’t serve.
What
if I fail? I failed so many people, broke so many promises, what if I fail God
and He’s been good to me so far.
if I fail? I failed so many people, broke so many promises, what if I fail God
and He’s been good to me so far.
I
have too much going on to get involved in church…i.e. I’m lazy. I’m scared. I’m
insecure. I’m justifying being vulnerable.
have too much going on to get involved in church…i.e. I’m lazy. I’m scared. I’m
insecure. I’m justifying being vulnerable.
I’ve
been hurt by the body of Christ (the church people) and I don’t want to go back
there. *Note* People are imperfect. They hurt us. But God never does.
been hurt by the body of Christ (the church people) and I don’t want to go back
there. *Note* People are imperfect. They hurt us. But God never does.
Insert
your fear here.
your fear here.
If
you belong to Jesus and if you are in a church, you have a responsibility to be
doing something there. How do I know this? 1Corinthians 12:12-31.
you belong to Jesus and if you are in a church, you have a responsibility to be
doing something there. How do I know this? 1Corinthians 12:12-31.
And
now I’m going to show you the context this famous verse was written in. This is
the answer to all your fears and misgivings about using your gifts in the body
of Christ.
now I’m going to show you the context this famous verse was written in. This is
the answer to all your fears and misgivings about using your gifts in the body
of Christ.
“For
God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a
sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.
God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a
sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.
Timothy
was a worrier. Probably about a lot of things. But certainly about using the
gift/gifts God gave him for the church.
was a worrier. Probably about a lot of things. But certainly about using the
gift/gifts God gave him for the church.
Paul
told Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23) “Stop drinking only water, and use a
little wine
told Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23) “Stop drinking only water, and use a
little wine
because of your stomach and your frequent
illnesses.”
Did
you know that drinking some (not lush amounts) of red wine can control
bacteria, heal ulcers and even prevent them. Here is just one link that shares this information. *This is not my personal
invitation for you to go out and slosh down wine or beer. It’s a point I’m
making about Timothy.
you know that drinking some (not lush amounts) of red wine can control
bacteria, heal ulcers and even prevent them. Here is just one link that shares this information. *This is not my personal
invitation for you to go out and slosh down wine or beer. It’s a point I’m
making about Timothy.
He
worried himself sick. Literally. Fear jacked up his stomach.
worried himself sick. Literally. Fear jacked up his stomach.
My point is: God didn’t give you spiritual gifts to keep
under a flame, hidden in the ashes for whatever excuse you can come up with not
to use them.
under a flame, hidden in the ashes for whatever excuse you can come up with not
to use them.
The
NIV translations says, “..fan into flame the gift of God, which is in
you…”
NIV translations says, “..fan into flame the gift of God, which is in
you…”
Fan
the flame. Stir it up.
the flame. Stir it up.
Time rekindle it. That word, stir up in the Greek is anazōpyreō and it means to kindle up, inflame one’s mind, strength, zeal
According
to Dictionary.com, inflame means:
to become hot with passion;
to set or be set on fire
to Dictionary.com, inflame means:
to become hot with passion;
to set or be set on fire
But how do we do this?
*Cue
Alicia Keys, That Girl is On Fire or simply turn to the book of Revelation*
Alicia Keys, That Girl is On Fire or simply turn to the book of Revelation*
Revelation
1:14 is talking about Jesus Christ: “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow,
and His eyes like a flame of
fire…”
1:14 is talking about Jesus Christ: “His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow,
and His eyes like a flame of
fire…”
What are
His eyes like?
His eyes like?
A flame of
fire.
fire.
You want
to excited about the gifts God has placed in you? You want to overcome the fear
and shyness that holds you back? You need to stir up some passion and fire? You
need your fire fanned?
to excited about the gifts God has placed in you? You want to overcome the fear
and shyness that holds you back? You need to stir up some passion and fire? You
need your fire fanned?
Look into
the eyes of fire. Let Him stoke the embers to a blazing inferno. The Lord guides you with
His eye. Full of passion. Fire. Ready to consume your fear. Your timidity. And
to kindle/rekindle the zeal you’ve been lacking.
the eyes of fire. Let Him stoke the embers to a blazing inferno. The Lord guides you with
His eye. Full of passion. Fire. Ready to consume your fear. Your timidity. And
to kindle/rekindle the zeal you’ve been lacking.
*For more on looking into His eyes read this POST! I wrote on focusing on His eyes while we dance to complicated moves.
Don’t you
be afraid! Now get out there and profit the church in a way only you can!
be afraid! Now get out there and profit the church in a way only you can!
If you are serving in your church, what do you do? I’d
love to hear!
love to hear!
This wonderful encouragement, thank you.
Oh, I just love this! We just completed a series on 1 Corinthians 12 and the gifts at church. Loved what you added to it:)
Love this, girl! This is the second post today I've read about using your gifts…and not being afraid to do so. Methinks I'd best listen. 🙂
I have actually been thinking about this a lot lately, in reference to people I know who love God but don't feel the need to be connected to the Body. I think it's such a waste, because God has given them gifts, too!
I have quoted that verse about fear to Anna Marie since she was itty bitty, but I'm one of those who skipped right over the words before it. Oops!
WOW, Jessica! I waited until late into the evening to read your post and so glad I saved it. 2 Timothy 1:7 is my absolute favorite in the NKJV because some days (and people) drive me crazy. This verse reminds me that I have a sound mind from God Himself. Your story about you in the pastor's office is H-Y-S-T-E-R-I-C-A-L, and so very true. God nudges and we don't want to go so our emotions play havoc with us. Been there, done that with women's ministry – for about the same amount of time as you. It was an incredible blessing – and a huge responsibility. But, as you said, God is the One who gifts, leads and provides.
I serve my church on the worship team. I didn't realize I could even sing until someone invited me 20+ years ago to join the team. Now, having the privilege to lead worship continues to be the greatest blessing, greatest humbling point, more authentic heart-check place to serve that He could have possibly called/gifted me to be a part of. Music is my soul's language, and using it to worship Him…well, let's just say, I've got goosebumps just thinking how He has transformed my life through it. I love your heart for Jesus, my Friend. You bless my socks right smack off my feet!
I know what you mean! I am not the "leader" of our women's ministry but I am asked to do things that are SO out of my comfort level because of fear. And I'll never forget when I was asked to be the keynote speaker at one of our events. I was like, "No way." I kept thinking, "Who am I to do that? They should find someone who is more…'good'." LOL
I felt like Moses when he kept telling God that he couldn't speak to the pharaoh. LOL But I gave it to him (eventually). And He had a plan because it was a real blessing for our ministry and for me.
Love this beautiful encouragement! It's exactly what I needed. Bless you, Jessica!
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More on to that Topic: jessicarpatch.com/2013/06/learn-to-fan-flame-of-passion/ […]
… [Trackback]
[…] There you can find 38176 more Information to that Topic: jessicarpatch.com/2013/06/learn-to-fan-flame-of-passion/ […]
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More Info here to that Topic: jessicarpatch.com/2013/06/learn-to-fan-flame-of-passion/ […]
… [Trackback]
[…] Info to that Topic: jessicarpatch.com/2013/06/learn-to-fan-flame-of-passion/ […]