DaySpring Daily Word of Inspiration: 1 Timothy 1:7 – For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

To piggy back off of our meditation from yesterday, we see again in the scriptures how what God has given us is such a powerful aspect of our lives – if we choose to use and mature it. Just as an earthly Father would give his child the best of him; from his knowledge, strength, character, integrity, passion, self-awareness, and his confidence so God gives to us in the Spirit. Notice that no matter what it is the Father has poured into the life of his child; it is always for the benefit and betterment of his child. With that being the case, how much more do you think what God is pouring into you will do for your life – on earth and in heaven?

Let’s look at that for a moment. The scripture clears up the thought that what God gives us in his Spirit has anything to do with being afraid or timid. There is nothing to fear with God’s Spirit working in your life! Why? Because you have God with you! Now let’s be realistic, you’re not impervious to hurt, trials, setback and heartache but you are better equipped to handle all of those situations. Instead of looking at those circumstances from a place of defeat, the Spirit would remind you of your victory in Christ. That you will get through this situation or will learn a lesson that will make you better or you will gain something that will allow you to help someone else who won’t be able to handle the situation. This is a blessing that adds to your life and pleases God as we work together to help others see his love, grace and mercy as exhibited in our own lives.

Now that we’ve addressed that let’s see what the Spirit does have in store. We gain power, love, and self-discipline. Power is a very general word but let us focus it for a moment. The power we receive from the Spirit is an energy. It’s not physical, it is that thing which moves us and fills us up and gets us going. It is a collection of the thoughts, knowledge and gratitude we find in Christ when we make a true connection with him. Upon having that, you will be motivated, compelled, powered by truth and it will move your live in a powerful way. Love is the most distinct but best in seeing how connected you truly are to God. God is love. Love helps to express freely, to give effortlessly and to care to the point of anguish in your own body. Not just for yourself but for all of God’s people. Love is selfless and puts the concerns of others above one’s self. This isn’t the Eros or erotic love we’ve come to be familiar with, this is the agape love – the unconditional. Do you have that? It’s in the Spirit. Lastly, we have self-discipline. I chuckle even as I write this. Probably the one of the most difficult to establish but absolutely the most rewarding. Self-discipline has ramifications that stem from this life into the next. Self-discipline has so much attached to it, without it you could possibly be on your way far from Christ. Self-discipline showcases our obedience to the word of God. It helps us to live with intention and a focus on doing what God says rather than what we feel. Absence or ignoring of self-discipline; controlling your actions, thoughts, words, and the like is absence or ignoring the absolute word of God and what he commands. If we are unable to display self-discipline, we not have the Spirit of God at all. The implications are huge with self-discipline because they speak directly from what is in the heart of a man/woman. It shows that you’re both dedicated and concerned about what God says and believe in faith that his way is the correct way or it show you don’t. PERIOD! There is no in between.

Today as we get ready to start our weekends, let us take a moment to consider what has the Spirit in us produced, has it produced anything at all or most importantly is it even in me? We pray that the truth is revealed to you, no matter where you are in life but that you indeed get motivated to get the true Spirit of God in you. There are many spirits out in this world; we just want you operating from the direction of God’s Spirit. Have a blessed day and make it to church this Sunday; that could be the first start of the Spirit of God working in your life… In Jesus’ name, AMEN!