These words are a good reminder anytime…
II Tim. 1:6a “Therefore I remind you to stir up (fan into a flame) the gift of God which is in you…”
- Timothy had gotten off track. So Paul puts his finger on the problem. Timothy was focused on his fears. He was getting intimidated. He was weary. Frustrated. He was getting pushed around. He was exceptionally gifted, but his gift was parked in neutral. He was not being everything God intended. His flame was growing dim.
- So Timothy is encouraged about his tough situation. He needed to do some personal stirring.
- We can have all the facts, but not the fire.
- Check the fire burning on the altar of our hearts. The fire needs to be stirred occasionally!
- Sometimes we need to be reminded like Timothy that, “Yea, its a hostile world out there… but continue in the face of difficulty… don’t just look at your personal challenges, look at what God has given you!”
- Sometimes we need to add fresh fuel to the fire of our hearts.
- Sometimes we need to shake off the ashes of the God given gift inside of us.
- Sometimes we need to make some changes. Perhaps we need to stir up our devotional life? Or fire up our personal prayer time with the Lord. Or join a small group. Or get intentional about building some relationships that will encourage us in our walk with Christ.
A Few Things on My Mind…
1. “Taps” from Zimbabwe will be with us and leading worship. Taps is quite a remarkable young man. He is an orphan and has never met his parents. He does not know what tribe he is from in Africa. We have adopted Taps into our church family, so please go out of your way to welcome him!
2. Africa (Zimbabwe) Outreach Team is going in May, 2010. We will be sending a team to work with orphanages, churches, leadership and the World Bible Society. A video will be posted on the web soon. Why not pray about going?
3. Its not too late to invite a friend to RAWHIDE tomorrow! Its going to be a great time. We will have live music with “Heaven Bound”, a great bluegrass banjo driven band. We want everyone to come, even if things are tight. See you tomorrow!