Tag: power

Stand firm

These reflections on how to stand firm are based on 2 Timothy 1:6–13.

‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy from prison, knowing that he was going to die soon. In it, he was encouraging Timothy to stand firm in the midst of difficulties, to ‘fan into flame’ (v6) the gift already inside him. It is obvious that Paul was enduring persecution for his faith. However, he knew Timothy’s leadership was also under fire. So he reminded him that he had all he needed.

All Christians, whether leaders or not, have the power, love and self-discipline that comes from the Holy Spirit. Those qualities help us to ‘guard the good deposit’ that we each have.

ENCOURAGED BY EXAMPLES

These devotional blogs are based on Bible study notes I wrote previously, and it was quite poignant for me to read who I mentioned in the entry about this scripture. I had been organising a women’s event called ‘praising through the pain’ and asked three women very dear to me to speak, who retained resolute faith through incredible suffering.

One of those was my dear mother, who, as I have shared many times before, endured so much physical suffering in her life. The others, too, have both encouraged me to stand firm through their own example. Paul was a great example to Timothy – who do you have in your life being the same for you?

GUARDING OUR HEARTS AND MINDS

Whatever we are facing we can stand firm in Jesus, and do not need to suffer shame – although we may endure difficulties. This passage reminds us of the truth and grace of the gospel. We may need to be bold, and fight against the schemes of the enemy at times. But we may also endure suffering for the sake of the gospel. Let’s remember we can call on the Holy Spirit to help us draw on the power, love and self-discipline He has already placed inside of us.

Prayer: Lord You have given me all I need to stand firm today. Holy Spirit, help me to avail myself of Your power, love and self-discipline. Amen.

My prayer for you

Reflections based on Ephesians 1:17–20.

Having finished our study on holiness last week, I am turning to look at hope next. Scripture is full of verses about hope, some of which I want to unpack with you. And yet, at the very start of our time together, I want to share with you my own hopes and prayers for this study.

I was drawn to the subject of hope after my husband led his first study at the ‘pastors’ life group’ he attends. He had just taken over leading the church, and with the added responsibilities and joys come added pressures and difficulties. And yet, during that study, he challenged other pastors from nearby churches to look afresh at biblical hope, and the fact that it is rooted in the truths about God. He then got them to look at their own hopes for the coming year, and the things perhaps they were beginning to lose hope for and challenged them to look at them afresh alongside relevant Scripture.

When I first looked at his notes I too was challenged and decided to explore this whole subject further. This passage from Ephesians is my prayer for you. That as we look at various verses on hope together God will reveal Himself to you once again and your heart will be refreshed and revitalised by the lifegiving knowledge that we have a hope beyond all earthly hopes, which God our Father Himself has called us to.

That hope is accompanied by an inheritance – and the same amazing power that raised Jesus from the dead. Wow. We have a lot to be grateful for don’t we?!

For prayer and reflection: At the start of this new study Lord I do pray that you will open the eyes of my heart to a fresh revelation of the hope that you have called me to.

A vision of our holy God

Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Unsplash

Reflections based on Revelation 4:1–11.

These verses in Revelation were given as a vision of heaven’s throne room to John. The rich, descriptive language gives us a sense of opulence and majesty. Much has been made of the symbolism; for example, the 24 elders are said to represent all of God’s redeemed people (as there were 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament and 12 disciples in the New Testament). The four living creatures are symbols of God’s character. Before the throne is ‘a sea of glass’. Commentators speak of how rare glass was in New Testament times so this highlights the magnificence of God. 

Whatever can be deduced from the symbolism, what is clear is that the vision is depicting God’s awesomeness and holiness. The living creatures are constantly declaring His holiness; the phrase they use repeats the word ‘holy’ not just twice but three times. The Hebrew word ‘holy’ (qadosh) means ‘separate’ or ‘set apart’ and was used to describe the ‘otherness’ of God. I think the repetition shows us how vital an understanding of His holiness is. When we think of Him, it is not another attribute, such as love, compassion or gentleness – all the ones that we find safe and familiar – but holiness that should be uppermost in our minds.

The elders’ words remind us of how His holiness is partnered with glory, honour, power and authority. They recognise that all that is created has only been done so because it was His will. His power and authority are different to ours – infinitely greater. The elders are wearing crowns, so have the signs of authority themselves, but lay their crowns before the one that they know has an authority that far surpasses theirs. What a vision!

Prayer: Holy God, the elders and living creatures all responded to Your holiness with never ending worship. As I learn more about Your holiness, may that be my response too. Amen.