2 Timothy_1

Scripture‭‭

2 Timothy‬ ‭1:6-7‬

 

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

In this letter to Timothy, Paul is reminding Timothy of the faith that was with his grandmother and mother, is also in him. Paul urges Timothy to continue to grow in his faith by using the spiritual gifts that God has blessed him with. He encourages Timothy to continue to live a wholesome life, a life that Paul has taught him to live. Paul reminds him of the possible danger that awaits because of his faith, but also encourages him to be strong because the Holy Spirit is with him. Paul ultimately urges Timothy to carry on where he left off. To continue to share the Good News wherever he goes.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

What are you using the gifts God has blessed you with for?

 

Like Paul and Timothy here, we all have special gifts and talents God has blessed us with. But how are we using them? Are we using them to benefit only ourselves? Or are we using them to help others in need?-(and by doing so showing them a glimpse of who Jesus was, or even sharing with them who Jesus was and what He did)? We as Christ Followers were given a special mission by Jesus...to multiply Christ Followers everywhere-(Matthew 28:18-20). So how are we doing with that mission? Are we sitting back, timidly, waiting for people to come to us? Or are we being bold and courageous, going out into this world-(whether it’s your family, neighborhood, or workplace), and proclaiming the Good News. Remember what verse 7 says in this passage, that God does not give us that spirit of fear and timidity, but one of power, love and self discipline. Is there gonna be bumps along the road? Are we going to be ridiculed for our beliefs? I’m sure we will. But we must be strong! Have faith, and know the One we serve! The One who conquered this world, and the One who conquered death! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”-John‬ ‭16:33

 

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”-Matthew‬ ‭10:32-33‬ ‭

 

 

Life Application

 

Have you had some pie lately?

 

Here at DSC, we spell pie differently. We spell it “PII”. It stands for Pray-Invest-Invite. We should all have a PII card with a list of at least 3 people who we want to see come to know Jesus. We should be praying for them, and praying that God can open up their hearts to His Good News. We should be investing in their lives. Helping them out when needed (remember: good works, produces good will, that will lead to the good news). Finally, we should be inviting them to church or even inviting them into a relationship with Jesus. I know I struggle with the last part, but I know with God’s help I can do it! And I know we all can do this too! I pray for all of God’s people to be on mission, to use the talents and gifts God has blessed us with to help further His Kingdom. Amen.

‭‭

-Moses Gaddi‭‭‬ ‭

 

Psalm 36

Scripture

Psalm 36:5-6

5 Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.

Observation-What does it say?

King David’s Psalm opens with a message about the sinfulness of the wicked. He then speaks to the love and faithfulness of the Lord and petitions the Lord to continue His love towards those who KNOW Him. 

Understanding-What does it mean?

God’s love is what drives us to action.

God’s love, not punishment, is what drives us to action. Even His discipline is from a place of love (please see Hebrews 12:4-13). Loving discipline leads to a trusting relationship with whoever is doing the disciplining. If you are a parent, you understand this. Everything the Lord does is from a place of love and His goodness. Relying on His love means security in a loving, faithful God who will continue to keep us safe. It definitely opposes a life of sin and wickedness; it opposes a life and heart that does NOT know the Lord, which eventually leads to death. 

Life Application 

Obey what the Holy Spirit tells us to do from a place of love, not fear. 

About a year and a half ago, our daughters accepted Jesus’ invitation for salvation. However, our daughters were fearful about getting baptized, (which is the next step of obedience) because of being dunked in the water and people looking at them. I encouraged them not to do it if they were afraid. I encouraged them to do it from a place of love and obedience and to pray to the Lord for what He would want them to do. Long story short, the Lord worked in their little hearts and they were baptized on Dec. 23rd, 2018!

If Jesus cares about little children and can change their hearts and turn their fear into obedience and excitement, how much more can His love transform our hearts to obey what He calls us to do? Not just obey, but be excited about it!

So what is He calling you to do in obedience that you are fearful of? Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Getting baptized? Returning 10% of your income back to Him or if already a tither, being more generous and giving above the tithe? Leaving a relationship that is making you compromise your faith? Helping and serving people at the church? Sharing the Gospel with someone you’ve been praying for? 

Be encouraged by His love and obey not from a place of fear, but of love. 

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19 NIV

 

"In face, this is love for God: to keep his commands.  And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."  1 John 5: 3-4

 

Dear Lord, You know each of our hearts and what makes us fearful. I pray that as we grab hold of Your limitless love for us that we would step out in faith and obedience into all You have called us to do and become. Amen. 

-Please listen to this worship song “Your love Oh Lord” by Third Day. It is based on the Scripture passage chosen. https://youtu.be/0OBRvxrzhqs

-Michelle Gaddi

Psalm_35

Scripture:

Psalm 35:28²⁸ My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,    your praises all day long.

Observation:

David pleads to God for defense – to fight against those who are fighting against him.  [The exact period of time this psalm is linked to is unknown – so we are not sure who is fighting against him at this time.] He prays for destruction of his enemies – may they be disgraced, put to shame, ruined.  He then promises praise for if/when he’s delivered. He recalls dealings with previous adversaries – how he cared for them (mourning them as if family, yet how they betrayed him).  Once again, he promises praise for deliverance from his enemies then goes back to prayer for vindication.

Understanding:

David seems to often be emotionally volatile – quickly (within a single psalm) going from one thing to the next.  But through much of David’s psalms he comes back to praise.  Whether promises of praise or actual praise – even when he doesn’t get what he wants, when he is delivered, with his whole being, remembering what God has done before (even if it doesn’t much what he’s experiencing in the moment), praising God’s character, love and compassion.  Despite his frustrations, his hurts, the times where he felt left and abandoned, he seemingly always turned to praise. 

Life Application:

Always return to praise.Regardless of where you may be today, there is something to praise God for.  If you need to jog your memory, I’ve included a list here from Psalm 103…What God has done for us…

• He forgives our sins (verse 3).
• He heals our bodies (verse 3).
• He has saved us from hell (verse 4). 
• He blesses us with love and compassion (verse 4).
• He satisfies us so deeply that it’s invigorating (verse 5).
• He will deliver justice for the oppressed (verse 6).
• He has revealed His character and deeds to us (verse 7).
• He will not forever accuse or be angry with us for the sins we have committed against Him (verse 9).
• He does not treat us the way we deserve to be treated or seek to punish us for our sins (verse 10).
• He has cleansed us from our sins (verse 12).
• He has the compassion of a Father who knows His children will sometimes fail to obey (verses 13-14).
• His love for His followers prevails over generations (verse 17).

Who God is…

• He is just (verse 6).
• He is compassionate (verse 8).
• He is gracious (verse 8).
• He is slow to anger (verse 8).
• He overflows with love (verse 8).
• He loves His followers beyond our imagination (verse 11).
• He is worthy of praise in heaven and on earth (verse 22).

https://www.scriptureconfidentliving.com/blog/how-to-praise-god-like-king-davidLet’s take time to praise today! <3Rei