GPS Guide – December 28, 2018

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Friday

Read: 2 Timothy 1:3-7

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” (NIV 2 Timothy 1:3-7)

Study: On his second missionary journey, the apostle Paul met a younger man named Timothy ( Acts 16:1-4). Timothy became one of his most trusted associates, one Paul trusted to lead some of the churches he planted, and to continue leading them after Paul was gone. Such a large responsibility must have frightened Timothy at times, especially in the light of his youth (1 Timothy 4:12). But Paul told him that God’s spirit could make him lovingly powerful, rather than timid.

The apostle Paul traced his faith to his ancestors (verse 3). Here he called his friend Timothy to live out his own legacy of faith from his mother and grandmother, and from Paul, his spiritual “father.” What examples of either spiritual courage or timidity are parts of your family’s spiritual legacy? In what ways have parents, grandparents and other important people given you confidence to fearlessly value and use your God-given strengths? What effect have they had on you? How can you mentor and encourage someone who is younger than you are?

 Prayer: King Jesus, thank you for being the “eternal father, strong to save,”whose love and courage can guide me either through or beyond the legacy of my earthly family. Give me the courage to always live out your principles, and to guide others in your ways. Amen