ASLC Devotions - Thursday

Thursday, March 17

 

2 Timothy 1:6-7

 

"I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you. . . . for God did not give you a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline."

 

This text, like so many others in scripture, reminds us that just as life itself is a gift, given by God, so also is our faith-life. And just as physical life can, at times, seem routine, even 'in a rut' and not very exciting, so also can our spiritual life.

 

This must have happened to Timothy, too, who here is reminded to "rekindle" the gift of God he had received.

Fascinating imagery---Timothy reminded to fan the dormant embers within him---to fan into flames the spiritual gifts which, by God's grace, he had been given.

 

The imagery of a fireplace in our heart, lit more brightly by rigorous and loving attention to darkened embers, seems like a special gift early in this Lenten season. It is a gift to ourselves, first of all, as we are reminded to 'fan these flames' by giving disciplined attention to prayer, reflection, and worship over these weeks leading to Easter. And then the joy of sharing this gift---the joy of finding ways to share the light and warmth of Christ's love with those around us, both near at hand, and far far away.

 

Thanks be to God!

 

Del Anderson

Join us for worship this Sunday at 8:30 and 11.