Today's Passage - 2 Timothy 1:7

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english 2 Timothy 1: 7   For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.   Facing many difficulties and persecutions, the believers in the church of Ephesus were abandoning God according to Timothy.  The influence of this world to the church was so great, although many appeared faithful,  their hearts were distant from God.  It was, therefore, recorded in the Book of Revelation, the church in Ephesus had forsaken its first love - the same situation the church is facing today.     We need to stand up now and be strong for God and His kingdom instead of depending on others because you and I are the assets of God's kingdom.  Chinese Christians have been receiving God's grace abundantly and it is high time for us to live for Him.  We have often been deceived by Satan thinking we are weak; but in Christ, our sins have all been forgiven and accusations from Satan are no longer effective  because the redemptive power of the blood is still working today.  We have been given the power of victory in Christ, which we can openly proclaim against our enemy everyday of our lives for the Bible says, "Don't be afraid of those who wants to kill your body but cannot touch your soul."  Neither Satan nor the any work from man can ever hurt us; may the Lord help us bearing witness for Him with courage.   God has not only given us a heart of courage, buy also one with kindness. Love is exactly what this world needs and God has provided answers to this world through the love of Christians. May His spirit grant us the love of Christ with a heart of inclusiveness as we build up together helping one another in time of difficulties.   It is only when we are living out the love of Christ, can we be recognized as His disciples.    God has also given a heart of "self discipline" to bear good testimonies for the Lord in our lives, without which how can non-believers come to know God?  Seeing the beauty of Jesus Christ manifested through us, non-believers would naturally be attracted to Him.  May the Lord help us not to become a stumbling block to others and give us a heart with sensitivity and willing to testify for Him in His glory.  Don't forget God does not make us timid, with the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have the power, love and self-discipline.                   Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, we thank you for you have not given us a timid spirit but one filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.  May your spirit flow freely instilling us with a heart of power, love and self-discipline. With thanks we pray, in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!