Community Devotions

Guard the Gift!

Scripture

"By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." - 2 Timothy 1:14

Observation

We guard things that hold value to us. We guard our homes and lock our doors at night because the safety and health of our families are valuable. We guard and alarm our cars because transportation is valuable to us. We even guard and screen lock our phones because financial information and privacy are valuable to us. Paul tells Timothy that there has been a good deposit that has been entrusted to him and it’s value is worth guarding and protecting. This good deposit I believe is the “gift of God” that he is to "fan into flame" which he received through the laying of hands (1:6). In other words, Timothy is to guard and protect his anointing, spiritual gift and ministry calling. The means through which he is to guard his anointing is through the strength, power and the agency of the Holy Spirit—not his own might, self discipline or effort.

Application

How much do I value God’s anointing over my life? Many are called but few are chosen to shepherd’s God’s people through preaching the gospel and leading with selfless love. Are there areas of compromise that I’m letting my guard down and not guarding my anointing? Points of Obedience:

• 2:1, “You then, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” — Stand strong in the gospel of God’s grace! I can never earn or work for his gift upon my life. Transfer from my head to my heart that I am fully loved, forgiven and accepted solely on the merit of Christ’s righteousness.
• 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God, as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth”— Be diligent in the study, preparation and exegesis of God’s word! Be accountable and work hard "before the face of the Lord” (Ante faciem domini).
• 2:21, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” — Be quick to confess and repent! A lifestyle of confession before God is a life of honor, holiness, usefulness in the kingdom.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for speaking to me so clearly this morning. Thank you for choosing me and considering me faithful to be a pastor to shepherd your people. I never want to take that for granted. It is a gracious gift that you would entrust me with your anointing and presence. Jesus I want to be strengthened in your grace and continue to live out of the abundance of gospel truth. Holy Sprit, I need you every hour. May you empower me and remind me to continually guard the good deposit entrusted to me and to guard my heart. Would you please be the Good Shepherd over me, my family and New Hope Community Church? I love you. Maranatha!

An Appalling Irony

Scripture

"An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land.  The prophets prophesy falsely,  and the priests rule on their own authority; And my people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? - Jeremiah 5:30-31

Observation

There's corruption and wickedness in the land when there's corruption and wickedness in leadership. Prophets are to prophesy God's truth and priests are to rule in God's authority. It is an appalling and horrible irony for God’s truth speakers to speak falsely and God’s rulers to rule on their own authority. Everyone suffers when there’s corrupt leadership—society, government, churches, families, even the land physically suffers. Compounding the irony is that the “people love it so” when there’s prophets and priests not following the Lord. 

Application

Being entrusted with the gospel, God has counted me faithful. I cannot shy away from the very thing that God has called me to do—speak the truth with grace and lead with God’s authority. The calling is clear but difficult. Speak the truth about God, preach the gospel and teach the whole counsel of God’s word. Lead with God’s authority despite of my lack of life experience as a young pastor. Stand on God’s authority in discipleship and counseling to correct, discipline, rebuke and shepherd with grace. Be very cautious when, “the people love it so” and there’s no difficulty and suffering in ministry. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I feel so inadequate for such a high calling. I don’t feel worthy to speak and lead on your behalf but may I be who you called me to be NOT what others expect me to be. Help me to be strong and courageous in you. Please grant me wisdom to know when to speak the truth and when to be silent, know when to be firm and when to compromise. Holy Spirit fill me! Please continue to be my good shepherd and lead me. As I follow you help me to lead my wife, family and your church. Maranatha! Amen.