Kindle Afresh.

I hate when this happens. I heard an awesome concept this morning while listening to a sermon on the radio and after digging up the Scripture reference that was utilized to make the point and now I can't remember who was preaching. That's what I get for listening to a couple of sermons a day! Or trying to, depending on much channel surfing I have to do.

(I really miss my iPod not working)

So the bottom line that stood out as application for today's post was the verse from 2 Timothy 1. Paul is writing and reminiscing regarding the life of Timothy and then takes time to "remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God..."

I couple of things come to mind. Obviously, the relationship between Paul and Timothy was strong. Was it Paul's quality of leadership to naturally encourage Timothy? Did he know the full extent to which Timothy may have been struggling, since the exhortation continues about a spirit of timidity and not being ashamed of the testimony of God?

The gift of God Paul refers to, of course, is the Holy Spirit. "Kindle afresh." Stir up.

Just thinking about the change that occurs in life when we continually activate the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives is encouraging me as I write this to do the same.

So it begs the question, if a leader like Paul encourage a man like Timothy on a spiritual matter as significant as the Holy Spirit, how much more should we hope and prayer that senior pastors are doing the same for their associates? Whether the need is known, assumed or a friendly reminder "just in case", Paul's words are relevant today.

Kindle afresh... tend to... stir up the Holy Spirit within you.

Pray this #associatePastorTuesday, that pastors would indeed be encouraged to seek afresh the power of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in and through their lives, even in the smallest of details. May there be a spirit of tenacity rather than timidity in their ministries; a boldness in their calling and a confidence as the move forward in ministry. Pray they would continue to operate in a spirit of love, truth and grace as we have continuously stated. Pray a spirit of defeat, frustration and burnout would be far from them; though the challenges are great and the outcomes unknown, may they be quickened and revived by the power of the Holy Spirit, as they take time daily to tend to that aspect of faith and kindle afresh the gift of God.

For the sending of the Holy Spirit
Was the promise of Christ.
The same spirit that raised Christ from the dead,
Dwells in us.
What an amazing gift of God.
To be used for His glory.

- PNC

---