KellyJ

Q2. (2 Timothy 1:7-8, 12) Can you give examples of how cowardice and shame may have kept you from identifying yourself as a Christian on occasion? From testifying clearly about your faith? According to verse 12, what is the antidote for cowardice and shame? How then do we combat the cowardice and shame we might recognize in ourselves? I have been a coward when it comes to speaking the truth to other believers about what I believe about certain 'controversial topics'. At one point in my walk with the Lord I was bold about what I believed and why. One particular time I was with a group of preschool bible teachers and we were in pre-class prayer. A book was suggested to read for a closing activity. I knew the book could be offensive to some because it was presenting a holiday that not all Christians celebrate. That particular morning we were teaching the children about the Passover and the importance of the blood. The day we were teaching also happened to fall on the holiday that the book talked about (actually spiritualized an aspect of the holiday). I spoke up boldly that I didn't think that we needed to distract from the message of the power of the blood. The response was awkward. I had people looking at me like I had two heads. After class a friend of mine and mother of a child who was in the class where the book was read told me that her child was mortified by the book and went in a corner and cried because she had been taught that the holiday was evil. That family stopped coming to the bible study as a result of the decision to read the book. I beat myself up for being so bold and speaking out about not reading the book but I had to trust the Lord since I believe I was walking in His Spirit and not in my flesh that I spoke what He wanted me to say. I don't know if it was the enemy that wore me out over this situation but since that time I have treaded so lightly almost to the point of cowardice in not wanting to say anything that offends anyone. I learned from this situation that every word that I speak needs to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. If He prompts me to speak, I need to do so boldy and without shame. It is better to be silent if I don't know for sure if He is asking me to be bold because I do not want to lop off anyone's ear with my sword that was not called out of it's sheath!

Q1. (2 Timothy 1:6) What advice would you give to a person who has let use of a spiritual gift or ministry lapse? How can a gift or ministry be rekindled? What might be involved in reclaiming use of such a gift? The responses to this question have been great. Since God gave the gift it is Him that we need to seek when we feel weary in the work He has called us to do. A verse that came to mind when our focus has shifted from the Lord to our circumstances or how we feel is found in Psalm 3:3 "But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head." He promises us that He will supply all our need. If we are weary and running on empty we need to lift our eyes to Him and allow Him to fill us up and renew our hearts.