A Word of Encouragement

March 2, 2026

National Bison Range, MT - June 2015

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

In a letter to the Church at Ephesus, Paul had explained to them that God gave gifts to different believers "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ;" Each one of us having individual gifts for the common goal of developing the whole church, in love. (Ephesus 11-16)

After leaving Timothy in Ephesus, to help the church grow, Paul wrote to remind Timothy to continually use the gifts God had given him - "kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you." (2 Timothy 1:6)

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
	2 Timothy 1:7

This is both an encouragement and a warning.

One of the traps Satan can use to ensnare us is pride. We can begin to think we are special because of the gift(s) God has given us. "God has given ME this gift so you have to follow my lead." We can take the 'power' thing to heart while ignoring the love and discipline.

Do we sometimes allow the spirit of love to die down (or even burn out) in our zeal to guide others? Is our message, “You are wrong, and you need to repent and come to Jesus?” Shouldn't our approach be more like Jesus? He didn't say, “Stop sinning and I will save you.” Instead He loved people - healed them, comforted them, ate with them - and He invited them,

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
	Matthew 11:28

Power AND love AND discipline. That is how we show Jesus to each other. "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7)

El Chayyai - God of my life - help me exercise the gifts You give me, with power and love and discipline.

Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes arrogant; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me.
	Psalm 131:1

His servant with power, love, and discipline,