LOVE / fear

 Sunday, November 16, 2025 (7:33 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Holy Father God,

I’ve been hiding. From You, more than anyone. Adam and Eve tried it in the Garden. And here I am. Attempting to follow in their footsteps. Forgive me Lord.

Oh! And what was their reasoning? Fear! (Genesis 3:10).

There was a mistake this morning. How grateful I was to hear myself utter, “Thank You, God.” Naturally. Genuinely. No curse, blame or shame. Just a very automatic, “Thank You, God.”

I like when that’s my approach to problems. Gratitude. Accompanied with a spontaneous smile. Works every time in changing my outlook.

Father, I want to explore 2 Timothy 1:7 with You. I referenced it in two entirely unrelated conversations yesterday. I’d like to apply it to myself. Again.

(8:08 a.m.)

If I were a cartwheel turning girl, I’d definitely be turning them now! Thank You Father.

There is JOY, absolute, genuine JOY bubbling up inside of me right now. Severely squashed by the often present what ifs and shoulds that so readily take up residence in my mind.

Thank You for giving me reprieve from them while studying this one verse!

The Passion Translation. “For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love and self-control.”

Yes!

Taken further, self-control has also been labeled, “a sound mind.” Described by some as “a mind that has been delivered, protected and secure.” What a gift. A true, authentic, genuine gift.

Mighty power has been referenced as “inner strength, courage and confidence to face challenges.”

Spirit of love is shown to mean “the ability to show genuine love to others and live with compassion.”

Self-control refers to the Holy Spirit providing “discipline and a sound mind, enabling believers to have good judgment and self-mastery.”

All aspects desperately needed by me Dear Lord. 

The Message quite simply says, “God doesn’t want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.”

Oh yes dear Lord, I very much want to be bold. And loving. And sensible. Teach me please. Make me such a better learner. And practicer!

And now, The Living Bible. “For the Holy Spirit, God’s gift, does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, to love them and enjoy being with them.”

Make it so Dear Lord. Empower. Embolden. And enable. Me as only You can.

Footnoted here is verse 6. “… stir into flame the strength and boldness, implied; literally, ‘stir up the gift of God.’”

The Life Recovery Bible has a Step 10 devotional for verses one through eight. Thank You that there is always so very much more for me to learn.

Words and phrases used in these three brief paragraphs resemble me quite accurately. “Lifelong process. Grow weary. Want to throw in the towel. Host of emotions. Pain. Fear. Win some battles. Lose others. War to achieve wholeness. Discouraged. Working hard. Persevere. Maintain. Good soldier. Christ’s soldier…”

Oh! Look at that! Perseverance is referencing chapter 2, not 1! Here the apostle uses soldiers, athletes and farmers as his examples for following the Lord’s rules of fighting to the end, training and hard work.

I definitely have the tendency of giving up. Quitting. Not following through. You can change that in me. I know it. I’ve experienced it before.

Continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me Blessed God. I love, need, trust and want You. Teach me to truly love rather than be afraid. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(599 words ~ 9:10 a.m.)