PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Dec
10

Guard the Gift!

John Danganan

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 doorsat nightbecause the safety and health of our families are valuable. We guard and arm our alarmsour cars because they are valuable to us in our transportation. We even guard and screen lock our phones becausefinancial 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 whichhe 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 of 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 forhis 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 exegesisof 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

Prayer

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 pleasebe the Good Shepherd over me, my family and New Hope Community Church. I love you. Maranatha


Devotions for December 10

2 Timothy 1,2,3,4

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