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READING: 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-7

Verse 7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

One of the definitions for faith in Webster’s Dictionary, says it is a firm belief in something for which there is no proof. It is interesting to note that those same words can define fear. Many fears, like faith, are beliefs in something unproven. Both fear and faith begin with the belief that something is going to happen. However, major difference is introduced when the faith involved is biblical faith. Fears come from entertaining negative expectations that harm or loss is going to occur. The faith of a Believer reflects positive expectations that God’s dominion will insure our wellbeing. The devil tries to produce fear to distract us from the realty of our Heavenly Father’s faithfulness. As today’s verse says, that is clearly not from God. Through godly faith, we can remain encouraged and strong as we receive the Lord’s promised gifts of power, love and soundness of mind. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What should a person do when they realize the presence of fear?

2. Review in your mind an incident during which you recognized the operation of power, love and soundness of mind.