Fifty Shades of Darkness

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ⁸So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. ⁹He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
2 timothy 1: 6-9

There are obviously more than fifty shades of darkness in our world, but I won’t form a list in this devotion. There are so many things that unbelievers can do that Christians can’t or shouldn’t do anyway. As Christians, we have to hold back foul language when people push our buttons and hold back our fists when people make us angry enough to give it to them. Yet the most difficult, but essential command of Jesus is to forgive what most people would consider unforgivable. This is where most of us have to repent and ask for forgiveness, LOL!

Paul tells Timothy a young new leader of the church, to “fan into flame” and to “stir up the gift” of God. He’s saying, “don’t let the fire burn out!” Paul is also telling us, “don’t let the devil entice you to think that what you have in Christ is not good enough. Don’t let the women you see revealing their bodies make you think your wife is not good enough. The friendly and smooth guy at your job, who seems like he has it all together and complements you at work, is the devil’s trap to ruin your marriage.

We are called to a higher calling! Paul says,

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

We need to pray every day to be filled with the Holy Spirit because we can’t do life by our own power. The kind of love Paul speaks about in this scripture is the same as 1 Corinthians 13:4, Agape – God’s love. The love of the Holy Spirit causes us to keep trying when things get tough, to have self-control and good judgment. We need to ask God to transform the tendency to desire the dark and sinful things in this life to desire what He wants instead.

The Bible says,

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

Paul tells us not to be ashamed of the testimony of Jesus Christ and our life as Christians. Yes, we have to resist this world’s shiny and glamourous darkness, but that’s because we are not of this world and because we love God. We are chosen, royal, holy, and God’s special possession. We are here to win souls for the kingdom of God because our souls have already been won.

The closer we get to God’s light, the darker the world looks, and the more we understand why Jesus had to die for us. There’s tons of darkness in this world, but as Paul said, “… join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” Let the power of God empower you to let your light shine on the darkness. Keep the fire burning!

Salvation Plan

Today, if you have not received Salvation or you would like to rededicate your life back to Christ, say this prayer:

God, I know that I am a sinner. Right now, Lord, I turn from my sins, and I ask you to forgive me. Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross and rose from the grave, for me. I open my heart and life for You to come in, and I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You, God for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Read the Book of John in the Bible. Find out who Christ is, and how He loves you, yes you!

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Love,

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