Punctuate the Positive

The Apostle Paul begins his second letter to Timothy with recollections from the past and admonitions for the future. Timothy's past had been built on and nurtured with faith. His future would be filled with troubles and afflictions. As Timothy's spiritual father; Paul exhorts him to retain the solid counsel and christian values he had received as his son in the ministry, to keep the faith his family had instilled in him, and to stir up the gift of God that was resident within him.

"For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." II Timothy 1:12

The Apostle had committed his body, soul, and spirit to Jesus Christ. He had committed his calling and ministry to the Lord. He had no doubts concerning his relationship with Him. His present and future were safe in Him who had given him life more abundant. Paul was certain of his future. He said in Romans 8:38,39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. He continued in Romans 14:8, "whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's".

At this time of the year it is common to make resolutions for the coming year. We look back and take inventory. We pick out the negatives in our lives. We vow to change our behaviors and circumstances. Often times our New Year's resolutions are the same ones we have made year after year.

This year when we look back, let's punctuate the positives. Let's use them as a platform on which we will build a brighter future. Let us take a look at how our faith has seen us through the most difficult times and take time to recall the pearls of wisdom we have gathered from our spiritual fathers and mothers. Above all, we must activate the gift of God within ourselves to be all we can be for Him in the coming year.

Truly He is able to keep all that we commit to Him! PT2006
PT2006 writes the Worship Wednesday segment for Beneath the Ivy Wreath. Please let her know how much you are enjoying these devotionals. Perhaps we can encourage her to start a daily blog. I'm sure we could all use her inspirational insights. Thanks again, sis.