Advent Devotion from Society of St. Andrew "Advent Devotions 2016" of Big Island, Virginia, United States for Friday, December 16, 2016 "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God"

Advent Devotion from Society of St. Andrew "Advent Devotions 2016" of Big Island, Virginia, United States for Friday, December 16, 2016 "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God"
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV Preferred)
2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.(ESV Preferred)
2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a Spirit who produces not timidity, but power, love and self-discipline.(CJB)
-------
I know we normally think of “fear” or “courage” in terms of facing some great challenge or unknown. Many of my greatest fears have come in the form of having enough confidence in my relationship with God to stand up to challenges to my faith. I remember sitting in a Sunday school class more than 30 years ago, being afraid to ask questions or challenge others in the group. I was afraid of what these seasoned Christians would think of my lack of knowledge and understanding. That same fear kept me from sharing my faith with others. One day Kaye, a dear veteran of the faith, asked me why I didn’t bring up my questions in class. When I shared my reasons she laughed and assured me that my questions were no more foolish than anyone else’s. Her sensitivity and encouragement gave me the courage to grow in my own faith.
One of my favorite quotes is from the movie We Bought a Zoo: “It only takes 20 seconds of courage.” Take a second to speak out in faith, knowing that, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” Fear not!
Prayer: Creator God, thank you for the assurance that you are with us always through the presence of the Great Comforter. Give us the courage to share our faith with others trusting that your Holy Spirit will do the work of salvation through us. Amen.[Johnnie Draughon, Virginia Beach, Virginia]

-------

The Society of St. Andrew is a national nonprofit hunger-relief ministry that rescues 25-30 million pounds of fresh, nutritious, excess produce each year that would otherwise go to waste for various marketing reasons. This food is then distributed to critical feeding agencies across the country at no cost to the agencies or the hungry people they serve. More information about the Society of St. Andrew and its hunger-relief programs - Gleaning Network, Potato & Produce Project, and Harvest of Hope is available online at EndHunger.org.
FacebookTwitterPinterest
sosapr@endhunger.org
3383 Sweet Hollow Road

Big Island, Virginia 24526, United States

-------