What does the Spirit say to the churches?

2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control

When we look at the conflicts within our world we see an arena were the use of fear and the misuse of power are so evident, often exacerbated where control of one over another is exhibited. Yet so often it is our misuse of power, our lack of self-control and the paralysing effect of fear that can imprison our own well-being.

In the book, The Three Edwards, Thomas Costain described the life of Raynald III, a 14th century duke in what is now Belgium. Grossly overweight, Raynald was commonly called by his Latin nickname, Crassus, which means "fat."

After a violent quarrel, Raynald's younger brother Edward led a successful revolt against him. Edward captured Raynald but did not kill him. Instead, he built a room around Raynald in the Nieuwkerk castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he was able to leave the room.

This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of near-normal size, and none was locked or barred. The problem was Raynald's size. To regain his freedom, he needed to lose weight. But Edward knew his older brother, and each day he sent a variety of delicious foods. Instead of dieting his way out of prison, Raynald grew fatter.

When Duke Edward was accused of cruelty, he had a ready answer: "My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills." Raynald stayed in that room for ten years and wasn't released until after Edward died in battle. By then his health was so ruined he died within a year… a prisoner of his own appetite.

In Paul’s letter he hi-lights that Timothy, like us all, needed to be reminded that we have the permanently indwelling Holy Spirit of God Who has gifted us and empowered us with all that we need for life and godliness, no matter how difficult or dangerous life in this world may become.

Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for Your indwelling Holy Spirit and thank You that my life is hid with Christ in God. Thank You that You have not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, and love, and of a sound mind. May I not fear rejection or ridicule in this increasingly hostile world, nor fear the likelihood of persecution, pain, or even death. But may I fan into flame my faith in Christ so that in Him, I may stand firm in the evil day. In Jesus' name, AMEN.