Guest Writer / Kyler Costucci
2 Timothy 1:6 For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying of my hands. 7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, and love and self-control, (discipline).Discipline. What does the world think about the word discipline? Discipline from a parent? Boss? Some have negative connotations with discipline. But self-discipline is a high form of love. Doing the things we should do that we know will benefit our lives. What does God say about Discipline? Well, he Lovingly Disciplines his children from true love because he knows what’s best. He’s the creator. This discipline is our pursuit to conform to his image of Christ.What if I hired a coach to train me to become an Olympic athlete? All my money was spent on a coach. Would I listen? Of course, I went ALL IN…. Winning the Olympics is great. It says in 1 Timothy 4:7 Train yourself for godliness. For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
OLYMPICS = BODILY
GODLINESS = JESUS.
We don’t “hire” Jesus. You don’t Hire God. Accepting Jesus Christ as our lord and Saviour means ACCEPTING. He is Lord. Already. With or without my acceptance. His gift of GRACE and salvation is free, and yet his ‘coaching,’ i.e., instruction and wisdom, is the true wisdom that matters. What does going ALL IN for Jesus bring versus ALL IN from the previous world example? Night and day. It brings life and life abundantly, plus eternal life. And training with Him, Godliness will bring MUCH MORE than training my body. Still Important to train my body. It’s the Holy Spirit’s temple and I shall honour it. For many reasons. One of which is energy, longevity, vitality and the ability to minister the good word for others. And do what the Lord has called me to do.
1Timothy 4:15. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them so that all may see your progress. In my earlier days of entrepreneurship, I felt that my mission was to inspire and equip others to become better In all areas of living as a result of my personal example. This was before fully accepting Jesus as Lord. Now I know my mission is broader in scope, which is to inspire and equip others to come to Christ as a result of my personal example and conforming to the image of Christ. Wow! Praise God.
This mission is a gift, a blessing, a lifelong pursuit that brings immense meaning and fulfillment to me. Within the body of Christ, I can mature through submissive obedience to the Lord to help fulfill my call. God’s mission or calling upon our lives is not just a good gift; it’s a great responsibility. Stan Lee’s comic character Spiderman said, “With great power comes great responsibility”. My Lord and saviour Jesus said it this way, “To whom much is given, much is required.” It’s not passive; it’s active. Luke 12:48b Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. This teaching comes in the middle of a parable where Jesus is talking about servants being faithful and ready for their master’s return. What a blessing it is to be used as a vessel by God. I pray for the strength to fulfill this mission faithfully.
If I’m going to train one to three hours a day, I’d better be intentionally investing time with the Lord for equal or more time. This principle reminds me of praying without ceasing and putting on the armour of God. Eph. 6:18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.Fan into flame the gift of God, into FLAME. Like the torch of the Olympics, God’s fire never goes out; it’s carried forever. This speaks to my heart. I once heard Pastor Brodie Kalaman say, “POUR IT OUT. Pour it out so God can POUR IT IN” Consistently fanning. Be in the word, walk in the Spirit, because His ways are better than my ways. If I were to intentionally obey His instruction, more of this wisdom will guard my heart in Christ Jesus. His PEACE can flood our lives and bring us to places that our limited understanding could ever imagine. Wow. What a blessing. Heb Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Thank you, Lord.
Good word Kyler!
Thank you Kevin! :) Grateful God put some words and thoughts to share
Yeah, pump it up and pump Him in.
Hallelujah!!!! God bless my friend! :)
Pour it out so God can pour it in. I love that
Fan into flame 🔥 the gift of God.
I like this sentence it stood out to me .
Fire needs air to burn 🔥 so our faith needs discipline in prayer ect. Wow!
Let’s keep burning daily for his purpose .
Thank you for this message 🙏✝️
Amen! I once heard someone say, “my feet, His fire”. Insinuating that we have a part to play, and the Lord has his and it’s ultimately his glorious fire that takes us through. A lamp unto our feet! There is a song called “soul on fire” by Third day you may enjoy :) “God I am running for your heart, I’m a soul on fire!”
I really felt this reading as I am at the gym currently reading between sets
Praise the Lord and BLESS you Kyler
Hallelujah!! The word of God is the best “preworkout” there ever is and ever will be! Enjoy the bodily and Godliness training my brother.
Good morning Kyler! Man, for some reason, this read was really inspiring for me today! Off I go to work now and maybe God can use me to inspire others. :-)
Hope to see you all again at Friday morning coffee some day!
Praise the Lord! I’m so glad it landed for you my friend, miss you and excited to catch up soon.
I’m confident he can and will use you as one of his faithful followers in and through his grace :) Happy Monday!
Yes, pour it out. Give what God has given you so that God can give you more to give away. Remain a vessel of the Lord’s grace, so that grace may flow from you.
Good thoughts Kyler
Thank you Sir Norm. You are a shining example of that faithful vessel. Thank you Lord!!