AUGUST 2020

Pastor’s Corner

August 2020

Bro. Vino Atienza

⁶ 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. ⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV)

“Power, Love and Self-discipline”

The Apostle Paul was cautioning (not chastizing!) Timothy to replace his fearfulness with fearlessness, his selfishness with selfless love and his disarray with discipline – he can do this simply by “fanning into flame” the fire at the altar of his heart! … Basic, yes. Easy, no!

Any fire left to itself will eventually go out. It will run out of whatever fuel it feeds on. The surest ways to quench the Holy Spirit is through negligence and complacency!… neglect of fervent prayer, of meaningful fellowship and disciplined study. Complacency and neglect of the Holy Spirit and His basic spiritual nourishment over time, and, the fire will simply burn out!

Especially during a global pandemic, we need to keep God’s Holy Spirit active in and through us, we must work at it! He is the Spirit of Power, Love and Self-discipline!

Aside from Prayer, Word and Fellowship… I find that Christian Service – pure, sacrificial, Christlike servanthood (when done regularly and intentionally!) – is a necessary element to add “fuel to the fire”. It keeps us externally-focused and looking at others’ interests instead of our own. Making sure that whatever spiritual nourishment we are receiving finds itself “lived out” by loving others, serving their needs and advancing the common good. Do this, not as a passing fad or a new trend… but, as a necessary outworking of your faith and love for God. 

Like what my doctor recently reiterated: “diet and exercise” makes you fit and healthy! It’s not just what you’re taking in but how you’re “burning” that nourishment!

Let’s keep the fire burning.

Stay Safe, Stay Blessed!