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  • Living in the Strength of 2 Timothy 1:7

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

    Have you ever read this verse and thought, “Why don’t I feel powerful, loving, or self-disciplined?” If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with fear, self-doubt, and moments of weakness. Even though we know God has given us His Spirit, walking in His power can feel like an uphill battle.

    But here’s the truth: God’s Spirit is already within us, equipping us with power, love, and self-discipline. The challenge isn’t that we lack these attributes, but that we often forget to access them. So how do we live in the reality of 2 Timothy 1:7?

    1. Recognizing Fear for What It Is

    Fear often disguises itself as caution, insecurity, or hesitation. But God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear! When we recognize fear creeping in, we must remind ourselves that it doesn’t come from God. Instead of entertaining it, we can reject it and replace it with faith.

    2. Leaning Into God’s Power

    God’s power isn’t something we generate on our own—it comes from Him. When we feel weak, we need to remember that His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Relying on God’s power means praying for His help, stepping out in faith even when we feel inadequate, and trusting that He will sustain us.

    3. Choosing Love Over Fear

    Fear and love cannot coexist. When fear grips us, it often makes us focus inward—on our inadequacies, our failures, or our worries. Love, however, turns our focus outward. When we shift our mindset to love—loving God, loving others, and even loving ourselves as God does—we push fear aside and step into God’s purpose.

    4. Practicing Self-Discipline Daily

    Self-discipline isn’t just about willpower; it’s about aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s truth. When we make time for prayer, reading Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with encouragement, we strengthen the discipline to walk in God’s Spirit. Every small step of faith builds spiritual endurance.

    Encouragement for Today

    If you don’t feel powerful, loving, or self-disciplined today, take heart—you’re not alone. But remember, these attributes aren’t feelings; they are gifts from the Holy Spirit. Even when you feel weak, God’s Spirit within you is strong. Keep stepping forward in faith, and over time, you’ll see His power at work in your life.

    So, take a deep breath. Let go of fear. Trust in the Spirit that God has given you. He is with you, always.

  • Why Is It So Difficult for Me to Be Vulnerable?

    Vulnerability is one of those words that carries both hope and fear. It’s the key to deep relationships, spiritual growth, and emotional healing, yet it often feels like a risk too great to take. As I reflected on this in my morning devotional, I found myself drawn to 2 Corinthians 3:18:

    > “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV)



    This verse speaks of transformation, of becoming more like Christ as we gaze upon Him. But one phrase stood out to me—”with unveiled faces.” It implies openness, honesty, and a willingness to be seen as we truly are. Yet, if I’m honest with myself, I often resist this unveiling. Why is it so difficult to be vulnerable?

    The Fear of Exposure

    Earlier in 2 Corinthians 3, Paul contrasts the old and new covenants. He describes how Moses covered his face with a veil because the Israelites were afraid to see the fading glory of God’s presence upon him (v. 13). This image of veiling represents our tendency to hide—whether out of fear, shame, or a sense of unworthiness.

    I find myself doing the same thing. I hesitate to be vulnerable because I don’t want others to see my weaknesses, my struggles, or my failures. There’s a deep-rooted fear that if I let people see the real me, I’ll be rejected or judged. I tell myself that strength means having it all together, but in reality, keeping up that illusion is exhausting.

    The Illusion of Control

    Paul also speaks about the difference between the letter of the law and the Spirit (v. 6). The law brings condemnation, but the Spirit brings life. I wonder if my resistance to vulnerability comes from an attempt to control how others perceive me. If I stay guarded, I can manage my image. If I keep certain struggles hidden, I can avoid feeling weak.

    But 2 Corinthians 3:17 reminds me, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” True freedom comes not in self-protection but in surrender. Vulnerability is not about recklessly exposing ourselves; it’s about trusting God enough to be honest—first with Him and then with others.

    Transformation Through Unveiling

    The beautiful promise of verse 18 is that as we behold Christ with unveiled faces, we are being transformed. This transformation doesn’t happen behind a mask. It happens in honesty, in surrender, in vulnerability. The more I am willing to come before God as I truly am, the more He shapes me into His image.

    So, why is vulnerability so difficult? Because it requires trust. It requires letting go of control. It requires believing that God’s grace is sufficient for me, that my worth is not in my perfection but in Christ’s work within me.

    I’m still learning. But today, I choose to take one step closer to unveiling my face—to embracing the freedom that comes from being fully known and fully loved by Him.

  • Work Your Land, Reap Your Reward

    “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.” – Proverbs 28:19



    Have you ever felt stuck? Like no matter how much you want to move forward, life feels like it’s at a standstill? You have dreams, but you don’t know how to make them happen. You have goals, but motivation seems out of reach. If that sounds familiar, here’s some good news: you have everything you need to start right now.

    Proverbs 28:19 reminds us that those who work their land—who put in effort, stay focused, and refuse to give up—will have plenty. Not just enough. Not barely getting by. Plenty.

    So what’s your “land”? Maybe it’s your job, your family, your talents, or the dream God has placed in your heart. Whatever it is, you are called to work it, nurture it, and watch it grow.

    1. You Have What It Takes

    It’s easy to look at others and think they have more opportunities, more resources, or more talent. But God has already given you what you need to take the next step. Don’t focus on what you don’t have—focus on what you do have and start there.

    Remember, a farmer doesn’t wait for perfect weather to plant seeds. He works his land in the season he’s in. Your season is now.

    2. Small Steps Lead to Big Results

    Sometimes we get overwhelmed thinking about how far we have to go. But success isn’t built in a day—it’s built in daily choices.

    Want to get in shape? Start with a 10-minute walk.

    Want to grow spiritually? Read one chapter of the Bible today.

    Want to start a business? Research your idea for 30 minutes.


    Every small action adds up. If you stay consistent, you will see growth.

    3. Avoid the Traps of Distraction

    Proverbs 28:19 warns that those who chase “worthless pursuits” will end up empty-handed. That doesn’t mean you can’t rest or enjoy life, but it’s a reminder not to waste time on things that don’t truly matter.

    Scrolling endlessly on your phone, putting off responsibilities, and waiting for “someday” won’t get you where you want to be. But when you focus on what God has put in front of you, He will bless your work.

    4. God Blesses Diligence

    God doesn’t expect perfection—He asks for faithfulness. When you show up, put in effort, and trust Him with the results, He will open doors you never expected.

    Think of all the people in the Bible who saw blessings from their work:

    Noah built the ark before there was ever a drop of rain.

    David tended sheep before he became king.

    Ruth worked in the fields before she found favor.


    Your hard work is not in vain. Keep going. Keep planting. Keep trusting. The harvest will come.

    5. The Best Time to Start is Now

    Today is the perfect day to start. Not next week. Not when you feel ready. Right now.

    What’s one step you can take today?

    What’s one distraction you can remove?

    What’s one way you can trust God with your work?


    Work your land. Stay faithful. And watch how God provides. Your season of plenty is coming.

  • The Reflection of a Hardworking Heart

    As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. – Proverbs 27:19

    There’s something about a long day’s work that leaves a mark—not just on your hands, but on your heart. The dirt under your fingernails, the sweat on your brow, and the aches in your muscles tell a story. They reflect who you are, just like still water reflects the face of whoever looks into it.

    For those of us who work with our hands—on job sites, in workshops, on factory floors, or behind the wheel—this verse hits home. It reminds us that our work isn’t just about the physical effort we put in. It’s about the heart behind it. What we do, how we do it, and why we do it all flow from what’s inside us.

    What’s in Your Reflection?

    When you take a step back and look at your life, what do you see? Not just the work you’ve done, but the way you’ve done it. The way you treat your coworkers, the effort you put into each task, and the attitude you carry—these all reflect who you really are.

    A man can show up early every day, put in long hours, and still go home feeling empty if his heart isn’t in the right place. On the other hand, a man who works with purpose, honesty, and integrity will see something different when he looks in the mirror. He’ll see pride—not the boastful kind, but the kind that comes from knowing he gave his best.

    Building a Reflection Worth Seeing

    Just like a dirty mirror won’t show a clear image, a heart weighed down by bitterness, dishonesty, or laziness won’t reflect a life worth admiring. But if we fill our hearts with good things—honest work, kindness, gratitude—our lives will show it.

    Work with Integrity – Do the job right, even when no one is watching. Your work reflects your character.

    Respect Others – Treat your coworkers, customers, and supervisors with the same respect you’d want in return.

    Be Proud of Honest Labor – Whether you build houses, fix engines, weld steel, or run machines, your work matters.

    Take Time to Rest and Reflect – A lake only reflects clearly when it’s still. Take moments to slow down and ask yourself if your life reflects the kind of heart you want to have.


    The Heart of the Matter

    At the end of the day, your work is more than just a paycheck. It’s a reflection of your values, your effort, and your heart. If you want to see a strong, honest, and hardworking man staring back at you in the mirror, it starts from within.

    So, what does your reflection say about you?

  • Welcome to My Blog: A Journey Through Daily Life

    Hello, dear readers! I’m excited to welcome you to my blog, a space where I’ll be sharing insights, reflections, and musings on a variety of topics that arise in my everyday life. Life is a tapestry of experiences, and through this blog, I aim to weave together the threads of my morning meditation and devotion routine, the challenges I face, the thoughts that inspire me, and the intriguing concepts and opportunities I encounter throughout my day.

    Each post will offer a glimpse into my personal journey—how I start my mornings with intention, the hurdles I navigate, and the lessons I learn along the way. I believe that by sharing these moments, I can not only document my own growth but also connect with others who may find resonance in my experiences. So, whether you’re looking for inspiration, a sense of community, or simply a moment of reflection, I invite you to join me as we explore the beauty and complexity of daily life together. Let’s embark on this journey of discovery and self-awareness, one post at a time!

    Follow the journey