It’s VBS Colossal Coaster World around here, and Day 2 is off to a super start! We had over 200 people involved in VBS yesterday, and if this VBS week follows the same pattern as the previous years, our numbers of children will grow by the day. It’s not the number of children that we are concerned with gathering… it’s the number of hearts – of both children and adults – open to the change and power of Jesus Christ.
Didn’t our workers do a fabulous job of creating a theme park feel? Roller coasters made out of swim tubes and painted paint sticks… popcorn made out of balloons, a “live” candy apple, tenting made from plastic table cloths, candy and giant pretzels, photo booths, etc… It’s a fun place to be this week!
But more important than creative decor and fun-filled atmosphere is the theme for the week, based on Paul’s words of encouragement and instruction to his young disciple, Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7: ” For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment”
I love how the Amplified Bible, states it:
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm andwell-balanced mind anddiscipline and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7, Amp
Learning to face fear and trust God is a life skill that all of us need. If these little ones can learn to do this at an early age… oh how blessed they will be. I’m still learning that lesson myself. 😉 (In fact, I think that tomorrow I’ll re-post what the Lord gave me 4 years ago when I finally – at the age of 41 – won my first big battle with fear. It’s a keeper truth, and one I’ve noticed lately that I need to re-read and re-absorb.)
But for now, I’ll close with the words penned by Paul, and purposed by God for not only Timothy, but for all of us. Please continue to PRAY with us for VBS, and have a part in all God is doing in the hearts and lives of children across our nation. 🙂
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.8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
2 Timothy 1:6-14, NIV
