“I remind you to rekindle the gift of God, which is in you. . . .  For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and discernment.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This passage encourages us to remember that God abides within us as much as God abides in the midst of us.
• Our awareness of God within every aspect of our lives helps us overcome fear and reticence, so we can discern what we need most.
• We’re being reminded (meaning we already know this, though may have forgotten), that the Presence of God, the Spirit within us, can be rekindled and reignited again and again.
• Furthermore, we’re encouraged to remember our innate wisdom and ability to listen to our own still, small voice — our intuition — and draw from past experience. This is part of our personal power which recognizes God guidance and aligns with inner strength and faith.
• Especially, we’re reminded that we are God’s Beloveds, loved beyond measure, and that each of us has a tremendous capacity to love ourselves and others in healthy, harmonious ways. This is the love expressed by all spiritual masters, a love so rich, so dynamic, that it can heal, nurture, restore, and revitalize beyond anything we fully imagine.
• In her book, Open Your Mind and Be Healed, Rev. Dr. Johnnie Colemon teaches: “Love is an attribute of God. Therefore, Love is a quality in you…. It manifests in you as kindness, benevolence, and compassion… Love attunes your thinking, feeling, words, actions, and reactions to the prompting of Spirit.”

Contemplation Questions:

Ask yourself:

• When I reflect on my life now, in what ways, if any, have I been timid about speaking and/or living my truth?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.

• When I reflect on my life now, in what ways, if any, have I been reticent in letting God guide me and/or in following my own God guidance?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.

• When I reflect on my life now, in what ways, if any, am I ignoring my own still, small voice or doubting my intuition?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.

• When I reflect on my life now, in what ways am I willing to let love attune my thinking, in particular my judgments and reactions, about a challenge or conflict?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all the ways you can imagine.
  • Note any specific changes in thought and behavior you realize, such as, “I thought So-and-So was being difficulty, but I realize they’re actually sad and grieving.” Or “I can enjoy having dinner with Cousin XYZ, even if our political opinions differ.”

• When I reflect on my life now, in what ways am I willing to let love saturate upset feelings I may have about myself, my circumstances, or others in my life?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all the ways you can imagine.
  • Note any specific changes in your feelings, such as, “I felt angry at myself for not healing faster, though I’m grateful for extra time to rest.”

• When I reflect on my life now, in what ways am I willing to let love attune the words I’m affirming and saying about myself, my circumstances, or others in my life?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all the ways you can imagine.
  • Note anything you would specifically rephrase, such as, “I’m not just budgeting.I’m growing my savings and my awareness of God’s abundance.”

• As I contemplate all my answers, what am I willing to do to recognize love within me?
  • List, word map, or illustrate everything you can imagine. Include all your self-care, self-awareness, and soul work as part of this.

• As I contemplate all my answers, what am I willing to do so my actions are God-guided?
  • List, word map, or illustrate everything you can imagine.
  • Then, contemplate which things you can do immediately and begin taking steps.
  • Next, contemplate which things can be scheduled and begin working on them little by little.

As you use this devotional, remember that we each have our own Ah-Ha moments and transformations.  If you notice feelings or shifts, but can’t articulate them right away, just remain open and willing.  Sometimes, when we stop “working” the devotional, it works on us, and our intuition reveals the best answers.  Also, celebrate the steps you take, no matter how small they seem, so your spirit is continually rekindled and re-energized.

© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.