Gifts Used to Escape

Gifts Used to Escape

2 Peter 1: ³ God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness. ⁴ In this way he has given us the very great and precious gifts he promised, so that by means of these gifts you may escape from the destructive lust that is in the world, and may come to share the divine nature. 

 

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Hearing conversations about expensive houses, cars and luxurious vacations, I decided to spend my time and energy acquiring “the dream.” After climbing the ladder, I reached “the top” only to realize I had been trapped in high pressure, broken relationships and impressing pain on others.

 

• I had talents that I was not using to grow GOD’s kingdom, rather I was put in a position to harm it.
• I had gifts that GOD gave me that I was using for someone else’s gain.
• I ignored GOD and put HIM in a box that I would open for an hour or two each Sunday.

 

Peter goes right into deep theology by saying “GOD has given us everything we need.” His statement suggests, that we already have the ability to live for GOD. It also suggests that we have a choice to live for GOD or to live life in pursuit of the world’s “destructive lust.”

 

My Observations:

• The worst kind of lust is the one that everyone says “this is what you are supposed to pursue.”
• Seeing GOD as the enemy to my pleasure can cause me to use my gifts and talents for my own pursuits.
• GOD has given me everything I need to be successful in HIS eyes, I only have to use what HE gave me for HIS purpose.

 

Images of the world’s success makes me lust over what it has to offer. I mean, seeing movies where the star steps off of his or her own private jet after drinking the most expensive champagne and arriving in a chauffeur driven car to take him or her to a luxury home, makes me say “why don’t I have that?” BUT GOD wants HIS SON to be known and followed.

 

These two thoughts conflict. I stop following GOD to follow human stories of “success.” I mimic celebrities in hopes of being discovered. BUT GOD takes me off the lustful path and places me on a road that is traveled less. HE shows me how important it is to take the Gospel to the world, in hopes that HIS message will not be rejected. I gladly use my gifts for JESUS, who gave them to me in the first place.

 

Challenge

• What “destructive lust” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever fallen into the trap of “everyone else is doing it?”
• Will you use your GOD given gifts and talents to grow HIS kingdom, instead of growing your own today?

Love Cover

Love Cover

1 Peter 4: ⁷ The end of all things is near. You must be self-controlled and alert, to be able to pray. ⁸ Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins. ⁹ Open your homes to each other without complaining. ¹⁰ Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God. ¹¹ Those who preach must preach God's messages; those who serve must serve with the strength that God gives them, so that in all things praise may be given to God through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

 

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Tired of living a lie, I decided to tell the truth. I did not have much work experience and I lied to a person about my age so perhaps, I could gain more respect. But that would lead to other lies that I could not back up. I told the truth and the person said. “I knew how old you are and I want you on my team. I appreciate you telling me the truth”

 

• My lie was excused.
• My lie was noticed and addressed.
• My lie was forgiven, but I could not move forward on the path of lying.

 

Peter continues with some deep doctrine, but makes it practical. He starts off with a very shocking statement, “The end of all things is near.” JESUS had fulfilled all of the prophecies and there was none left, other than the statement that JESUS would return. Until then, Peter provides a practical approach to living.

 

My Observations

• Approaching family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances with love covers my sins and theirs.
• Opening up my home to help people should be done without me complaining.
• Leveraging the “special gift” GOD has given me should be used for the good of others.

 

Sin causes problems in my life. I mean, when I lied, cheated and stole, I did not get far. In fact I found myself with more problems that required more lying, cheating and stealing. I needed help. Fortunately for me, JESUS covered my sins. Like a heavy cover over a flame, the sting of sin is doused out by the shed blood of JESUS.

 

Since I believe in HIM being raised from the dead, I am saved from eternal separation from GOD’s love. This is Good News! I can now use my GOD given gifts to speak about GOD and live for HIM with excitement and power. I praise GOD in all thing.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention being “self-controlled and alert?”
• Have you ever gotten so worried that you were unable to pray?
• Will you relook at your current situation with love to see where you can cover for someone or where you need to be covered?
• Will you praise GOD after showing love today?

Gifted

Gifted

James 1: ¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my dear friends! ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. ¹⁸ By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures.

 

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“You are gifted” someone said to me. I had not heard that before in reference to me and I was puzzled at the statement. Too scared to ask questions I simply said “Thanks.” Later I realized the compliment was in reference to me cutting my parents grass.

 

• I was less enthused by the compliment.
• I did not want to be “known” by my grass cutting skills.
• I thought “gifts” were something like super strength or speed or being a brainiac.

 

James gives a stern warning to all believers in JESUS as the Savior. He warns everyone that any good gift comes from GOD. This warning was probably put in place so humans would not take credit for skills acquitted.

 

My Observations:

• I need to praise GOD for every gift, talent and skill I possesses.
• I should be thankful for being exposed to new learning and attribute it to GOD.
• I should not overlook the smallest gift GOD has given me, because it is important to HIM.

 

Being thankful for even the smallest gift is important. I mean, if all I have to offer someone that day is a smile, I should offer it in healthy portions. Afterwards, I can be thankful that my “gift” of smiling may have brought joy to someone that day.

 

GOD uses all gifts and presents HE gives to us for HIS purpose. The things we think are small are huge to HIM. HE wants me to recognize and thank HIM for the gifts HE has given me. Remember the grass cutting? Years later I was able to bring unity to a block I moved to, simply because people had questions about my grass. I am grateful for the gifts GOD has given me!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer give such a powerful warning?
• Have you ever acquired a skill or talent and thought it was you who did it?
• Are you overlooking a gift that is important to GOD, but less important to you?
• Will you take a moment to list your gifts, skills and talents, no matter how small, and thank GOD for each so you can use them for HIS purpose today?

Putting Gifts to Use

Putting Gifts to Use

Ephesians 4: ¹¹ It was he who “gave gifts to people”; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. ¹² He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. ¹³ And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature.

 

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Seeing the mural, I was amazed! Someone had illustrated major events of the Bible in a way I could understand. Another person I ran into was very talented in growing gardens. She mentioned how it reminded her of bearing fruit and had many analogies.

 

• I thought gifts were only limited to being used in church.
• I limited gifts to churchy tests and certain language used only in churches.
• I wondered if I had any gifts because the church did not seem to value what I had to offer.

 

JESUS “gave gifts to people” according to the scripture. Paul explains that each gift given would be put to use for the work of the Christian service. The list he gives can sometimes be confused by activities defined in many churches. GOD’s appointment is sovereign and is above human definitions.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to build up the body of CHRIST
• GOD wants me to come together in oneness in faith and knowledge of the SON of GOD.
• GOD wants me to mature and someday reach the height of JESUS.

 

Overlooked talents cause many people to become disenchanted with churches. I mean, a person who is gifted in welding may want to use his or her talents, but is asked to work in children’s church instead. People who have many gifts may be apostles or prophets or evangelists or pastors or teachers and they do not even know it.

 

A writer may, in fact, be using her talents to glorify GOD in many ways. Some people who smile may be evangelizing as he walks down the street. A woman lying in a bed may invoke prayer. Limiting GOD has caused people to think their talent is useless. Quite the opposite. The gift HE gave each person is customized to reach others in HIS defined way. I am glad HE provided me with gifts that do not need to be compared to, or evaluated by other people’s gifts.

 

Challenge

• What is a mature response to what the writer wrote?
• Do you have gifts and talents that seem to be overlooked by people?
• Will you put your gifts and talents to use for the service of building up the body of CHRIST, knowing your gift is extremely important to GOD today?

Already Inside

Already Inside

Ephesians 4: ⁷ Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. ⁸ As the scripture says,

“When he went up to the very heights,
    he took many captives with him;
    he gave gifts to people.”

 

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Doubting my capabilities, I wondered if there was a way out of where I was. I looked at the circumstances and my own capabilities and I could not see a way to the future the world would consider “successful.” I had no money, no connections and I felt I did not have any talent.

 

• I did not feel special.
• I did not feel valued.
• I did not feel needed or wanted.

 

Unity was the message the HOLY SPIRIT gave to Paul to give to everyone. Each person is unique and is special to GOD. JESUS did something phenomenal. HE gave gifts to many and declared each special to HIM.

 

My Observations

• CHRIST gave me gifts that no one else has.
• CHRIST gave other people gifts that I need to appreciate.
• CHRIST wants me to unite with HIM to bring all HIS sheep together because HE is the Good Shepherd.

 

Gifts were made by GOD for HIS purpose. I mean, HE gave us all the capability of reaching other people for HIM in our own unique way. Unfortunately we have an adversary who wants us to use our gifts for self. We chase the world, seeking more and more of it, sometimes abandoning our GOD-given gifts.

 

BUT GOD saw this and accounted for it. HE gave us the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside each person who believe in JESUS as the Savior. The HOLY SPIRIT guides us back to using our special gift to bring honor and glory to GOD> I am thankful GOD made the gifts HE gave me and I gladly use all for HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think JESUS had to leave the world to get the gifts HE gave?
• What gifts do you consider insignificant that may be overlooked?
• Will you seek your gifts by asking GOD “Who do YOU want me to be today and who do YOU want me to reach for YOU in my own way?”

Learn and Be Encouraged

 

Learn and Be Encouraged

1 Corinthians 14: ²⁹ Two or three who are given God's message should speak, while the others are to judge what they say. ³⁰ But if someone sitting in the meeting receives a message from God, the one who is speaking should stop. ³¹ All of you may proclaim God's message, one by one, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. ³² The gift of proclaiming God's message should be under the speaker's control, ³³ because God does not want us to be in disorder but in harmony and peace.

 

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My learning style requires a hands on approach. I have to do the thing I am learning, then the explanations make sense. I can watch someone, but there is nothing better than doing it. Sometimes I get nervous when I have to do something hard or unfamiliar. But wonderful people help stretch me into doing more.

 

• Speaking about the love of GOD is for everyone.
• Encouraging people helps me learn about GOD.
• Proclaiming GOD’s message is not a solo activity.

 

Paul expresses the need for order in gatherings. He urges speakers to tell the truth, otherwise the group will judge what is said. But then he says something I am not familiar with. He suggests that “everyone” proclaim GOD’s message to personally learn and be encouraged.

 

My Observation

• GOD wants me to practice proclaiming HIS message.
• GOD wants me to learn about HIM by experiencing explaining HIS love.
• GOD wants me to be encouraged so HE allows me to speak about JESUS even though I am a sinner.

 

Explaining how JESUS loves me in spite of my sins encourages me and the person or people I am speaking to. I bet I could chart when I was discouraged and I would see that I was not speaking about JESUS’ love during those times.

 

Proclaiming GOD’s message is not only about HIM. HE is so full of love that all who speak about HIM or receive HIS Word, will be encouraged and grow in love. I am glad that I am adopted into the family and now I can learn and be encouraged about the love of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the statement “all of you may proclaim GOD’s message?”
• Do you feel it is someone else’s job to proclaim the message of GOD?
• If you are nervous about speaking about JESUS, can you start small and speak to one person?
• Will you accept the challenge of learning about JESUS and proclaiming HIS love as a way to become encouraged the rest of your life?

Heartfelt Love Help

 

Heartfelt Love Help

1 Corinthians 14: It is love, then, that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God's message. ² Those who speak in strange tongues do not speak to others but to God, because no one understands them. They are speaking secret truths by the power of the Spirit. ³ But those who proclaim God's message speak to people and give them help, encouragement, and comfort. ⁴ Those who speak in strange tongues help only themselves, but those who proclaim God's message help the whole church.

 

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Feeling rotten, I must have had a disgusted look on my face because people kept asking me “Is everything alright?” Usually I was the one asking that question but this particular day was the exception. Finally, someone approached me and said “It will be alright. GOD is with you.” I guess I just needed to hear that at the time.

 

• Many people have given me encouragement when I was down.
• Many people have provided comfort for me when I was feeling low.
• Many people have used their gifts to help me in time of need.

 

Paul mentions a special act of love we are all supposed to share in. He attempts to convince everyone to use their GOD given spiritual gifts as often as possible. One gift to acquire is proclaiming GOD’s message.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to recognize that my gifts and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to set my heart on helping others.
• GOD wants me to encourage, comfort and help others in their time of need.

 

We all need help, comfort and encouragement at some point. No one is above pain. BUT GOD put people around me to ease the pain and encourage me to keep going. HE knows life would be a challenge so HE not only provided the HOLY SPIRIT to me for comfort, HE provided HIM to those who believe in JESUS.

 

HE has given many people comfort and they in turn provide that comfort to others. I am grateful people have used their gifts to share GOD’s encouragement and comfort to me and others.

 

Challenge

• Have you looked at your gifts and talents lately?
• What do you feel when you hear the words “help” and “encouragement” and “comfort?”
• Will you use your GOD given gifts to provide help, encouragement and comfort to someone today?

Responsibilities

 

Responsibilities

1 Corinthians 12: ⁸ The Spirit gives one person a message full of wisdom, while to another person the same Spirit gives a message full of knowledge. ⁹ One and the same Spirit gives faith to one person, while to another person he gives the power to heal. ¹⁰ The Spirit gives one person the power to work miracles; to another, the gift of speaking God's message; and to yet another, the ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the Spirit and those that do not. To one person he gives the ability to speak in strange tongues, and to another he gives the ability to explain what is said. ¹¹ But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person.

 

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Sitting in the room, I watched everyone else get responsibilities handed to them. I waited my turn and noticed the person handing out the responsibilities had stopped and I did not get one. “What’s wrong with me?” I thought to myself.

 

• I wanted to be part of the group.
• I wanted to fit in.
• I wanted to participate and contribute my portion.

 

Paul continues to explain spiritual gifts. He states that the HOLY SPIRIT gives each person a “different gift” as HE wishes. This gift is special and unique and to be used to glorify GOD in some way.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to praise HIM in my own unique way.
• GOD wants me to share HIS love in my own unique way.
• GOD wants me to serve HIS people in my own unique way.

 

Being jealous of what other people can do is not pretty. I mean, when I see what someone else can do and I feel less than that person, I may be overlooking my own special gift GOD has excitedly given me. HE carefully gave me a gift that no one else has. HE has done the same for each and every person. I cannot downplay someone else’s gift because it is special to GOD.

 

Getting back to the story above where everyone else got responsibilities and I didn’t. The person came back to me later and apologized for overlooking me. “I had too much on my mind” was the apology and I was given more responsibility than I had imagined.  I am glad the HOLY SPIRIT sees everyone and gives me gifts that make our relationship special.

 

Challenge

• Do you think the list of spiritual gifs listed here is complete?
• What do you think your spiritual gifts are?
• What do you notice about gifts that “do not” come from the HOLY SPIRIT?
• How will you use your GOD given spiritual gift today?

Ready, Willing and Able

Ready, Willing and Able

1 Corinthians 12: ⁴ There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. ⁵ There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. ⁶ There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. ⁷ The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.

 

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Learning how to drive seemed like something that took a long time, even though the class was only a semester. I was willing to drive people anywhere they wanted to go, but I did not know the rules of the road, nor did I own a car. I also was not old enough. “When will I ever be able to drive?!” I wondered impatiently.

 

• I really wanted something I was not ready for.
• I was willing but not able.
• I felt I had the potential, but I needed to wait to use it.

 

Paul begins to explain spiritual gifts. The beginning of the lesson shows where the gifts come from, namely the HOLY SPIRIT. Each person is given their own gift which makes him or her ready to serve the LORD. But he says something strange. He says “GOD gives ability to all for their particular service.” Timing is everything.

 

My Observations

• GOD gave me a special gift, by the HOLY SPIRIT, that no one else has.
• GOD wants me to be willing to use my special gift to serve the LORD by serving HIS people.
• GOD wants me to be patient when HE says wait, for it is HE who provides the opportunities.

 

Being willing to serve the LORD is a wonderful, yet confusing thing. I mean, sometimes our desire to serve the LORD may be sincere, but how we think we should serve HIM may not align with HIS timing or audience. I may be willing right now, but HE has a particular person in mind who is not ready to hear a message from me.

 

HE also has my needs in HIS plan. I may not be ready to serve but HE will provide me with the right gift and audience at HIS time. This requires patience. I gladly wait on HIS audience, in HIS timing to serve HIS people the way HE wants me to serve them.

 

Challenge

• Are you willing to serve the LORD?
• What do you notice about where the spiritual gifts come from?
• What do you notice about the word ‘different’ spoken here?
• Will you seek to use your gifts and talents “for the good of all” today?

Cultivating the Special Gift

Cultivating the Special Gift

1 Corinthians 7: ⁶ I tell you this not as an order, but simply as a permission. ⁷ Actually I would prefer that all of you were as I am; but each one has a special gift from God, one person this gift, another one that gift.

 

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“Your sash has a lot of badges. You are special” the stranger from another country said to me regarding my scout uniform. I could not remember a time when a stranger recognized me as special. This felt great. It may have put me on a path I never knew I could be on.

 

• There have been times when I have been praised and I did not know the effect.
• There have been times when I have been recognized as special and I did not know what I did.
• There have been times when I was noticed but I was not looking to be noticed.

 

Paul says something unique regarding people. He would rather everyone be like him, but sees the importance that everyone use their “special gift” for GOD.

 

• GOD made me special and unique for HIS purpose.
• GOD gave me a special gift that no one else has.
• GOD wants me to use my special gift as often as I can.

 

Recognizing another person’s special gift is important. I mean, it is easy to recognize flaws in other people, BUT GOD wants me to recognize and cultivate another person’s special gift so they can be excited about serving GOD.

 

The enemy wants self-promotion, loneliness and doubt. GOD wants JESUS to be promoted, togetherness and courage in HIS power. HE wants us to work together to help one another use our “special gift” for HIM. I am glad GOD cares enough about me to give me a special gift.

 

• Are you trying to be like someone else?
• Do you not like who you are?
• Will you recognize your special gift that has been given to you by GOD and use it for HIS purpose today?

Wanting to Feel Special

Wanting to Feel Special

1 Corinthians 4: ⁶ For your sake, my friends, I have applied all this to Apollos and me, using the two of us as an example, so that you may learn what the saying means, “Observe the proper rules.” None of you should be proud of one person and despise another. ⁷ Who made you superior to others? Didn't God give you everything you have? Well, then, how can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?

 

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Stereotypical nerd scenes in movies remind me of my tryout for the little league baseball team. Yes, I was the nerd and I missed catching the ball by a mile. My reflexes were slow and batting prowess slower. I tried out for other groups and was not the star in any of them. “Why can’t I be special?” I thought to myself.

 

• There have been many times when I wanted to fit in.
• There have been many times when I wanted to have a special skill or talent.
• There have been many times when I followed a person who was talented and ridiculed another for their lack of talent.

 

Paul asks a poignant question “Who made you superior to others?” He then asks “Didn’t GOD give you everything you have?” as if to say all gifts come from GOD. “How can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?”

 

• GOD wants me to recognize my gifts and talents come from HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE raises up other people for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants me to be excited about the way HE made me and the way HE made other people.

 

Looking down on one person and speaking highly of another is something GOD despises. HE made all people and was excited about each individual when HE did it. HE loves when I recognize where my gifts and talents come from. HE also loves when I praise HIM for the gifts and talents HE gave to others. No one can boast when the origin of all talent comes from GOD. I am grateful HE did make me special.

• Do you want to feel special?
• Are you busy trying to be liked by many people?
• Will you stop chasing the spotlight and thank GOD for the talent you and others have today?

Valuing the Gift

 

Valuing the Gift

1 Corinthians 2: ¹³ So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit. ¹⁴ Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God's Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis. ¹⁵ Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the value of everything, but no one is able to judge him. ¹⁶ As the scripture says,

 

“Who knows the mind of the Lord?
    Who is able to give him advice?”

 

We, however, have the mind of Christ.

 

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As the expert spoke to me about the car, all I could hear was “Don’t do this and don’t do that” or “Do this and do that.” I just wanted the car. After driving it for a while. Stuff started going wrong. The engine began overheating and the oil light came on. It cost a lot to get it fixed. I did not value the gift of experience he was trying to impart on me.

 

• Many times I did not value words from a gifted person.
• Many times I did not value the gift of wisdom because I was impatient.
• Many times I did not value experience because I just wanted the thing “I” thought was valuable.

 

Paul speaks candidly about spiritual truths. These words are wasted on those who do not value JESUS, rather they focus on human wisdom. Such a person does not understand the words of the SPIRIT because those words can only be valued on a spiritual level. The SPIRIT provides gifts that can only be received by those who believe in JESUS, who gives the HOLY SPIRIT.

 

• GOD says that I am able to judge the value of everything because I believe in JESUS.
• GOD says that I am able to receive the gifts HE has for me because I believe in JESUS.
• GOD says that I am able to teach HIS words because I believe in JESUS.

 

Human wisdom looks at the Word of GOD as nonsense. I mean, GOD can be explained away by human observation. After a while, humans become blind and depend only on what can be seen. BUT GOD blesses those who place their faith in HIM, especially when it does not make sense.

 

“Who knows the mind of the LORD?” “Who is able to give HIM advice?” No one. I am grateful GOD has accepted me into HIS family, placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me and has given me the “mind of CHRIST” so I can receive the gifts of the SPIRIT.

 

1. Do you see all situations through your own wisdom or lusts?
2. Are you worried because of what you cannot see or control?
3. Will you quiet down and ask GOD to open your heart to HIS spiritual truths so the HOLY SPIRIT can enter and teach you gifts that are unimaginable today?

Gifts and Talents

Gifts and Talents

Acts 21: ⁷ We continued our voyage from Tyre and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters and stayed with them for a day. ⁸ Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. ⁹ He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

¹⁰ After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. ¹¹ Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

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Never having worked on a team, I found myself challenged with understanding what was my part versus someone else’s. Was I supposed to do everything or just a little? I needed a little clarification on what I was supposed to do, so I asked my boss.

• There have been many times when I needed to know my role.
• There have been many times when I needed to understand where I fit on the team.
• There have been many times when I did not know how or when to use my gifts and talents.

When the disciples landed at Ptolemais and Caesarea, they were greeted by many. Each person had their own gifts and talents. Philip was an evangelist, his daughters were prophets and Agabus was also a prophet. Each person was led by the HOLY SPIRIT. Agabus gave Paul a warning based on what the HOLY SPIRIT said.

• GOD gave me gifts and talents to use for HIS purpose.
• GOD leads me by the HOLY SPIRIT.
• GOD wants me to embrace the gifts and talents of others.

Gifts and talents are in abundance in GOD’s kingdom. I mean, every person I meet has a unique way at looking at life. Each flawed person brings a unique piece to the broken mirror that reflects GOD. Only when all pieces are together, can we reflect HIM. I am grateful GOD has made me a tiny piece of a larger plan.

• Do you feel your gifts and talents are better than someone else’s?
• Do you think other people would be better off if they were to follow your way?
• Will you look at other people the way GOD does and value their gifts and talents even if you cannot see them today?

Using the Gift

Isaiah 50: ⁴ The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
    to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
    wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

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⁷ Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore have I set my face like flint,
    and I know I will not be put to shame.

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Led out to the garage, I saw the huge box. It was a wonderful gift that thrilled my heart. I have not had a chance to use it because I have not assembled it. The gift is hidden from the world, for now.

• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to use it.
• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to delight in it.
• When a gift is given to me the giver expects me to thank them for it and perhaps share it with others.

Gifts are given to me with excitement that I will grow closer to the giver. GOD has also given me gifts. HE has provided me with talents that HE expects me to use. HE was excited when HE gave me the gift and wants me to open up the package and use the gift.

• GOD has given me a well-instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary.
• GOD has given me a home to share with my neighbors who need to hear that word.
• GOD has given me another day to listen to HIM and to use my gifts for HIS glory.

Each gift I use for HIS purpose brings delight to HIS heart. HE helps me and I will not be disgraced. HE tells me to “go” forth and I proceed without shame. GOD gets the glory when I use the gifts HE has given me.

• Are you hiding the gifts GOD has given you?
• Do you have more talents that you do not know about that are hidden because you are not using your current gifts for GOD?
• What are you afraid of?
• Can you go out and use your gifts for GOD today and not worry about shame or disgrace?

Trying too hard to be “special”

1 Corinthians 14: ²⁰ Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

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Once I was told that “If I believed enough then GOD would wake me up without an alarm clock.” I wanted to believe in GOD more so I “put HIM to the test.” I slept so well that night. In fact I overslept by a lot! “I must not be special” I thought to myself.

• Thinking I’m not special is actually childish.
• Thinking I’m not special causes me to seek accolades from humans.
• Thinking I’m not special makes me want to feel special by the wrong people.

When GOD made me, HE made me special. No one can do what I do or reach who I will reach. I don’t have to be jealous of someone else’s gifts or talents because HE gave me my own.  There are those who can speak in multiple languages to tell people about CHIRST but I am not gifted that way. I am thankful they exist because I can’t do what they do.

• Instead of wanting to be someone else I should want to understand how special GOD has made me.
• Instead of desiring someone’s gifts and talents I should discover what special things GOD has in store for me.
• Instead of wishing I was special I should believe I am special because GOD made me.

Spiritual gifts are nothing to envy but should be desired. The more gifts I possess the more I can spread GOD’s word. But I should not try “too hard” to be viewed as special otherwise I will forget to spread HIS “unpopular” messages and seek a crowd instead of telling the truth.

When it comes to GOD, I should grow up. When it comes to evil I should remain an infant.

• Do you believe you are special?
• Are you seeking GOD or are you seeking attention?
• Can you believe you are already special in HIS eyes?
• Won’t you begin seeking HIM instead of seeking the spotlight?

Appreciate Others

1 Corinthians 12: ⁴ There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. ^{6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.}

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“I’ll just do it myself!” are the words I find myself using when someone isn’t meeting my standard.  I mean instead of having it done “wrong” I’d rather do it myself. Then I got extremely busy and someone volunteered to do something for me. They did it their way and not mine and it actually turned out fine.

• It’s arrogant for me to think everyone should have my gifts.
• It’s arrogant for me to not recognize the gifts GOD has given others.
• It’s arrogant for me to think my gifts and talents are complete and that I don’t need others.

GOD has given “everyone” gifts and talents to be used for HIS purpose. When HE made “that” person HE was just as excited as when HE made me. I should not look down on what others are doing for the LORD rather I should appreciate each task they do.

• Thank GOD HE made other people see things different than I do otherwise there would be no variety.
• Thank GOD HE gave others talents different than mine because I am incomplete without them.
• Thank GOD HE bestowed gifts on others so I can recognize I have no means to brag or boast.

Appreciating differences takes practice and patience. When I want to run fast and this person wants to walk slowly I should recognize their talent for moving at the pace GOD gave them. In other words GOD says “it’s all good to ME.” It’s easy to recognize differences in the way things are done but GOD wants me to “appreciate” rather than “frustrate.”

• Are you focused on what someone is doing wrong?
• Can you appreciate the differences they bring to the table?
• Do you see you are incomplete and need “that” person’s help?
• Won’t you seek a different opinion that is opposite yours instead of trying to validate your opinion?
• Can you see the talents GOD has given others?

I have all I need to succeed!

1 Corinthians 1: ⁷ Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. ⁸ He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

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Sometimes I think GOD gets disappointed with my actions and HE corrects me to be “good” by punishment.  Well I don’t have all my thoughts worked out on how accountable I should be regarding my sinful actions, but this verse truly is uplifting.

• GOD gave me spiritual gifts to be used until JESUS returns.
• GOD is protecting me so I can remain firm to the end.
• GOD has forgiven me so that I will be blameless when JESUS returns.
• GOD is faithful so all these promises are written in stone and I can firmly believe HE will do just what HE said.

There is no guess work when it comes to GOD.  HE gets thoroughly excited when I follow HIS ways and speak about HIS SON.  HE wipes away my discouragement and gets me to focus on HIM rather than circumstances. There is no issue too great for HIM and HE owns everything I am trying to acquire.

GOD is faithful. HE will never leave me and HE loves me dearly.

• Do you know GOD loves you?
• I mean do you really know HE loves you?
• Won’t you drop your guard and watch HIM work in your life?
• Can you share your spiritual gifts with others today and help someone understand GOD’s ways?

Just wait and see what’s next!

John 14: ¹ “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

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Sitting at my desk I toiled through piles of e-mails fretting the team meeting we were about to have. My boss poked his head in my cubicle with a grin on his face which did not diminish my work. He invited me to join everyone in the meeting. Upon entering the room everyone began applauding. Then I turned my head and my family was there.

“What is going on?” I thought to myself. My boss could hardly contain himself as they presented me with a very prestigious award. “I almost slipped up several times” he said with a grin!

• Many times I think GOD is only a disciplinarian.
• Many times I feel GOD only wants HIS goody-goody way that I can’t live up to.
• Many times I believe GOD doesn’t even like me so HE is constantly doing a makeover on me.

My strange perception of GOD has tainted me into believing that HE is a mean perfectionist who really doesn’t love me but is always disappointed with me. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

• The same GOD who built all universes is taking HIS time to build a place specific to my liking.
• The same GOD who created beauty and pleasure is toiling over building an everlasting place for me.
• The same GOD who designed love, peace, kindness and wisdom is using them to build a place where HE and I can have a pure relationship without pain and misery.

GOD is running over with love and can hardly wait to do something great for me in heaven and on this earth.  HE doesn’t like to see me miserable and HE really doesn’t like when I turn my back on HIM as HE extends HIS hand of peace and love to me. 

So why doesn’t HE just zap everything into pleasure mode for me? Well, that question is bathed in selfishness and sin. HE wants me to understand HIS pure unadulterated love for me and accept HIM being GOD on HIS terms. This includes understanding I am a sinner and I need JESUS to save me.

JESUS says “Do not let my heart be troubled.” I believe HE is telling the truth when HE says HE is taking care of everything, even the stuff I am going through!

• When is the last time you got excited about doing something for “that” person?
• Are you bubbling over getting ready to serve someone?
• Can you get excited about preparing something for people you want to show love to?
• Will you extend your service to someone with excitement, strictly for GOD’s purpose?

You are talented so use your gifts!

1 Peter 4: ¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

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“What is going to be your major in college” the teacher asked our class. “I want to be a surgeon” one said, “Political Science because I want to be a lawyer” another exclaimed. But when it was my turn I just froze. I wasn’t particularly talented in a specific thing.

My grades were decent but I never thought about what I would like to do. I was scrawny so I couldn’t play sports. I could draw but only as a doodler. I sat confused because I was around so many talented people. I poked my lip out and said “I’m not good at anything!”

• When I think I am not talented I’m telling GOD HE made a mistake.
• When I think I’m not special I’m telling GOD HE doesn’t know what HE is doing.
• When I think I don’t have any talent I miss out on living an abundant life GOD has in store for me.

Comparing myself to others is always a bad thing to do because it breeds jealousy and envy. GOD wants me to focus only on me, recognizing my special talents and gifts so I can use them to further HIS kingdom. In other words, stop looking over the fence and get busy in my own yard.

• GOD made EVERY human with a special gift.
• All of GOD’s gifts that HE gave humans are for HIS purpose and pleasure.
• When GOD made me HE was very pleased because HE gave me a talent.

GOD made me special for HIS purpose. I have a choice to use the gifts and talents HE gave me to fulfill my earthly lusts or to grow HIS kingdom. Unfortunately many times I choose self over GOD, but the times I do focus my talents on serving HIS humans, HE is extremely pleased with me.

GOD didn’t make me to “get” stuff, GOD made me to “give” stuff. My talents are supposed to be used to serve many people, love many people, encourage many people and praise JESUS our living GOD who is equal to the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.

• What is your talent or gift from GOD?
• Are you comparing yourself to others?
• Can you use your talents some of the time to serve someone just because GOD wants you to?

Your “gift” is important.

1 Corinthians 12: 4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

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Standing out in the open field, a high pop fly ball was hit towards me. As it landed on the ground the guys moaned and the coach dismissed me from tryouts. In school I begged my holey pants to meet my shoes but that didn’t happen and I was dismissed from the fashionably astute.

A huge gust of wind blew my extra skinny body off of a porch because the hand me down coat acted like a kite. I was dismissed from the group again. It seemed like I didn’t fit in anywhere. You mean to tell me that I am “gifted?” I certainly didn’t feel like it.

• Each person has a gift GOD made special for that person alone.
• GOD meticulously crafted me with special talents that point to HIM.
• HIS excitement over me is extreme and HE enjoys when I use my gifts and talents to further HIS kingdom.

GOD did a great job when HE made me. HE didn’t make a mistake when HE made me that size or complexion or with that smile or with that quirky sense of humor. HE knew exactly what HE was doing when HE made me and I shouldn’t look at someone else’s gift as something to be obtained.

• Jealousy over another person leads to grumbling and false desire.
• Desiring another person’s size, wealth, beauty or status will plague a person into complaining.
• Complaining about the way you are made leads to questioning GOD.

I have asked GOD “why did YOU make me this way?” Now that I have been around the world spreading HIS great news, I see why HE made me this way. Looking back I can understand why HE put me in certain circumstances. Each experience, good and bad, helps me point to HIS SON.

• Do you have gifts and talents you are not recognizing?
• Have you used your talents to tell someone about CHRIST?
• Can you learn to laugh at yourself and accept who you are?
• GOD made you does HE “ever” make a mistake?