The Ultimate Gift

Ephesians 4:1-13

I struggle at holidays to come up with the right gift for those I love, but God is a great gift-giver.  He knows exactly what we need and graciously gives it to us.  It may not always be what we WANT, but after prayerful consideration, we often conclude - He knows what He’s doing.

God doesn’t give gifts for them to be tossed in the closet and forgotten.  He gives them to us to use!  We are to be active participants in our faith.  We’re all called to work together for the good of others.  Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

While we are each different and possess different gifts at different times, the Message translation says, we are “all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together.”  Verses 4-6 really resonate with me, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

We are one in Christ and we are all here for one purpose – to love.  How fitting, since Thursday is Valentine’s Day.  Let me repeat that:  THURSDAY is Valentine’s Day!  And I think I know what I’m getting those I love.  Not candy, or flowers or funny cards, but to “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (v. 2).

Hopefully my husband and children appreciate this!

Thank you, Father, for the ultimate gift of love – your Son!  May we share this gift with others as we walk along the road of life together.  Amen

Anonymous Generosity

"They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." (Acts 2:45)

Was there a time in your life when you were unsure how to pay all those bills? Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone's generosity? Do you know how humbling and how precious it is at the same time? Humbling, because someone cared enough to help. Humbling also because someone noticed your struggle and answered God’s call when you were placed on their heart.

Precious because this gift you were given came from a place of love and concern. Many years ago, I was on the receiving end of the generosity of several people; most of whom remained anonymous. Every time these gifts arrived, it was as though I could feel God taking care of me, providing for me through the Body of Christ. I never asked for the help, but God provided just the same.

By not asking for help, I was robbing people of the opportunity to come alongside me. But that is where humility and pride come in to play. I didn’t want anyone to know of my need, but God knew and He took it from there.

I am convicted to help some folks who are in similar situations to mine. I listened to the message today and recognized God’s prompting, He’s cheering me on to act.

I still don’t have a lot, but I know that I am rich. Rich in so many ways. I am going to step-up and join the ranks of those who modeled generosity for me. Won’t you consider doing the same? It will change their life, and yours as well.

Thank you Jesus, for all the worldly blessing you have provided. Show me how to use them wisely and to help someone with my generosity.  Amen

Acts 2:42-47

Everybody Loves A Gift

Christmas was just over a month ago, our tree is down and the decorations have been put away since the first of the year.  All the gifts that didn’t fit have been returned and the others are being used.

When I think of Christmas, or anytime we give gifts, I often wonder if the recipient is using the gift.  It is no fun giving a gift that is unwanted or not needed, because it won’t be used.  

The Spirit of God gives us gifts.  Our scripture passage today says that the gifts are given, “for the common good”, or as the New Living Translations says, “so we can help each other.”  We do not get every gift.  The Spirit of God determines which ones he gives and to whom.  The important thing for us to do is USE THE GIFT we have been given.

If you are trusted with the gift of prophesy and don’t share the word God has given you, you won’t help the person God sent you too.  If you can interpret tongues yet keep silent, the message God wanted shared will not be revealed.

When it comes to the gifts of the Spirit, God is a great gift giver.  He will give you the exact right gift.  He does not make mistakes.  Use your gift or gifts.  Don’t be afraid of them.  Use your wisdom or knowledge for his good.  Heal people he sends you to heal.  If you can perform miracles, do it for His glory.

We tend to see the works of the Holy Spirit as taboo in North America, but remember God has not changed. The same God we read about in the pages of scripture is the one we serve today!  So, pretend it’s Christmas morning.  Unwrap your gift and start using it.

Read today's passage here.  1 Corinthians 12:4-11

A Gift that keeps on Giving

Matthew 2:11 

On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

I am wondering if this verse speaks to the reason we give gifts at Christmas. What do you think? The Magi visited a King and brought gifts to honor Him. They weren't items a baby would use, probably not even items His parents would use in this humble setting. But they were valuable. 

I doubt if the Magi worried over their shopping list, stressed about how much to spend and if the gift would be appreciated or not. They had only one reason to give to this King, and it had nothing to do with obligation and everything to do with love.

I wonder, is love our motivation? Do we spend money we don't have to give gifts that aren't needed because it is just what you do on Christmas? I know that was the way I operated for many years.  The bigger the pile under the tree, the better the holiday would be. 

Until one year when all those reasons were unimportant. The year that God revealed to our family that Christmas isn't about getting stuff. 

No, Christmas is about love, about family, about being together and remembering Who is important...and why. 

Matthew 2:7-15

Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1-8

Our school district nurse uses the following as her e-mail signature line. “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”       Maya Angelou

The way we worship is contained in the way we live our lives. How we respond to various situations, and the approach we take with those we encounter speaks to the world of whom we serve.

 “We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8

Using our undeserved, God given gifts is worship in itself. Serving the children of the Lord through our strengths is honoring HIM.

First Peter 4:10 also reminds us;  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

We all have our own personality and style, but as we grow as Christians we become more aware of the importance of living our lives in the way Christ did, as we are a reflection of Him.

As we share our talents and gifts with this world, may we be gentle in the way we display the love of our God, thoughtful in the way we reflect His grace, and sensitive in the way we reveal His mercy.

Read/Listen to Romans12:1-8 

Mark 12:28-34

One of the teachers of the law inquired of Jesus which of the commandments was the most important. Jesus replied;

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this; Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

In Deuteronomy 6, Moses spelled out God’s message with similar words, and instructed the people of Israel to obey God, being careful to show His character to the world.

How do we carry on with only one focus? The Lord has given us with so many other responsibilities: children, homes, careers, finances, spouses, extended family, friends, the earth………

We use the gifts we have been blessed with, and as we rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit to be revealed through our weakness, it all comes together as it is meant to be!

1^st Peter 4:10 reminds us; “Each one should use whatever gifts he has received  to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

It is our job to be creative in our approach to spreading the good news. To use our God given gifts and model for the world what is in our hearts. God already knows.

We are not expected to preach if our gift is not preaching, however our actions will speak volumes about who we are and whom we serve. What are your gifts?

We are to become who we were created to be, and strive to live as our Lord commanded. We will never reach perfection, but we can surely die trying. What a way to go!  

Famine Relief and Mission

Acts 11: 19-30; 12:25-13:3

As our faith deepens, because we spend more time in God’s word and walk in His ways, we feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. The more deeply we pray, praising and thanking our God, our sense that His will is being done within us and around us is validated, which brings us peace. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done."  We are not going to change the whole world, but as famine spread through the Roman world as was prophesied in Acts 11:28-29,  “The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea." We too can use our gifts and abilities for the care and benefit of others.

Our God is relational. He came to earth to demonstrate for us just how personally important each of us is to him. He came to save us, and offer His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. He has given us the gift of His life in order for us to have the opportunity to live eternally with Him. What do we offer in return?

In Acts 13: “Barnabas and Saul Sent Off,” we are witness to the beginning of the first missionary journey. The teachers and prophets in the church at Antioch heard the message of the Holy Spirit while they were praying and fasting, that Barnabas and Saul should be set apart and sent out. They prayed over them, “placed their hands on them, and sent them off.” This scene is easy for us to envision in our minds for a moment and then release it, because this event was far away, a long time ago, and happened to someone else. Well, guess what…When our feet hit the floor each morning, we are in the mission fields. 

Read/Listen to Acts 11:19-13:3

Ephesians 4: 1-16

Unity in the Body of Christ

The gifts God has given to us are meant to be given away for the benefit of others.

What is your gift?

Our pastor’s son delivered a message last year that included some of what is contained in this passage. He expanded on it to make it very personal and practical. I will summarize it to the best of my ability, for I believe it is worth contemplating.

Ephesians 4 states: “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up…”

1 Corinthians 12:12 speaks of finding clarity regarding God’s design for us, and 12:18 tells us our placement in the body is from and by God.

Romans 12:6 summarize once again these expressions of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts:

Prophecy

Service- always seeking needs

Teaching- Helping people understand biblical truth

Exhortation- Encourager, someone who builds up others

Giving- Giving freely to others to bring glory to God without recognition

Leader- Organizer of people, with a focus on God’s plan

Mercy- compassion, kindness, empathy-drawn to the hurting

Because you are a teacher does not automatically mean teaching is your gift. How then do we identify our God given gifts? We must first learn more about what these gifts are as noted above. We must ask God for guidance and inspiration as to his intended role for us, and we should ask others. We may be surprised at the response we get, but if we search deep within us and reach out for clarity, it will be revealed. The better we understand God’s design for us, the better we can fulfill it. What IS your gift?

Read/Listen to Ephesians 4: 1-16

James 1: 17-21

Living as Firstfruits

James, brother of Jesus, authored this book to a general audience: to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations”-a figurative reference to believers worldwide. That general address includes Christians of all times and places.

 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created."

The first fruits of any crop are the favorites; the sweetest and most desired of the total harvest. It’s kind of an uplifting feeling to be the favored, yet with that comes responsibility.

I remember feeling very inferior as a child within my classroom. I was close to the bottom of the social hierarchy, and my clothes were an obvious illustration of that. The feelings of being less than many of the other “cool” kids was burdensome, but I do recall being able to go basically unnoticed, while the popular and over-achieving students had a burden of their own. They were always in the spotlight, so had to be at the top of their game in order to hold up to their reputation. I’m not sure which of us carried a heavier load, but I do know that I learned a great deal about how not to treat others, and often thought about how I would handle things if I were one of the favorites. Little did I know back then, that I was a firstfruit in the eyes of the Lord and that was all that mattered.

Realizing we are firstfruits of the Lord, brings us to an obligation to do as our God commands; to Love God, love others, and reach out to others in His name. Understanding our role in this world as modern day disciples of Jesus helps us find our way through the maze of humanness, and guides to the life that was intended for us. 

James goes on to say “My dear brothers, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”  

Amen. 

Read/Listen to James 1: 17-21

Psalm 98

Prayer is Shouting

When it comes to expressing our faith, our conservative side tends to emerge, especially if we are in the presence of traditionalists. What would they think of me if I were to sing loudly or raise my arms? How would I be received if I sat when everyone else was standing, or stood when the rest of the crowd sat with their heads bowed? We typically conform to the masses.

I remember feeling extremely uncomfortable when I began attending a non-traditional service. I kept waiting for the pastor to indicate it was time to kneel, but there were no kneelers. I patiently observed in expectation, for the entire congregation to recite a ritualistic prayer, in unison, but it never happened. I even sat on the edge of my seat kind of hoping for a familiar ringing of bells or bringing up of the gifts. I sat back in my place wondering how God felt about this approach to worship. It was quite different from what I was accustom to. I wasn’t even sure how I felt about it, but I was drawn back again and again.

Some Sundays were rather low key in regards to the music and the intensity of the message from the Pastor, and others were overwhelming in varying ways. Sometimes I felt like God was speaking directly to me and I could barely contain my joy, other times my pain and sorrow were drawn from me like a magnet attracts metal. I never knew quite what to expect from week to week, and though I was often outside of my comfort zone, in my heart knew I was in the right place.

This weekly church experience truly changed my life. The raw honesty of the messages, and intensity of the hearts of all I observed serving in many ways was truly inspiring. This group of church-goers knew something I had not yet learned. It is not about the routine, nor the expectations of the people or rulers that be. It is about keeping our hands on the bible, our hearts in the Lord, and our feet walking and living His will, serving God and serving others.

My prayer today is that we all “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things…” His power and majesty are beyond our comprehension. His Grace and mercy are what sustain us. This glorious world we reside in was created by His mighty hand. Nothing compares to the promise we have in Him!  

Please listen to "Shout to the Lord" by Hillsong

Read/Listen to Psalm 98

Ephesians 4:7-16

Not long ago there was a popular one-liner from the movie, Show Me the Money, where the hero said to the heroine, "You complete me."  They were opposites, with different gifts which complemented each other.

We have all heard the saying, "Variety is the spice of life."  Often we find that opposites attract.  We knew married couples who are polar opposites, yet it works for them.  Their differences complement each other and they are able to learn and grow together because of the differences.  Life as a couple seldom becomes boring when we allow our differences to strengthen us.

Ephesians 4:7 (MSG)  

"But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift." 

God  created us to be in relationships with one another, growing together in wisdom and love.  God also created us to be individual and this individuality adds the spice to life.  If we all thought and acted alike we would soon be bored with one another.  That fact that your gifts are not the same as mine, causes me to need you in my life; and it works both ways.

Our specific gifts are accompanied by our specific passions and desires.  The things in life I am passionate about are tied to my gifts.  Now I might not pursue that passion for some reason, but it exists none the less.  There are times when I need to understand this fact.  For instance, I love administration, I enjoy developing a new concept, spread-sheeting aspects of it, even color-coding where appropriate.  As a child I needed this type of gift so that I could cope with the unknown.  As I grew into an adult God helped me to see this gift could be used in a number of ways.  It is not only a gift for me, but a passion and skill too.

Using our differences to complete one another, is Growing Up in Christ.

Read Ephesians 4:7-16 here

Listen to Ephesians 4:7-16 here

Reflecting God Through Our Gifts 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

We were created in God's image
Yes the story's true
God sent his glory down,
onto me and onto you.

We are not little gods
That's not what I'm trying to say
But we each reflect His image
In our own peculiar way

Some of us are generous
Giving from our wealth
Others are called as doctors
To restore us back to health

There are, of course the artists
Their works they do abound.
But we can't forget the teachers
There's knowledge to be found

When we use our gifts
To help a hurting world
Our life has met its purpose
God's love has been unfurled.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Jump for Joy - 1 Corinthians 9:15-27

Is there something you love to do?  Something you cannot imagine living the rest of your life not doing?  I know someone who is so friendly, loves to spend time with people, enjoys cooking for them and sharing a meal and conversation sprinkled with laughter.  This woman would be lost if she couldn't do these things and enjoy them often.  She is blessed with the gift of hospitality.

A neighbor of mine loves to help the people on his street.  You can often find him with a hammer in hand and tool belt around his waist walking down the street to a neighbor's.  He finds so much joy out of helping others do things around their house.  This man has been given a gift of helps.

Now today in our scripture read about Paul's passion, his love and greatest desire.  For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16).  Paul's gift, or one of them, is preaching the Gospel.  Like the woman who needs to open her doors to others and the man who needs to be helping his neighbors, Paul must preach.

What about you?  What special gift has God bestowed upon you?  What is it you can't wait to get up in the morning to work on or to do?  What makes your heart jump for joy?  Won't you share your passion with us this morning.  We would love to hear about it.

Read the text for today at Biblegateway and 1 Corinthians 9:15-27

Wise Investment- Matthew 25:14-30

My four year old is amazing at Mario Brothers on the Wii. My parents got us the Wii for Christmas. We thought it would be something Evan could grow into. My husband loved playing video games when he was growing up and was excited to have Evan play with him some day. We did not expect that he would be so good this soon.

As a mother my mind is already seeing ways that God has gifted Evan, and I am praying about how I can help him use his gifts for God’s glory. I’m not saying that God will use the Wii directly, but I can see that my son is wired in a certain way and I believe God did that intentionally. He wired us all for a specific purpose, with specific gifts or talents if you will.

Our scripture passage today talks about a man who left his servants with money to take care of while he went on a journey. The master is pleased when two of the servants were able to double their portion of the money, but was disappointed when the third servant allowed fear to stop him from doing anything with what had been entrusted to him.

God has left us with the task of telling others about him until he returns. We do that through the special gifts we each have. Ask him today to show you where he would like you to invest your gifts for him.

Read today's passage at Biblegateway Matthew 25:14-30

The Day of Midian - Judges 6:15-24

I marvel at the gifts God bestows on my friends and family members.  I know some people who are so artistic, they look at something and draw a picture so real it seems to be a photograph.  Then there is the person who sings beautifully.  Every time she opens her mouth wonderful harmony ensues.

I am not envious, I simply admire them.  This admiration doesn't stem from the abilities they have that I do not, no the admiration comes from the fact that they are so willing to be used by God.  They use their gifts to glorify the one who enabled them to draw, paint and sing.  They acknowledge they did not do any thing on their own; it is God who gave them their abilities.

I was reminded of this when reading the scripture for today.  Gideon had been commissioned to save Israel out of Midian's hand.  He asked of the Lord, "Pardon me, my lord," Gideon replied, "but how can I save Israel?  My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." (Judges 6:15)


God told Gideon just as He tells us when we hesitate to move forward; to use the gifts He gave us.  "I will be with you." (verse 14)  God not only gifts us specially, He remains with us as we use those gifts.  Doesn't that give you confidence to step out and use your gifts?

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