Use Your Gift

Greetings!

Today, I wanted to go back and give you a follow-up on the day of celebration that I spoke about on my last post. It was awesome! There was knitting demonstrations, artists, interior designers, jewelry, and even someone demonstrating technology used to transcribe information for the hearing impaired.  The body of Christ is so gifted. I am so glad we were able to share our gifts and talents. We see each other several times a week, and never really get to know one another. I salute the people who made this event happen. Getting that many people to work together was no easy feat I’m sure!

I also shared my book, “Let My Life Be A Testimony,” and I was able to speak with several people who have agreed to share their testimonies in my next book. The first book was powerful because people opened up about things they had been holding onto for a long time, and sharing their testimony allowed them to not only let it go, but to also be a blessing to someone else who may be going through the same thing. But, I believe this book is going to change lives. There is an anointing on this project that was not there the first time, and I believe people are going to be healed—physically and spiritually. Praise God!

I believe that God brought this whole thing about just for me. I know that probably is not the case, but it seemed to come at a time when He was moving in my spirit to pick up pen and paper again. I have been on a long hiatus from serious writing. What I mean is…I have written things, but not for viewing by others…mostly journal writing. Now I know for sure that it is time. My prayer is that if you have been letting your gift lay dormant, that you too will join me by sharing your gifts with the world. Don't wait for the perfect time...just do it!

I am so excited about what God is doing in this season!

Until next time…

Be blessed 

Celebrating our Gifts

Greetings!

At the beginning of the year, I shared with you guys that this is the year of celebration for my church. Tomorrow we will highlight all forms of creative arts. Actually, we are celebrating everything. Today we went to the church to setup and everyone was so excited about sharing their talents. All of that is so awesome. I celebrate our pastor for having the vision to allow the people of the church to celebrate one another. We don’t do that enough.

What really blew my mind was the number of people who were participating because they had a strong desire to share information about their cause. They didn’t get hung up on the nature of their “gift” the way most people see gifts. God gave them a mission to help others…and they don’t question it. They realize that after the dancing and singing is over…we are going to need help with just living. That’s their gift.

I am looking forward to seeing what the body of Christ has to offer. My pastor always says that everything we need is in the house.  I just believe that as we celebrate one another we celebrate God. He is pleased when we work together when we encourage one another and help each other succeed. In 1 Peter 4:10-11 it says, "Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God's various gifts of grace. Anyone who speaks should speak words from God. Anyone who serves should serve with the strength God gives so that in everything God will be praised through Jesus Christ."

I love that. Knowing who you are in Christ is powerful. Your gift may not be like anything you have ever seen, or it could be something that you see all the time. God has just given you an anointing for it. When God blesses your efforts, it doesn’t matter how many people are doing it…yours will prosper and succeed.

Until next time…

Be blessed

Sacrifice...

Greetings!

Today marks two weeks before Resurrection Sunday. This is the time when Christians honor the sacrifice the Lord, Jesus Christ, made for us. The awesome thing about that is He not only gave His life for those who loved Him—He also did it for those who didn’t….

I am in such awe of Him. He makes me want to be a better person. Even though there is nothing we have to do to earn His love…I want to be the best me I can possibly be…just because He loves me. I want my life to reflect His goodness and His grace. I want to be available to do whatever He needs me to do.

This year I promised myself that I would not go into the New Year dragging old baggage. I was not going to wear myself out doing work that didn’t add up to anything. I remember looking back over my day and not knowing what I did. I don’t want that for my life. But, I’ll just be honest, I found myself drifting right back into that same old pattern…work, home, TV, bed. The crazy thing is…I didn’t even realize it at first. That’s how I know God is in control because He started showing me what was happening. God’s grace is sufficient. He gives us free will, but He continues to cover us until we get back in His will.

This time of year is extra special for me…not so much because of what God has done, but just for being who He is. He loves us beyond what words or time can express, and although we will never have enough time on this earth to express the gratitude we owe Him…putting ourselves aside to do what He wants is a good start.

Until next time…

Be blessed

Think on these things...

Greetings!

Everything means something. I don’t think we should live our lives looking over our shoulders, but we should be aware of the tricks the enemy sometimes plays with us.

First, he wants us to believe that we are not saved.

That is the first lie. If you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior…you are saved and nothing can un-save you. The Bible says that we cannot even come to God unless He first draws us. That means that He saw you and sent Jesus…just for you. He knows everything about you and He still felt that you were worth it. You are special in God’s eyes, and He would move heaven and earth for you.

Then, he wants us to believe that our ministry is not effective.

God has given each one of us something that He uses to bless the people of God. It can be something as simple as smiling. You don’t know how many people you encourage with that smile, or it could be that people find you easy to talk to…when God gets the glory…you are operating in your gift. We get so caught up in what we think success should look like that we miss God’s blessing.

Don’t let the enemy mess with your mind…

I think sometimes we forget who we are, and I just wanted to take a few moments to remind you that you are God's masterpiece. He has called you, and how about this...He not only knows every hair on your head...He knows your name. He has made you to be powerful not pitiful...a victor and not a victim...a warrior and not a worrier. Praise God!

Philippiams 4:8 says, "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."

Until next time…

Be blessed