As I was reading my Daily You Version Devotion on Monday, I couldn’t help but think about the calling that God has placed on each of us to serve Him in different capacities. He has given each of us a skill to carry out His work, and our obedience helps Him to build His Kingdom.
“…and every skilled person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord has commanded.” Exodus 36:1
While this passage is talking specifically about building the tabernacle, it sets an example of the fact that God gives each and every one of us specific skills. Paul outlined some of those skills in 1st Corinthians 12 and 14 as he listed the gifts of the Spirit. It is our responsibility to take those gifts and skills and utilize them in His service.
My question to each of you is - how are you using the skills entrusted you by God to further His Kingdom? Maybe you're not called to vocational ministry or commissioned to build a tabernacle, but you are called to do something with your skills - at your job, in your household, in your church. What are you doing today to honor God by using His gifts?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
16 Years Ago
Sixteen years ago I was holding my new baby boy in my arms, counting his 10 perfect fingers and 10 perfect toes and looking into his innocent eyes. I was starry-eyed with expectation, and scared to death at the same time. What would he become? What kind of a mother would I be?
Today he is a young man, a sophmore in high school and ready to get his driver's license. While I am excited for him and for his future, I am likewise melancholy. Being a mother is much harder than I ever expected. It is also more rewarding than I could have imagined.
Sixteen years ago my life changed forever. Thank you God for the gift of my son Joshua.
Today he is a young man, a sophmore in high school and ready to get his driver's license. While I am excited for him and for his future, I am likewise melancholy. Being a mother is much harder than I ever expected. It is also more rewarding than I could have imagined.
Sixteen years ago my life changed forever. Thank you God for the gift of my son Joshua.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Owasso
All I can say is WOW! Today marked the official launch of the 14th LifeChurch.tv campus in Owasso, Oklahoma. With 681 people, 118 kids and 6 salvations, God is working tremendously in NE Oklahoma. Lives are being changed and He has allowed me to be a part. I can hardly believe it. That's all I have to say right now - my mind just can't wrap itself around how amazing God is!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Tested and Approved
Are you tested and approved? Tertius writes in his letter:
"Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ." Romans 16:10
I'm not a patient researcher, so my limited research of Apelles shows that he may have questioned the Old Testament writings, but he was a Christ follower - obviously a notable one. I'm not sure exactly how he was tested, but actually Apelles is not my point.
My point is this - are you tested and approved in Christ?
Products on the market today sometimes have a "seal of approval," and maybe you've heard the advertising "kid tested, mother approved." These products submit themselves to testing, often vigorous, relentless testing, to show consumers that their claim to be a good product are true.
If you are a Christian, then you claim to follow Christ and to uphold His truth, even under vigorous testing. Have you received the "seal of approval?"
Unlike products for sale, our testing never ends. But just like those products, sometimes it's necessary to make modifications to pass the test. Maybe we get out of alignment or some integral part becomes loose. We have the advantage of a direct relationship with the Creator to make any necessary modifications.
So what about you - are you tested and approved in Christ? Submit yourself to the Father and ask Him to make any changes so that you will receive the "seal of approval."
"Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ." Romans 16:10
I'm not a patient researcher, so my limited research of Apelles shows that he may have questioned the Old Testament writings, but he was a Christ follower - obviously a notable one. I'm not sure exactly how he was tested, but actually Apelles is not my point.
My point is this - are you tested and approved in Christ?
Products on the market today sometimes have a "seal of approval," and maybe you've heard the advertising "kid tested, mother approved." These products submit themselves to testing, often vigorous, relentless testing, to show consumers that their claim to be a good product are true.
If you are a Christian, then you claim to follow Christ and to uphold His truth, even under vigorous testing. Have you received the "seal of approval?"
Unlike products for sale, our testing never ends. But just like those products, sometimes it's necessary to make modifications to pass the test. Maybe we get out of alignment or some integral part becomes loose. We have the advantage of a direct relationship with the Creator to make any necessary modifications.
So what about you - are you tested and approved in Christ? Submit yourself to the Father and ask Him to make any changes so that you will receive the "seal of approval."
Monday, February 2, 2009
I have once again been contemplating "why" - why does God create in me one thing, and then seemingly change His mind? Why does it seem like He's changing His mind only with me and not those closest to me? Why does He surround me with incredible people, with varying degrees of closeness, but yet I sometimes still feel so alone?
While my questions still stand, I was reminded of something today when I was reading a blog post from a friend, Kendra http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2009/02/02/guest-kendra-golden/. God has a perfect plan - He shares His vision as He deems necessary, and He has a goal.
His goal for me, for my relationships, for my ministry is written on a "tablet" to be revealed at the appointed time. Even though it is hard - I wait for it, and as it is revealed, I will run with it.
Another thing struck me reading this post - the people He has assembled and surrounded me with are part of the purpose. Even when relationships don't make sense, they're part of the overall goal, part of the vision.
Though I may question Why, I do not question Who. I love the Lord my God with all my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. I have seen part of the "tablets" and have faith that He will continue to reveal appropriate pieces at the appointed time. He will answer the questions Why when ready.
While my questions still stand, I was reminded of something today when I was reading a blog post from a friend, Kendra http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2009/02/02/guest-kendra-golden/. God has a perfect plan - He shares His vision as He deems necessary, and He has a goal.
The LORD answered me and said, “Record the vision and inscribe it on
tablets, that the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the
appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it
tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay.” Habakkuk
2:2-3 NASBish
His goal for me, for my relationships, for my ministry is written on a "tablet" to be revealed at the appointed time. Even though it is hard - I wait for it, and as it is revealed, I will run with it.
Another thing struck me reading this post - the people He has assembled and surrounded me with are part of the purpose. Even when relationships don't make sense, they're part of the overall goal, part of the vision.
Though I may question Why, I do not question Who. I love the Lord my God with all my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. I have seen part of the "tablets" and have faith that He will continue to reveal appropriate pieces at the appointed time. He will answer the questions Why when ready.
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