You have a remarkably distinctive treasure inside of you, and it’s the you God created you to be.
My friend, don’t you know how beautiful you are to our Heavenly Father? Not because of what’s on the outside, but the treasure that makes you uniquely you on the inside.
You are a created original.
Valued and precious, and God is in love with you.
“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
There is a beautiful thing in the body of Christ called diversity. And yes, when we hear that word typically our minds are drawn to the notion of race, ethnicity, background, and the like. Believe me, those things DO make the body of Christ uniquely beautiful, and we will see the full culmination of that when we get to heaven.
But to help usher people toward that goal of reaching those heavenly doors, and to teach, assist, and encourage the saints along the way, variety in the form of spiritual gifts are very vital.
Working together in unison with His Spirit and one another for Kingdom purposes means that one does not have to shoulder the weight of every gift upon oneself. Rather, as doctors are in areas of specific studies, there are special areas endowed with special abilities from high. The beauty is, as a community of believers we have all the gifts of His Spirit in operation to benefit the body as a whole, lacking nothing, regardless of who is the one carrying the gift.
Spiritual gifts are never to be the source of contention and division. Every gift, regardless of the name or manifestation you attach to it, comes from the same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
It’s not about who gets to do what, or who is recognized for this and that, or whose gift seems to be “greatest.” It is all about what are we doing with what God gave us? How are we pooling our resources to help people and to help further increase His Kingdom?
First Peter 4:10, 11 instructs us, saying, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
This means all gifts given are with the purpose that we “minister” or serve one another with the end result “that God in all things may be glorified.”
This is a concept Paul had to explain to the Corinthian church, who allowed divisiveness to enter over the topic of spiritual giftings. Paul explained to the church the different varieties of gifts, the value of all gifts given, and their intended purpose, which was for the benefit of all (read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11).
In 1 Corinthians 12:7, he wrote, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal”, reiterating the way the Spirit manifests or reveals His working through individuals by their gifting is to “profit withal.” The advancement of God’s business, and the church as a whole, should benefit from what He has blessed inside each of us.
We are a part of His plan to make a difference in the lives of others. Each of us has something special within us that is never meant to be buried, hidden, or kept for ourselves. One should not want to go through life without the world benefiting from that spiritual treasure inside you. Take the bold approach and unearth it. Put it out there for all to partake in.
And whatever you do, don’t use it as some sort of measuring rod to compare with others. We have different gifts for a reason. Where I am strong, I can do my part to help minister to those around me.
Where I am weak, I cannot not only lean upon another, but I can help send others who have needs to be fulfilled in that direction to get the specific help they need.
Doing this makes us good stewards of the gifts. This is beautiful, because hand in hand, and heart with heart, like Nehemiah and the people building the wall, we are all working in unison together on our individual part to build up and finish the work (Nehemiah 3-4).
You, my friend, are gifted, and your gift is needed in this work. Let us not fight or become discouraged over the gifts but let us build together using them.
Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com. Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. Blessings to you.
Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.
“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11
The soul must recognize, and the heart acknowledge, there is not a day that goes by when we don’t need the holy provisions that come from on high. The hope, joy, and peace of heaven – every good, and every perfect gift from above – all of it we need daily to feed this spiritual life (James 1:17).
You, O God, are the one true source of all. To look anywhere else to nourish our souls for these times would be a futile pursuit. It is in You that we find the freedom we so long for. It is before You, we lay our cares, our thoughts, our burdens at Your holy feet.
Whatever we place there may feel like a lot to us, but it is never too much for You. So, daily You invite us to come, ask, seek, knock, and believe in faith (Matthew 7:7-8).
Today, and every day, we know that we need You. You, who were the manna in the wilderness, are the daily, living bread we need for this life right now (John 6:47-51). As a man starved in appetite, let us look to You for our heavenly sustenance (Matthew 5:6). You are the hope we lean upon, daily.
Friend, go to Him, daily.
Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com. Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. Blessings to you.
Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.
“But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the Lord which he did.” Deuteronomy 11:7
How would life look for us, or how much more would our faith be fed if we were intentional about remembering “the great acts of the LORD?” We don’t need to see the seas part, the ground opened to swallow, or mighty plagues – but surely, there are moments in our lives when we know that it was nothing but God. There are miracles, blessings, the moving of His holy hand, and His Holy Spirit that could be nothing short of His intervention for us.
As Moses recaps God’s commandments in Deuteronomy for the wilderness wanderers, he also wants them to remember personally what their eyes have seen, the things they have experienced during this time with God.
Days gone by supply us with a life full of the stories of His deliverance, His patience, and His constant and consistent work in our lives. Sometimes too numerous to tell, but when we think back, our eyes of faith behold them and we see that it is nothing we have done, nor can we take the credit. We see a God who has done more to love us, so this is where our trust should lie. This is where we should look in hope also for the days coming ahead.
If you look back into your bygone moments, what can you see? Can you see His hand showing up unexpectedly in a moment of grace? Can you see where His mercy touched what was once believed to be untouchable? Can you see where His promises came alive more vividly when you thought it was all over?
There are big things and there are small things – events and seasons that grow our appreciation all the more for the wonderful God we serve.
It takes nothing more than for us to simply appreciate that our eyes have awakened to a new day, and our lungs are breathing what He provides, to see God’s wonderful acts at work in our lives even right now.
His presence and concern for us are marked by the care He invests in us. Every prayer is heard. Every prayer responded. The feelings of His love wrapped around us – yes, He is there.
Even in times of tears and upset, His comforting presence saturates the atmosphere with His reassuring peace.
Throughout your life your eyes have seen many things and many things have been your experiences. Some may have been wonderful and good. Some may not have been. But if you pick through all you have witnessed, your testimony would call to mind: “I have seen the great acts of the Lord in my life.” In that, God’s faithfulness and neverending love for you shines through, holding you in faith through the days when it’s hard to see anything positive.
Take a walk down memory lane today and see those moments where He has faithfully made a way. Pray for God to show you Him in that walking and may your faith be increased as you take in the great acts of the Lord, for wherever He is, it is always great.
“I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11
Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com. Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. Blessings to you.
Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.
Giving God my all. What exactly does that mean?
What are you holding? What do you possess? What is important to you? Where does your love rest?
There are many parts of us. And while many parts make us us, there is only one God, and He is to be over all. Not just over all in the sense of His complete Sovereignty – but over your all, personally.
So, I ask you again, what is near and dear to you? What do you treasure and hold in high regard? There are no areas to be withheld from Him. Wherever He wills, He can touch. But how do we respond when He touches it?
As I ponder those questions, I am reminded of the time when adverse circumstances struck Job’s life in many different ways, all at the same time (Job 1-2). Job’s response may seem mind-boggling to some for we are told in the midst of it all, he “worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:20-21).
Job may not have understood everything, and he may have felt sorrow and experienced grief, but even in this, he surrendered everything he held dear in his choice to worship. He held on to his integrity and “In all this did not Job sin with his lips” (Job 2:10).
How does our heart respond when that which is dear to us has faced times of crisis? Do we really surrender all to Him, trust, and move forward even if our steps seem heavier than before? Or do we shut down as we try to hold on to the very last thread of that beloved thing?
To “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30) means there is to be no part of me, or what I am, or what I have that comes before God. Everything else must be willingly surrendered so that my love for Him shines first.
Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com. Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. Blessings to you.
Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.
I recently attended an event where the fathers of our organization were looked to, recognized, appreciated, and honored for their contributions to the faith and the church body. In an age, where sadly, there seems to be an absence of good, godly role models, I am reminded, currently speaking, that we are never without wholesome examples to pattern our lives and walks of faith after.
In the Bible, the children of Israel did not always have current, good representatives to follow. King Hezekiah, for example, had the wicked King Ahaz as his biological father. But as Hezekiah grew and came to reigning as king at the age of twenty-five, he didn’t follow in his birth father’s footsteps. Through him, a great reformation took place in the land because his heart was stirred to do more and for that, he looked to better examples. 2 Kings 18:3 says, “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father did.”
Hezekiah reached beyond the experience of those around him and those who raised him to find a good life to pattern his ways after. And yes, David, like all humans, had his moments of weakness and frailty, but in the end, was still dubbed a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). David’s heart was directed toward God and this is what Hezekiah wanted for himself and for the people.
He recited to the people the evil their fathers have done (2 Chronicles 29:6-9; 30:6-9) and pled with them to return to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel – the same God who the faithful fathers followed and not the practicing of current affairs or political influences.
Even if one is devoid of what we would call a good example in their present life and circumstances, we have what the Bible calls a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:) whose lives we can look to as a holy example to follow after. And of course, Jesus Christ is the litmus test that everyone should judge their steps by and seek to represent in their own lives and order their steps after (Hebrews 12:2).
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” Philippians 3:17
Copyright © Word For Life Says.com (Sharing any posts or lessons can only be done through the share buttons provided on this site from the original posts, lessons, and articles only. You can reblog from the original posts only using the reblog button provided, or share using the share buttons provided from these social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, etc., and they must be shared from the original posts only. All other repostings are prohibited. Posts and other items of interest found on this site MAY NOT BE COPIED AND PASTED, downloaded, uploaded, etc to another website or entity not listed (physical or electronic). See COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.
A rumbling in the tummy would be easy to satisfy for some. But, what of the hunger for something greater?
All hungering is not bad. All hunger shows there is a lack somewhere that needs to be filled. All hunger says I have something in me that needs to be satisfied.
For that, I say, hunger on! For only when one is truly starving for more than what they currently possess do they allow that gnawing desire to push them to find a source of fulfillment.
Who doesn’t want a life characterized by fulfillment? Who doesn’t want to feel completely satisfied? Especially when it comes to our spiritual walk; a walk that says, in everything I have Lord, if You’re not in it, then I am empty. My life is nothing.
If the hunger is for more of the glitter and gold of this life then it is truly to be better without. For that hunger can drive you to places and things that will leave your soul starving. But, my friends, if it is more of Him that’s your desire, come, partake, and be satisfied for “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled,” (Matthew 5:6).
Let your desire drive you toward God. Let Him be the only quencher of your longing for everything.
Run! Grab Him that is the Bread of Life (John 6:35), and eat. Take your fill and don’t stop till you look at Him through the eyes of eternity, and say, now soul, you are full. For you have taken of Him fully and fully you shall live forevermore.
Father God, fill us up with more of You. Let everything that You are, be the satisfaction that everything in us is looking for. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
To appreciate a good turnaround story, you must first appreciate the history behind the story. For the returning captives, their story is simple, and yet, not so simple.
In a short simple version: they sinned (repeatedly), ignored warnings (often), and as a result they went into captivity to serve their years of their disciplinary sentence. After the allotted time, they were released to return home and rebuild. Rebuild their homes, their lives, and their worship. And so, it came to pass.
The not-so-simple version shows in detail many behind-the-scenes factors that came into play for them to get from point A to point B.
One fascinating factor was Cyrus himself, who was prophesied by name some 100 years before as the one who would initiate this returning plan before they even went into captivity. It was his decree, which he gave credit to God, for instructing and supporting the return.
By and by, they faced setbacks, the authority of the kings was transferred, and enemies consistently interrupted the work, instigating trouble for the people to halt their rebuilding efforts (Ezra 4).
Even the complacency of the once-captive people who were now experiencing freedom settled in until they were encouraged once again to get on with rebuilding (Ezra 5:1; Haggai 1).
And build they did, but of course, this progress once again incited trouble. So, those who were set on discouraging the work appealed to the now, King Darius, to investigate this matter of rebuilding in hopes of stopping it again as before.
But God used their unrighteous complaint to propel the work forward in a way quite unexpectantly to the people and enemies alike. What the enemy meant for evil, God made something good out of it. He performed a complete turnaround from the enemy’s expectations, as Darius’ response indicates:
“Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:
Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” – Ezra 6:6-12
When God does a turnaround, support can be found in unlikely places. In this story, it was through a pagan king, and eventually, the very enemies that instigated the matter were forced into a position of giving assistance and help to the people.
The king’s command was set, and it would not be altered – they were to leave it alone. Leave the people alone. Leave the work alone. Stop getting in the way and let the house of God be built.
The Bible reminds us, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. The seasons of adversity, challenge, and change are never a season where God is taken off guard. When the Lord is on our side, He, being the Sovereign Rule overall – really think about this point, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
They may come. They may form weapons. They may hatch plans. They may try to discourage your efforts. Ultimately, it is God who will have the last say.
Enemies can only go as far as He gives them permission (Job 1), and even then, they must stay in the confines of the limits the Lord places upon them. And if He commands it, as we see in the story above, they could even be forced to further His work whether they like it or not.
With God on our side, we are never a product of our circumstances. Circumstances can only tally up so much in our lives, but when the Lord is ready to turn it around, it shall be turned and there is nothing that anyone, anywhere can do about it.
Friends, no matter how discouraging the journey may be toward your turnaround, be encouraged today in the God who is on your side. Be encouraged that the times and seasons are at His command and disposal. Be encouraged that whatever you face, this too shall pass because ultimately, our heavenly Father is in charge and when He turns it around, it will be turned around.
Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com. Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. Blessings to you.
Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.
“But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.” Acts 27:14-15, Read Acts 27
Tempest-tossed and storm-worn. The waves of this world crash about us, around us, and sometimes within us. What do we do?
When we did not heed proper directions, but sailed the course that we thought was right. What do we do?
When considerable time has passed and many days have been spent in the dark, and the helps that we use is no help at all, what do we do?
Our Euroclydon may not be wind-driven, but it is just as opposing and just as fierce as if we were upon that boat drifting at the mercy of the raging waters. We try to redirect. We try to fight our way through, but we can’t seem to catch the way on our own.
In our own power, we run, strike the sail, and even try to lighten the ship. Everything we try is to no avail but then God steps in to send a word.
For Paul, it was through an angel. For us, it can come through a preacher, a friend, a song, or from the authority of His Holy Word itself.
Belief sets in and courage is awakened in the storm.
Soundings are then made – let’s see how deep this goes. Anchors are dropped to hold her steady from the motion of the raging seas. The day comes, and while we may not recognize the place where we are, the morning light shows us the safety of the land ahead.
Raise the anchors and commit to moving ahead! The shoreline is coming close and if we persevere, we will get there.
Don’t give up, dear one. And stop trying to do it on your own or figure it out on your own. We will never see our whole life from the perspective that God sees it, so we must let it drive forward in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Friends, we have all had storms to ride out or weather through, but our God is faithful to His promises. If He declared we will get there, we will get there. Even if tempests, storms, disruptions, and brokenness is the route, we will get there.
Text Free pic by Pixabay
Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com. Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details. Blessings to you.
Please Note: Ads below or referenced on this site are prefabricated and mass-produced (of which I currently have no control over) and DO NOT necessarily represent the views and/or beliefs of this site and its admin.
Word For Life Says... 