Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 NLT

 

Yesterday I had the privilege of meeting my wife’s cousin and his wife. They both have ties to employment with a nationwide food chain. We discussed the success of the company and one of the elements that keeps the business doing so well; its employees. The employees are treated well and taught to treat each customer with respect, have a friendly smile, and oftentimes go out of their way, exceeding the customer’s expectation. Its no wonder this chain has been so successful and it all started with the original founder and his work ethic, which is carried on through its family of employees.

 

As Christians, God provides each of us talents to serve Him and bless others. You might already be aware of your talents and gifts and hopefully are using them. Unfortunately, many Christians don’t recognize their gifts or use them in their daily life. If the world is going to see their need for God, they need to see Him living through you and every other child of God. Non-Christians have no view of God or understanding of His unconditional love. By using your talents and gifts, they will catch a glimpse of our awesome God and hopefully want to be a part of His family too.

 

Pray and ask God to reveal the gifts He’s given you, then ask for Him to open the door of opportunity to serve Him.  Trust me, blessings will follow when you serve on behalf of our Heavenly Father! Use your talents today! God bless!  

 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.                   2 Corinthians 3:5

 

Do you ever feel inadequate about something in your life? Maybe it’s a specific task at work that seems overwhelming, a health condition that has controlled every aspect of your life or maybe a financial burden that you have no idea how it will ever be lifted. I think we’ve all faced times in life when things seem to overpower us and our strength is diminished because of our inadequacy.

 

Today’s verse is a great reminder that our help comes from the Lord Psalm 121:2. As humans we have limitations to our strength, emotional stability and financial resources. Once we’ve reached our limit, we can become discouraged, depressed and even resort to drastic measures to either cope with our situation or try to compensate by irrational means. This is not what God wants for His children.

 

I can tell you from personal experience, when you ask God for His help, He works with your limitations and adds His strength, wisdom and love into the equation and the results take you further, much further, than you ever expected. He loves you and desires to bless you, you just have to come in obedience to Him, willing to receive His help, and He will provide beyond your own limited ability to work through whatever your face.

 

You must acknowledge, “Without Me you can do nothing” John 15:5. Until you rely on God for help, your successes will be measured by your limitations. Trust God and see how He can multiply your limitations to accomplish much for His kingdom and bring blessings into your life! God bless!

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

Whenever there is a change in something, it usually means there is a new way of doing things. Change can be good as it keeps you from falling prey to a routine that is no longer effective and positive in your life.

 

Today’s verse is a prime example of change in the life of a Christian. If a person has truly accepted Christ, there should be a change in his or her life. Priorities should focus on the Lord’s plan and purpose for their life, things like selfishness, greed and pride should be put aside and replaced with humbleness and obedience. But it doesn’t happen over-night.

 

Change takes time and the Lord is available to help weed out the old ways and begin a new and fresh start in your life. Prayer and bible study are essential to make that change happen. Day by day, prayer by prayer, making decisions with God the priority will result in a changed person from the inside out.

 

As a Christian, maybe you find your attitudes and behavior similar to how you were prior to accepting Christ. Make today a start of newness in your life by asking God to transform your heart and mind into a new vessel that He can use for His glory and bless you along the way. Trust me, God blesses obedience and He is ready to help you make a change today, one step at a time! God bless!

God's gift to us

 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 25: 5-6

I got up early this morning and stood outside, praying, as the sun came up on this crisp Easter morning. As Christians, we have the confidence in our Savior who paid our sin debt. Regardless of the sin's severity, He covered them all. Because of that guarantee we should all commit each day to living the life Jesus has called us to live. 

Let this Easter day of celebration continue with you, every day forward, as you commit to Him who has written your name in the book of life with His blood. He is risen. Celebrate today this glorious gift from God. Blessings.