The Best In You

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.  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 4:10-11

I have done a number of presentations on the idea of utilizing your strengths.  It is my favorite topic this time of year because I first was enlighten by that very topic then. It has molded me in a number of ways. Various tests have told me that my greatest strength is my heart for others, and it impacts everything I do.  For example in high school, it took me forever just to write a 500 word essay. I’m guessing some of you who have read my devotions are laughing right now at that very idea.  Some have even outright told me, “Kent, you might want to shorten some of those down.”    However, the thing that has changed from my high school days to my devotion writing is what God has placed on my heart.  My best writing always comes when God inspires my heart to say things about His love and grace.  It is the relationship I have with Him that encourages me to love on others and challenges me when I want to distance myself from them.  That is my strength, and I do my best to release it to all who I come into contact with because they then see the best in me.  They see what God sees in me.

Our talents and strengths are a reflection of what God has instilled in us, and they are to be shared with the world.  Most of us choose to use our talents at work or display our strengths only at home.  However as the latter part of today’s verse clearly points out, it asks us to “Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies."  Not a lot of room for partial effort here.  Do you ask yourself are my spiritual gifts shared not only with family and friends but also coworkers?  Do you volunteer for causes that could benefit from your talent? These are questions I have asked myself only to realize that I fall short and need to take corrective action. You see, this is not optional for followers of Jesus Christ.  We must share our time, effort, and talent with our church and community for if we are not, we are unfortunately part of the problem.  If you are unsure what you can offer, do not let it discourage you. Just show up!  We will never know what we are capable of unless we just try something.  It could be as simple as helping a child in a reading program or as complex as constructing a church on a mission trip.  Whatever God inspires you to move on, act on it.

God created this incredible individual called ‘you!’  You are strong, beautiful, and a gift from an almighty God who we are humbled to be in His service and is indeed worthy of praise!  He has instilled in you gifts whether you realize it or not.  Our mission is to not shelter them for a select few.  Today’s verse says, “Use them well to serve one another.”  That is our purpose.  What gifts do you have to offer in your church or community now?  Will you stop hesitating and start trying to serve today? My prayer and challenge is that we stop sheltering ourselves and display what God sees; the best in you.  Amen.

Follow the Path

So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program.  And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.  Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith).  Acts 6:2-5

Over the past couple of months, I have felt challenged in different ways.  In those challenges, it feels that another path is being opened, and I have begun to pray what that might mean for me in the future.  That makes me nervous as no one truly knows what the future has in store.  When dealing with such uncertainty, there are two things I have come to rely on.  First comes from Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”  The second, Philippians 4:13, says, “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  These are powerful reminders for me that while I do not know what the future has in store, I should trust God fully for there is nothing that I cannot handle through Christ. 

We must always walk faithfully the  path that God has set before us.  Today’s verses focus on the story of Stephen, who was about to take on a far different path than what was supposedly set for him.  He was one of five given the task to run a food program.  That would seem uninspiring.  However, Stephen's path would lead him to perform miracles, be falsely arrested, be an unyielding testifier for Christ, and see God and Jesus in the heavens before being killed.  Now sure, we might look at it as, “Hey!  He got stoned to death, and that’s not good, right?”  But through simply choosing to follow his path, he did things that even most of the Apostles did not do and saw God and Jesus prior to going up to Heaven.  How many of you would make that trade (live an incredible God inspired life and seeing both God and Jesus near the end)?  Had he not been faithful and followed what was asked of Him, none of this would have happened.  The Book of Acts is full of stories where people made the choice to follow the path God had laid out for them, and from Peter to Paul to Cornelius and others, their lives were changed and blessed along with furthering God’s Kingdom. 

God has laid out our path to a greater understanding of His will for our lives.  We may not fully understand it and we may be hesitant to pursue it.  However if we fully trust in Him and faithfully walk it, we, like Stephen, will have a fully blessed life.  What path is God presenting you with?  How can you trust in Christ to courageously overcome your fear of pursuing it?  My prayer is that we trust in God and Jesus Christ, and then simply follow the path.  Amen.

How We're Living

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Romans 8:13-16

(This is Pt 2 of 8 – Turning the Tide – Representing God to a World that Misrepresents Him)

Why do they call the Bible the ‘Living’ word of God?  Many of us know that while the actual Bible printed is not living, the words come to life through our study and application of it.  Through us, the Bible comes ‘alive.’  It's what   Yet, people will still doubt the validity of it and how present it is for the very reason it is living; us.  Many of us who have become newly born again Christians are surrounded by people that will mock and criticize us for our choice.  Opinions will range from the ‘he will turn back to his old self by next week’ to the ‘how could God see anything in her’ commentary.  What if this world does not believe that you have changed?  What if their goal is to pull you from the path that God has set forth before you?

The answer to this problem is to simply walk with God one day at a time.  Yes, there are many who have made a dramatic change where they have left a life filled with sin and become a passionate and fierce defender of the faith.  But if you were like me, then there were some things that you jumped right on and others that you failed at miserably.  It is those very failures where the world will remind you of the old person you were.  However, you are not that person!  God wants us to acknowledge the person we are becoming as born again through Christ.  Yes, we will fail at times, and often it will occur over the same sinful behavior numerous times.  But anything worthwhile is never easy, right?  It requires strength and determination, but most of all we need a helping hand; the hand of Jesus Christ.  There is a reason Paul said to the Philippians that indeed he could do everything through Christ (Philippians 4:13).  Just as today’s verses reaffirm, if we are led by the Spirit of God, we are indeed His children; inseparable and beyond any doubt.  Through Jesus Christ and with a sprinkle of patience, we are indeed able to show the world how He alone is the single greatest agent for true positive and transformative change. 

God knows us.  He knows our thoughts, our spirits, and our hearts.  There is no need to mind what the world says.  Trust in God and His word for if you follow Him, the whispers of the person you were will go away, and the naysayers will soon gravitate to the person God is making you.  How can you trust in God to help you be the person He wants you to be?  How can you focus less on your past sins and more on God’s future for your life?  My prayer is that we today and beyond to show the world how we are 'living.’  Amen.

Work In Progress

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.  Ephesians 4:14-16

My journey of faith started right here doing devotions over ten years ago.  I have grown so much in the decade that has passed since, and yet, I feel like I am still a work in progress.  My growth moves me to be better and closer each day to the God who showed me grace and to the people who despite my flaws have shown me love that only God supersedes.  I write devotions with the hope of helping others find purpose for what God has in store for them for each day that we focus on Christ is a step of growth in the right direction.

Spiritual growth is a continual process that is aided by knowledge in His word and use of one’s gifts. One area that I have grown immensely in is sharing my faith.  With greater knowledge in the truth of His word and understanding the gifts God has given me, I have realized that I am far better at discussing faith with someone I have first gotten to know.  If I try a different approach, it does not come across as authentic or worded differently, with Godly intent.  We all grow in different ways.  Some as my pastor said the other day are best diving in to learn how to swim.  Others learn best from someone knowledgeable or applying life experiences.  Our goal is to be knowledgeable in what God expects from us so that we operate continually with ‘Godly intent.’

Growth is not meant to be easy for as Jesus said, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:14)  In trying to grow, we will fall sometimes, but the greatest growth often comes from our failures.  One of the last things my father told me was, “Keep your hands on the plow.”  It meant keep working at it.  Don’t give up.  Keep pushing. This is how we both grow and become the mature body of Christ.  How can you grow your spiritual gifts?  What greater knowledge can you obtain to further your spiritual growth?  My prayer is that we realize that we are continually a work in progress.  Amen.

The Year of The Lord's Favor

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.  Isaiah 61:1-3

For most of my life, I would hear that the term A.D. meant ‘after death,’ as in after Jesus Christ died, and B.C. meant before Christ.  However after reading and studying for a Bible Study class, I found that first part was entirely wrong.  The term ‘A.D.’ is actually a medieval Latin term meaning “the year of the Lord.’ Thus, the beginning of the New Year is yet another reminder of the birth of our Lord and savior, and while many believe the approximate date is a little off (His birth approximated to be somewhere between 6-4 BC), there is a clear connection anytime the calendar changes.

The New Year brings forward a time where we have a chance to celebrate our own rebirth through Jesus Christ. The 61^st Chapter of Isaiah is simply titled ‘The Year of the Lord’s Favor.’ Its introductory verses point out what the coming of Jesus would mean to us all.  While we often focus on God’s awesome and mighty power, these verses also remind us how infinitely thankful we should be for His love and mercy.  The words are telling us how indeed Jesus Christ would change the world freeing us from sin, comforting mourners, bringing joy and praise, and planting the seeds of righteousness.

Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (NKJV) As other look to make resolutions, let us rejoice and be glad as the New Year is a reminder once again that Jesus is the reason for the season.  What thanks will you give God for this soon to be past year?  How will you give glory to God this New Year?  My prayer is that we are used by God to make this indeed a year of the Lord’s favor!  Amen and Happy New Year!

Bad News & Good News

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

There’s good news, and then there’s bad news.  What’s bad news?  Remains of a twenty year old who disappeared in a small town community are found.  Ten different states report a mysterious virus that affects children, and they expect it to spread nationwide.  Football player is kicked off the team after video shows him striking his wife.  Children killed in their apartment home in what appears to be a gang related incident.  These are ‘bad’ news headlines from over the weekend.  Is there any wonder why people have grown so critical of the world we live in?  Why would anyone want to live in a world like this?  As Christians, one might wonder why would God put us here in such a place?  It is important that we remember that while the world we live in is not heaven, we are given this wonderful opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ to others in this broken world.

The Good News of Jesus Christ is still the overwhelming message in a fallen world.  There are plenty things to complain about, and there are numerous worries which occupy our thoughts.  They chip away at our spiritual goodness to attempt disconnecting us from God.  However, the message of Jesus Christ is one that is encouraging, life changing, and reinvigorating.  We follow Him for He has overcome death and everything that the world could dish out.  The Good News is a reminder of who we belong to, and assurance amidst the constant negative messages the world sends.

Knowing Jesus Christ means to have peace when all those about you have chaos and comfort even in the most trying circumstances.  This is not a secret to be kept to ourselves.  It is to be shared to give others hope when all seems lost.  It is to remind them that there is God who loves and protects them.  For all the troublesome things that occur, we are to take heart because Jesus Christ has overcome all of it; past, present, and future.  How can you allow Jesus Christ to give you peace?  My prayer is that when we are inundated with bad news, we take heart in the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Focusing On The Gifts

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.  1 Corinthians 12:4-6

  

This past week, I had a opportunity to teach a class that I somewhat feel was made for me.  I focuses on understanding and developing your strengths.  The basis of the class is very simple.  We are all gifted with certain things that we do  exceedingly well.  The key to personal success lies in our ability to both understand and master use of those strengths.  It always made me focus on one simple question; why did God give us all different strengths (or gifts)?

We are given different strengths so that we can see others as God sees us.  We spend a great deal of our lives trying to focus on the things we are not.  Maybe we are not the smartest person or perhaps we do not look as good as we think we should.  These are stories the world tells us.  However, God does not see us for our imperfections.  He sees us as His children.  This is not to say we are perfect, but instead, we are His greatest creation.  His masterpiece.  God sees the beauty in us all, and when we are indeed connected to Him and utilizing the gifts God has given us, we are a perfect reflection of Him.

God created mankind in His own image (see Genesis 1:27).  We are given gifts as a reminder of His brilliance for all of us to see.  If we as Christians can see people for the things they are rather than focusing on those things they are not, we will have grown spiritually by leaps and bounds.  God wants the best from all of us.  What is stopping you from releasing it?  Do you know the gifts God has given you?  My prayer is that we focus on the gifts God has given each and every one of us.  Amen.