"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." 1 Peter 4:10
I love to watch people use the gifts God has given them. My friend, Bill, is a huge encourager. Wherever he is, he is breathing God's love into others with a genuine compliment or a word of praise for a job well done. My husband, Dana, teaches his Sunday School class with a heart for God. His dedication to his study and preparation each week shows through in his passion for getting the Word out to us (he has text-taught our lesson these last five months). I have two friends who are the best gift-givers. Their love language must be 'gifts', I have received sweet packages in the mail and even a 'doordash' during this pandemic. Nothing will stop them from giving me love through their 'gift.'
When we use our gifts, Jesus adds His blessing to our offering, and we reach people in ways we couldn't on our own. Jesus makes our gift complete.
"But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."
(Eph. 4:7)
Do you use your gift God has given you? Have you thought about what that gift might be? Maybe you have a desire to start a ministry through teaching or singing or serving in some way. It may not be something in the church (think and look outside the box). Pray and ask God to direct your thoughts to wherever He can use you, and desires to use your gift. He will show you, just make yourself available and step out in faith.
"Therefore He says: "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Eph. 4:8;11-12)
Our Lord may have a wonderful blessing waiting for others through your gift, but He wants to bless you through it too. Whatever your gift may be, may it glorify God and may blessings pour out from and to you.
I love you & He loves you more!
P.S. If you find yourself reading this devotion please leave me a "Hey" or "Hello" in the comment section below just so I can know who passes on these Country Roads. It would do my heart good. Thank you.
Lord, May we seek to study and know You and learn what our God-given gift is and use it to praise and honor You. Reveal to us the gifts You so generously give and may we use them to further Your Kingdom. May those gifts be used in every part of our life to show others Your love. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Sonya,
Those answers I gave you when we were young just cracks me up. I knew I had to answer all your questions because after all, I was the big sister.
God gave you a testimony and I am so blessed to get to watch you live it out loud. Thank you for using the gifts God gave you. Your positive mind set and willingness to work through tough situations. You teach those kids with a heart for God and in your own ways show them Jesus. Your excitement for each new school year amazes me, especially this one.
God bless you and keep you well in this new year.
I love you.
♥️Kim
Kim, I am so blessed to have you as a sister. I wouldn't be where I am today if it hadn't been for you always knowing the answers to everything... Me, "Why do we use conditioner?" You, "To get the shampoo out." Me, "Why do we brush our hair upside down?" You, "To get the dead ends off." And there are many more questions you were always ready to answer. It's funny looking back at the years we've had, and you do such a great job bringing those back. I thank Our Father everyday for His decision to place me with such a wonderful family. I will never understand why He thought I deserved all of you. To have been…
Good morning, Amy.
I am so glad you visit each morning. Thank you for letting me know.
♥️Kim
Good morning Kim! I enjoy reading your devotions every morning. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!
Amy
Thank you, Bro. Morris.
Your words have encouraged and inspired me a long the way. I really do appreciate them.
Thank you for your prayers and calls to mom and dad. You have been a true shepherd through this journey.
I pray for you often through out the week. I know this time must be challenging for you. You’re doing a great job. Thank you for that.
♥️Kim