Purpose and Choice

Purpose and Choice 1 Peter 4:10,11 “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 forever and ever. Amen.” In an earlier blog we explored the “why am I here” question. Today let us look at what God has given and why He gave it. Just as every tool in a tool chest has a specific purpose, so then does every creation of God. The creator gave each and everyone special gifts and talents. We then are to use these gifts and talents to bring glory to God. In 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 Paul list just some of the gifts. He then admonishes that not everyone has the same gift. Many times, you hear people say, “I just don’t have any talent and don’t guess I can serve God.” God did not make pew warmers. What do you think the church would look like if everyone was a preacher or a singer? Or what would it look like if everyone looked and acted like you or me? Keep in mind God had a very clear plan in mind when He created you and me. You can do what I cannot and I would be amiss trying to do what you can. God does not make mistakes. He created each of us for a reason and a purpose. There may be only one person we can reach for Christ. Hint: we are to being glory to God through the use of our gifts and talents. Here is another analogy. God is setting out to make a grand picture. This picture is like unto a puzzle. Every person God has made or will ever make has a place in His picture. He will not force any to be in His picture, but each has a place. Some fit easily and others take some guidance. Then some simply will not be in the picture. This leaves a hole. As God is completing His picture He is asking those already in the picture to encourage those outside to come and join. As the picture reaches completion, there are many pieces not in the picture. When God says it is finished all those not in His picture will be burned. Are you in the picture? Are you in the place designed for you or are you trying to get into another’s spot? Jesus took a look at what was waiting for him in Jerusalem. “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” (John 12:27,28) God may be speaking to your heart today. Asking you to use the gifts and talents, He gave you to bring another His love. The choice is yours. You can live by your comfort and your own goals or you can live your life giving glory to God. Jesus gives us this directive, “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” (John 12:25) The choice is yours… Remember any choice you make has eternal consequences.

What is in a Word?

What is in a word? Through the ages man has learned how to change and control his environment. He has tamed the wild beast; harnessed natural resources; changed the course of rivers; even the mighty atom has come under man’s control. With all this mass control there is yet one thing man has not been able to tame: his tongue. In James 3:5 we find these words, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold , how great a matter a little fire kindleth.” Words are powerful! It has been said that the pen is mightier than the sword. Lives have been changed by a word. Lives also have been destroyed by a single word. Countries have gone to war over what someone said. Words can destroy, they can heal, they can console; we just need to know how and when to use the words. A gentle word can calm fears of a frightened child. An word spoken in anger can break a heart and tear a family apart. A word of compassion can ease pain and grief. While it is best to think before we speak it is not always so. Usually we speak before we think. Remember words are like arrows. Once put in flight they cannot be returned. Sometimes it is best to stop talking and listen. When the mouth is open the ears are closed. It is the tongue that gets us in trouble not the ears. Let us look at Proverbs 6:16-19, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Of the seven things that are displeasing to the Lord, four refer to how words are used. The old saying, “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.” Sounds like good advice. The bible teaches, For as he thinketh is his heart so is he... Proverbs23:7 Becareful what you say you may not like the results.