Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Obedience

January 2, 2015 by pattiburris

obedience

 

 

Luke 5:1-11

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

There are times when obeying God can be the most difficult thing we have ever done. God often asks us to sacrifice in order to obey Him. He may ask us to do things that we think are silly, or are out of our comfort zone. The one guarantee is that obeying God will most likely be a challenge in some way or another.

When Jesus commanded Simon Peter to let down his nets for a catch, Simon Peter must have thought, “this is crazy! We’ve been at this all night!” He even voices his concern to Jesus, but knowing who Jesus was, Simon Peter obeyed and they caught so many fish that both boats began to sink under the weight of them all. James, John, and Simon Peter then left their boats and followed Jesus. They never looked back. They left their families, source of income, friends and homes to follow Jesus.

It seems like such a simple thing, but it isn’t. There are so many obstacles to our obedience that we often miss the blessings that God has for us. I have listed 5 obstacles below:

1. Fear– Fear is a huge obstacle! Fear of rejection or ridicule. Fear of stepping out of our comfort zones. Fear of failure. Fear is Satan’s way of keeping us from doing God’s will. Satan knows that if he can keep up locked up in a prison of fear that we will NEVER step out in faith and obedience to God. Do you want Satan to win? I don’t.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Hang on to God and face your fear head on. Courage comes from facing your fear. Defeat the Devil and walk in obedience to God.

2. Pride– Do you refuse to obey because others might think you are silly, or think less of you? Do you think that you have accomplished so much on your own that you are now to good to obey God? That’s pride, my friend.

Psalm 10:4

In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
    in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Take a good look into your heart and realize that God gives and He takes away. It is so much better to live in obedience to God. It is so much better to live with gratitude for the blessings God gives us. You are NOT God and you have not gotten where you are on your own. God is in this whether you like it or not. Live in obedience and see what God does in your life. It might just amaze you!

3. Our Own Agenda– Many times we struggle to obey something that is not on our agenda. We may dream about going to Africa to serve as a missionary, but God is calling us to Ireland instead. So, we argue and plead. We stand in disobedience until at some point God gets through to us that He knows whats best for us and the people we are to serve.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I can tell you right now that arguing with God will do you no good. Even if you get your way, you will be miserable! Don’t let your disobedience separate you from God. God CREATED us to do good works. He has already prepared the way, just go with it and enjoy the life God wants you to live.

4. Unbelief– Sometimes, it is hard to believe that God can use us to do His will. I doubt my own abilities: I’m don’t have enough education, I don’t know the Bible backward and forward, or I’m simply not a good enough Christian to be used by God. Sometimes, we struggle to believe that God can do what He says He will do. If God is telling you to give up a full-time job to become a missionary, do you doubt that He will provide for ALL of your needs?

Mark 9:23, 24

” ‘If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” 24 Immediately the boys father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

God CAN do what He says He can do. God CAN use us just as we are. We just need to be willing to obey and trust Him. We need to believe.

5. Busyness–  Busyness can keep us from doing God’s will. We have to-do lists as long as our arm and we are dog tired when we get done with it all. Where does obeying God fit into all of this busyness?

Ephesians 5:15-17

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Prioritize! Prioritize! Prioritize! Some things on our to-do lists must get done: bills must be paid, laundry and housework must be done, but when God tells you to do something, that takes precedence over everything else. Nothing else is as important as obeying God. We must be flexible in our daily plans and leave wiggle room for God to break into our day. We have plan B. God has plan A.

Are you willing to obey God, no matter what He asks you to do? Are you willing to trust Him for the outcome? I am. The alternative of being miserable in disobedience is to painful to even consider. To live separated from God because I choose to live in disobedience is something I don’t even want to consider. I want to please God. I want to obey God, no matter what. Do you?

Posted in Being A Disciple | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

Simplicity

December 31, 2014 by pattiburris

simplicity

Luke 9:1-6

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. (Italics mine)

Jesus made it clear to the disciples that He wanted them to live simply, focusing on the ONE important thing in their lives, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. I have heard people say that God has chosen certain people to be rich. I don’t buy it. That just doesn’t sound like the God of justice and equality that I know and love. Why would God choose some to be filthy rich and others to be homeless and hungry? Nope, doesn’t sound like the loving God that I worship.

In fact, scripture tells us just the opposite:

1 Timothy 6:9

Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Luke 18:25

Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

James 5:1-6

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Matthew 6:24

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

I am not judging the rich in our society, but it comes down to what you do with those riches: will you horde them and selfishly keep them to yourself or will you share out of your abundance in obedience to God? Will you live in a million dollar mansion on a hill isolated from others or live simply, sharing with those in need in your community? The same questions also apply to those pastors and leaders of mega churches: are you going to waste millions of dollars on a huge church, perfectly manicured gardens and dozens of programs to entertain your congregants or are you going to maintain a simple building and give the millions to those in need in your community? Are you going to move your church to the fancy neighborhood in the ‘burbs or are you going to stay in the ghetto where your presence may actually do more good than you could ever imagine?

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Luke 12:33

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Being rich is not a sin in itself. It is what you do with what God has blessed you with. Live simply and share your riches with those who are in need. Taking a look back at what Jesus told His disciples in Luke 9:1-6 we learn that we are to simplify our lives in three ways:

1. Material possessions

2. Time

3. Money

3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.

The disciples were told to take NOTHING for the journey! Jesus knew that material possessions and money would distract them from their purpose: proclaiming the good news and healing people. God provided what they needed, when they needed it. They lived simply. Their time was spent building relationships and proclaiming the good news. Period.

What does living simply mean to you? Take a look at the three things listed above and pray for God to guide you in ways to simplify your life, so that you can focus on our ONE true purpose: proclaiming the good news, building relationships and loving people to Jesus. List three ways under each category (material possessions, time and money) in which you can simplify your life. Give yourself a certain amount of time to accomplish those goals. How do you feel? Now, list three more ways to simplify for each category.

Don’t get discouraged. Simplifying sometimes means sacrifice. Is God worth the effort? I think He is. If you need encouragement along the way, I am here for you. Don’t give up! You can do this! One baby step at a time. Your reward will be treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Posted in Being A Disciple | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

One Community

December 14, 2014 by pattiburris

one community

 

 

1 Thessalonians 3:12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 3:2,3 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.

Paul tells the Thessalonians in his letter to them that they are to love and encourage one another. He acknowledges that they are doing this already, but says that they need to do it more and more. Paul sent Timothy to encourage the Thessalonians in their trials, just as we are to encourage other believers in their difficult times. Paul did not send Timothy to judge them for not doing better, just as we should not judge the attempts of others. There is an urgency to start loving each other and encouraging each other, instead of tearing each other down. We need to embrace our differences and learn from those differences, instead of looking down on others who aren’t like us. When we judge and refuse to love those who are different, we become no better than bullies. Look around you and open your heart to those who need to be loved and encouraged. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. Can we love those around us with that same kind of love?

Posted in From My Heart | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

Here Am I

December 2, 2014 by pattiburris

send me

 

 

Isaiah 6:8

8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Have you heard the call of the Lord on your life? Have you ignored the call because of fear, inconvenience or it is simply to much of a sacrifice?

I have. I admit that my fear and lack of faith in God’s ability to provide has kept me living in mediocrity. Oh sure, I may have said, “send me” but inside I was hoping that God would say, “that’s okay, I’m just kidding.” So, I have remained living in disobedience, frustration and mediocrity. I yell at God to give me an opportunity to be used in full-time ministry and then when He does, I run the other way and don’t look back. I blame God, but really it is all on me. I sabotage my own opportunities by living in fear and refusing to trust in my heavenly Father.

God has been working on me. He has been pruning my character and getting me ready to serve Him full-time. He has lovingly brought me to the place where I am willing to step out and live as George Mueller and countless other missionaries, in complete dependence on God to provide. Am I at a place in my faith journey where I am able to give up my reliance on a stable paycheck, the security of knowing how the bills will get paid or how we will be fed? Am I at a place in my faith journey where I am willing to move ahead, even if it means leaving family behind because they may not approve of what I am doing? Can I give up material possessions and conveniences to serve God and trust Him to provide what we need?

God has been working on my faith and again today, asked me these same questions through a Facebook post on a friend’s page. Am I ready to step out in complete faith? Are you ready to answer the call that God has placed on your life, regardless of the sacrifices?

My answer, ” Here am I, Lord, send me!”

Posted in From My Heart | Tagged , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Gift Of Christmas

December 2, 2014 by pattiburris

Baby Jesus

 

This last weekend saw the kick-off of the Christmas season. It started with Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. It continued with Small Business Saturday and ended with Cyber Monday. The purpose of each of these days is to reinforce commercialism and consumerism in what should be a sacred time of year. Christmas has become a stress-filled, frantic time of year when people spiral into debt and depression. It isn’t supposed to be this way. It was NEVER supposed to be this way! I admit that in the past years I have stressed over not having enough money to buy my kids “enough”. Ultimately, within a week, the gifts would be lost, broken or forgotten. Buried in a corner, like what most of us do to Jesus, the reason we have a Christmas at all.

I decided this year would be different for me. I am buying each of my kids a gift I know they will use and enjoy. I have put up a simple tree. I am not worried about buying a huge amount of gifts for my kids. It isn’t about what we get. It is about what we can give. Jesus gave us the gift of all gifts, His life. Let’s honor Him this season and give to those who may not have a Christmas at all. There are homeless men, women and children in our own cities that will not have Christmas because of poverty. There are children living in the foster care system, who will not have a Christmas. I know, I was one of them. There are men and women serving in our military who are stationed far from their families, who will spend Christmas alone in their barracks.

Christmas is not about buy, buy, buy and me, me, me. It is about giving people the gift of love and respect. It is about giving the gift of yourself to someone who may be hurting or heartbroken. Most importantly, it is a time to share the gift of Jesus with those around you. I am challenging you to forget the commercialism of Christmas and remember why we have a Christmas at all. His name is Jesus.

Jesus is the only Christmas gift that any of us really needs. Remember Jesus!

Posted in From My Heart | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

On The Edge: A Poem

November 18, 2014 by pattiburris

 

 

girl on edge

On The Edge

Standing on the edge

Will I take the risk?

Heart pounding in my ears

Seeking peace

finding fear.

Giving up everything to follow God’s will.

Standing on the edge

and

time stands still.

The whisper of Jesus

soothes my soul

reminding me

that

I’m not alone.

God will provide

all that I need

and so

with faith and trust

I JUMP…

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

Encouraging Words

November 18, 2014 by pattiburris

encourage

 

 

Encouraging words are like manna for the soul. They boost our confidence and our spirit when times are tough. While out running errands today, I stopped at Subway for lunch. The sandwich artist was a young man who was noticably nervous. As he fumbled with my sandwich he apologized and explained that he was new. I had already guessed that. I waited patiently while he made my sandwich and fumbled with the cash register. Before I turned to go, I wanted to leave him with an encouraging word, “hang in there, your doing fine”. He gives me a thumbs up and smiles. It was easy for me to empathize. I remember many times when I was the newbie and shaking in my slip resistant shoes. Even now, after 6 months at my current job, which on most days I like, I have moments when my confidence is shaken and I feel like running for the door. It is in those moments when I hear that encouraging whisper from my Heavenly Father, “hang in there, your doing fine”.

In the midst of our daily activities, keep your heart open for those moments to encourage those around you who may be the newbies, those around you who may be hurting, those around you who simply may need to be encouraged. Those moments are there, if our hearts are open to them.

God Bless!

Posted in From My Heart | Tagged | Leave a Comment »

Teach Your Children: Not To Conform To The World

November 11, 2014 by pattiburris

conformed to the world

 

 

Romans 12:2

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I have been dismayed at the number of Christians that think it is okay to take part in secular activities on a regular basis and think that it won’t affect who they are. I have been heartbroken for the church of today, that even pastors think it okay to take part in secular activities and even bring those activities into the church. The pastor of a local church I attended for a few months thought it was okay to host “The Walking Dead” parties every week when the show was on. These parties were held in the church. This pastor also thought it was okay to show videos on Sunday mornings of comedians sitting in a bar, drinking alcohol. My kids had gotten comfortable at that church, but I was not comfortable with my kids thinking that all of this was okay. We left. The pastors justification for all of this was that he wanted to bring people into the church. He used worldly ways to bring people into the church and gave them enough of the world to keep them in the church. That church is growing by leaps and bounds, but my heart breaks for all of those who attend that think that all of this is okay. This pastor is forgetting why God sent the Holy Spirit. If we stay true to God’s word and believe, then He will work in the hearts of people and bring them into the church. We are so set on making things about what suits us, that God gets left out of the equation. We then twist scripture and fool ourselves into thinking we are doing God’s will. I can see God looking down on all of us and shaking His head in frustration because we just don’t get it. There was a discussion about taking part in secular activities with another pastor of another church I attended for several years. He said that if these activities affect us then we were never pure in the first place. News flash: none of us is that pure! None of us will ever be pure enough to engage in worldly activities and never have them affect our christian walk. This pastor authorized a youth trip to one of the Twilight movies for the middle school girls. Needless to say that we are no longer at that church either.

Don’t get the impression that I think I’m perfect. I am far from perfect and my choices aren’t always ones that Jesus would approve of. There are two T.V. shows that I love that I need to give up because they don’t pass the Jesus test. For every T.V. show, movie, song, activity, decision, ask yourself, “would Jesus approve of me watching/doing this?” I believe that each of knows if Jesus would approve or not. If the answer is no, then don’t watch or do what it is your asking about. I love the Gilmore Girls, but would Jesus approve of my watching the show? No, He wouldn’t. He would not approve of Grey’s Anatomy either.

My 12 year old son, Ty, is a bit of a ladies man. He has two girlfriends and has had three. I asked him last night if he thought Jesus would approve of having two girlfriends. Ty knew that Jesus would not approve. I asked him if he cared about what Jesus thought. He said he did care. I asked him what he thought he needed to do. He said break up with one of the girls. When we put our own decisions to the Jesus test and start making wiser decisions about what activities we participate in, we set an example for our kids that they will remember when it matters.

Will they always make great decisions as far as what they watch and listen to? Will they always make wise decisions as far as what activities they take part in? No, they will not. My 18 year old daughter, Cree, watches the Walking Dead. All three of my daughters like the Hunger Games movies and the Twilight movies. They know I don’t approve, but they are old enough to make their own decisions. I have planted a seed in their hearts and I trust that God will cultivate that seed. When we continue to watch things like the Walking Dead, It will desensitize our spirits and we begin to think that it is okay to conform to the ways of the world.

A challenge to you:

Go through the T.V. shows, movies, music that you enjoy and put them to the Jesus test. Will they pass? If not, what are you going to do about it? Are you willing to give them up for Jesus?

If your kids are watching, listening to media that you don’t approve of, ask them if Jesus would approve. They may not care if Jesus approves. When you ask them to put their activities to the test, it makes them think about what they do. They may not care right now, but the seed has been planted, trust God to work in your child’s heart.

It isn’t easy to watch your child making decisions that we would not make. Do not worry, sweet momma, your child is in God’s hands. Do what you need to do to set that Godly example, point your kids in the right direction, pray over your children and trust God to do the rest. He will.

Use the Jesus test and renew your heart and mind and that of your children. You can do this! God is with you to give you strength.

Posted in From My Heart | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Teaching Our Children: The Fruits Of The Spirit

November 6, 2014 by pattiburris

fruits of the spirit

 

 

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 

I will admit that as a mom, I don’t always exhibit the fruits of the spirit in front of my kids. I try, I really do, but sometimes I get impatient and frustrated with the messiness of life. There are moments when the kids are screaming at each other and I am tempted to echo that ancient commercial and yell, “Calgon, take me away!” There are times when I know that they get it and other times when I wonder if they ever will. I know that if I want them to live out the fruits of the spirit in their daily lives, then it has to start with me, as their mom.

It is up to us, as moms, to set the example of the fruits of the spirit. We have to live it out in our daily lives. We are a role model for our children. They look to us and mimic how we act. I don’t want my children to imitate my mistakes, I want them to imitate the characteristics of God that they see in my life. So, how do we teach our children to live as examples of the fruits of the spirit in the world? It starts in how we relate to them.

LOVE: 

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

JOY: 

Psalm 27:5-7

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. 7 Hear my voice when I call,

Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.

Psalm 47:1-3

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 For the Lord Most High is awesome,  the great King over all the earth. 3 He subdued nations under

us, peoples under our feet.

 PEACE:

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

PATIENCE:

Romans 8:25

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Psalm 40:1

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.

KINDNESS:

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Proverbs 11:17

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

GOODNESS:

Romans 12:9

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Psalm 116:12

What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?

FAITHFULNESS:

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Proverbs 28:20

A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.

GENTLENESS:

Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 

Galatians 6:1

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

SELF-CONTROL:

Proverbs 25:28

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Proverbs 16:32

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

I have given you a couple of verses for each characteristic, but there are many, many more for each one. Read each scripture and reflect on how you can model each characteristic in your life. I encourage you to take each characteristic and make a list of ways that you can model that characteristic to your children and others. I challenge you to look up other verses for each characteristic and compare them to the characteristics you are modeling to your children right now.

No one is perfect. We all mess up. If you mess up, apologize, right the wrong and move on. It is an ongoing process and you won’t always get it right. None of us do. I want you to know, though, that you are not in this alone. There are millions of moms around the world that struggle in their role as a mom, just as you do, just as I do. If you need someone to talk to, I am here. You are not alone, sweet momma! God is with you, each and every day. Trust Him to help you in your role as parent.

Posted in From My Heart | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Serve

November 2, 2014 by pattiburris

serve

 

 

 1 Peter 4:10

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Romans 12:6-8

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show

mercy, do it cheerfully.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to

another prophecy,to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Ephesians 4:11-12

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may

be built up.

There was a period of 6 years that my kids and I lived with my ex-husband and his wife. It was financially easier this way and provided a more stable environment for the kids. As a family, we would do what we could to help the homeless. We took in transients (rail riders) on two occasions. We offered a homeless man an afternoon of warmth and a hot meal. My ex-husband has taken meals to those who were struggling to feed themselves and their families. Cree, my 18 year old daughter has found the joy of serving in a local mission for men and families. My daughter Cherokee and I have bought gift cards to fast food restaurants and given them to the homeless we see on the streets. If someone is in need, we have tried to meet that need as a family. We don’t have a lot. We live pay check to pay check, but we give of what we have. If we know someone needs something and we can meet that need, then we do.

God has given each one of us a gift/gifts that he expects us to use in serving others. It doesn’t have to be difficult. If you can’t volunteer in a local ministry, then ask God to open up opportunities in your daily life to give you the chance to use your gifts. If you can volunteer in a local ministry, then find a way to use those God given gifts there. I am an introvert. Being around a lot of people and social situations causes me anxiety and exhausts me, but I love to connect with people through the internet, so I use this blog and Facebook to encourage others and connect people to Jesus. God has opened up an avenue for me to use my gifts and natural tendencies to glorify His name. My 5 spiritual gifts are: Exhortation, Mercy, Pastor/Shepherd, Faith, and Intercession.

A Challenge:

I am challenging you to take a spiritual gifts test. Click here to take the one I took. Once you take the test, I challenge you to look for ways in your every day life to use those gifts to serve others. Pray for God to reveal to you how He wants you to use those gifts. God WILL open up opportunities, He is simply waiting for you to ask. Open your heart to the needs of others. Look around to those who are in need (those we would normally ignore in our hurry through life).

I would love to hear from you. Let me know how God has used you to serve others. God bless you, my friend!

 

 

Posted in Being A Disciple | Tagged , | Leave a Comment »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »