Are you using your gifts?

Me thinks God is speaking to me about gifts today!! Why do I think that? Let me show you.

1. As I was reading Exodus 28 this morning, these words jumped out at me:

"Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest."

God gave Moses very specific, very detailed instructions about the tabernacle and all that was needed to serve God and His house. Aaron and his descendants were chosen by God to serve as priests and God wanted them to wear special priestly garments when they entered the House of God. The words above--"to whom I have given wisdom in such matters"--are clear evidence that God gives different gifts to different people. I am no seamstress. I was not given that gift and I would have made a mess of it if I'd tried to sew these special garments. But there were men in the crowd of Israelites who did poses that gift...because God had given it to them!! So they used their gifts and sewed beautiful garments for Aaron and his sons so they would be ready to serve God in the Holy Place.

2. After I'd finished my Bible study, I got out "THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE" book which I'm re-reading. Chapter five is all about how we see our lives. Example: like a circus, a roller coaster, a merry-go-round, a party, etc. God, however, sees our lives differently. Pages 44-45 talk about how life is a Trust. Rick Warren writes, "Our time on earth and our energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts from God that He has entrusted to our care and management." He points to the story Jesus told about the businessman and the talents as evidence that God does not want us to waste the gifts He's given us. (Matt. 25:14-29)

OK. So far God has shown me through scripture and through an inspiring book that He has given each of us gifts to use. But God wasn't finished with the lesson. Guess what our pastor preached on today?!

3. Pastor Joe Champion of Celebration Church finished up his awesome 4-part series entitled "What's Your Status?" by talking about "What's Your Status...with Your Gifts?" Pastor Joe used the scripture in Matthew about the talents as well to make the point that we all have a choice about what to do with the gifts God has given us. One of the many things I jotted down in my note-taking was:

"You don't want to come to the end of your life and have to give back the gift God gave you unused!!"

Yow-za!!!

God has certainly made it abundantly clear to me today that He has given each of us gifts to use for His glory and His purposes!!

Lord, I want to be faithful with the gifts you've given me. My heart's desire is to use them to bring YOU glory!!

What about you? Are you using your gifts?