Glory in the Morning

This may sound like a strange title but I want to share with you how important our gifts are to God. We are all made special and especially for a purpose. I used to write songs about Jesus, thinking I could write a big hit. Nope. I used to write stories too and dreamed of writing a book. That didn’t happen, mostly because I am not sure that is the direction God wants me to go, but I do still love to write anything. God showed me that things we love to do are often gifts we can use fo I loved to write anything. God showed me that things we live to do are often our gifts to use for Him. Peter writes,

“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

Peter doesn’t say IF we have a gift or IF we know what it is or IF we want to minister to others. He says, ‘as’ we all have gifts. He is basically calling us to take what we have received straight from God and use it to love others. We get to do God’s work! What a high calling! Do you know what your gift is? You have one, whether you know it or not! Wouldn’t it be cool to figure out what it is and love others with it?

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  In these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 NKJV

I love red letter words of Jesus in the Bible. Jesus’ words deserve a real good listen. He tells us we are to love God with absolutely everything we have. Everything. He tells us this is the number one commandment among all commandments. After that, we are to love our neighbor just as we do ourselves.

So, if we combine the truth in these two verses, the fascinating truth is even bolder. We are meant to use our gifts. We are to love God with all of ourselves. That means using our gifts and loving others with our gifts.

We all have a calling. It is not just preachers who are called to work for God, we all are! I wasted a lot of time trying to figure out what my special gift from God was. I used to write songs, so I thought that was my calling. Nope. I used to do a lot of things but none of them felt right, like what God wanted me to do.

I tried to do things that others did for God, until I realized we are all different. I cannot sing well, nor play an instrument well, nor do I like being in front of people. So how did I discover what gifts I had? I asked God to show me and I waited. It was that simple. I think He was waiting for me to ask Him:)

He showed me that I am an encourager. It is what I love to do! I used to not think that was a gift. A dear friend at church told me my job for God is to be the best Tina that he made me to be. (I love you, Daddy Dillard!) His words resonated with me and I hope it helps you too. Daddy Dillard is my best friend’s dad and I love Him dearly. My real Dad told me something wonderful too! He said that Jesus is the reason he gets out of bed each morning. What a great attitude he has, even with dementia!

What they are both telling me, I will share with you. You do not have to do what everyone else does. You were made to be you. Whatever you love to do or used to love to do, may be a good thing to do for others, for God. Finding your gift will give you a peace and purpose that will change your life. I promise! Just ask Jesus!

One for the Journal- You are special! God made you to be unlike anyone else. Only you can do the job God has for you! Others are missing out if you do not use your gifts! Write the following quote and verse on a card and put it where you will see it often, maybe on the frig or mirror. If you like list all things you like to do or used to like. Can any be used in church or in your community to love others? I pray you discover your gift, if you haven’t already:)

Know that you were created with love, to love.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Dear Jesus:

Thank You for making us like You did. We know You had reason for doing so. Please help us know what gifts You gave us. Remind us of things we love to do, things that we could share with others, to bless them. Thank You for dying for us. If that wasn’t love, nothing else is. Noone can come close to being as loving as You, but You tell us to love with all that we have. We are so honored that You would even think of living and working through us! We love You so much! Amen

Love and prayers to all of you,

Just me. Just His.