Deception

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.  Romans 12:6

Recently we toured an artistic workshop, a very unprepossessing place that produces all kinds of amazing props for many top movies.  It was fascinating to see how things are produced and the minute details that are attended to and to hear how people,computer programmes and amazing machines are used to produce such amazing (and often grotesque) results.

During our tour we came upon the workspace of one man who was crafting an amazingly intricate little warrior of days gone by. This figure was only about 3 inches (7.5 cm) high.  He was carving and molding his battle garments and we were in awe of his giftedness.  As we spoke with him, the man insisted that no one is gifted and certainly he was not.  He said that this was just "a muscle" that he had developed.  Anyone could do this.   A couple of us begged to differ! I don't know whether he he realised, but he was deceived.  God has gifted each one of his creation with a gift or gifts.  Yes, they certainly can be developed and honed but we are not all creative or administrative, we can't all sing, write or organise.  I am thankful we have people who willingly carry out the menial tasks in our communities that keep our world working well.

I wondered why this man would deny his giftedness, which I believe he was genuine about.  He wasn't just being humble.  Perhaps he would have had to acknowledge that his gift had come from God and he didn't want to do that.  He might have had to consider God.  Instead he unknowingly gave glory to his own tenacity to developing a certain "muscle".  Romans 1:25 says, They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise!
God has indeed gifted each one of us.  If you don't think yours is very obvious to you, ask Him to reveal that to you, explore it with a friend and above all use your gift for the glory of God, giving thanks to Him.

Prayer:  Great and mighty creator God I give you thanks and praise for the gifts that you have placed in my life.  Please help me to develop them and use them for your glory.  Amen. 

A Question

I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I will not be moved.  Psalm 16:8

What gives you peace?  Is it knowing that everything is okay in your world; all your ducks are lined up and everything is under control?  Are you at peace when your job is going well, your kids are doing the right thing and your marriage is working well?

It is relatively easy to be at peace when the waters are calm, the gentle breezes just right, and your boat is sailing well in the summer sun.  But what happens when that unexpected wind gets up, the clouds gather and suddenly you find yourself in the midst of a storm?  A storm of sickness, unfaithfulness,  children getting into trouble, problems at work, ..... the list could be endless.  Perhaps you find yourself in the midst of a storm right now.  How are you faring? To whom do you turn?

It is very easy to feel very alone in the midst of problems but Jesus has promised that if we have put our trust in Him then He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Family or friends might let us down but Jesus never will.  If it's storm time for you then now is the time to step up and allow your faith to be tested and strengthened.  Prove God faithful:  to answer your prayers, to strengthen you through the storm, to give you joy amidst trials.  Yes it must be possible because James 1:2 instructs us to "Count it all joy when we fall into various trials....".   "Is he for real?",you ask. Yes he is.  He goes on to say, "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."  Patience is a fruit of the spirit.  Our lives are meant to bear fruit.  Fruit to bring glory to God.

I had recently planted a new shrub out the back of our home.  The wind was blowing it about and I got fearful for its welfare.  My dear husband reminded me that it is by getting blown about that trees become strong and develop a good root system.  Of course, now I remembered that!  It's the same with us, with our loved ones; we so often want to be rescued or to rescue when we see the storms but that's how we grow.  If we need strength, wisdom or courage for negotiating the storm we need only to ask.  Jesus stands ready to help because He is our peace (Ephesians 2:14) and in His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Perhaps it has been your habit when difficulties and trials come to run to the phone and call someone for comfort and wisdom.  Instead why not turn to your Bible and pray that God will be your comfort and your 'listening ear'.  You can find none better, none more faithful and kind.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help me to thank  you in my difficulties.  Help me to see they have purpose  for my growth.  Help me not to fear what may come but allow you to be my shelter, my wisdom, my strength and my rock.  Amen

Rest

Jesus said, "Come to me all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. "Matthew 11:28

I wonder how many of you do life with an "I should"  mentality.  You do things because you feel you ought to rather than because you want to.  It's such an easy trap to fall into and it's often those 'shoulds' that keep us busier than we are meant to be.  Perhaps it's good to sometimes stand back and examine our own motives and ask ourselves "Why should I do that?  Do I need to do it?  Do I want to do it? Why don't I feel free to say that I don't want to do that without giving a reason?"

Often we do things because we fill gaps, take up slack that other people could just as well do.  If we are in the habit of doing that people will look at us and think that we think it's our job and they don't want to interfere.  It's good to include others when you can by encouraging them to help you instead of thinking, "I always get stuck with this!"

I am sure that Martha felt that way (Luke 10) as she slaved over food preparation for Jesus and his disciples while her sister Mary sat at Jesus feel absorbing his teaching.  Martha got so mad at the injustice that she took her complaint straight to Jesus. "Doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work. Tell her to come and help me."  Jesus reply would have surprised her.  "My dear Martha, you are distracted about all these details!  There is only one thing worth being concerned about.  Mary has discovered it - and I won't take it away from her."

Mary had discovered the rest of sitting at Jesus' feet.  She obviously wasn't into 'shoulds'.  I have to say that I would probably have been helping Martha in the kitchen, as much as I wanted to hear Jesus' teaching.  Mary was determined not to be robbed of that time no matter what her sister said.  She made an authentic choice and was comfortable with it.

Have you ever thought that coming to rest with Jesus is a form of worship?  It can be a real sacrifice when we see other things that should be done but it is something we (I)  need to learn to do better. Giving time to just 'be' in His presence pleases God so much.  It is a sacrifice that pleases him more than all our good works, because He knows that it will only do us good. Will you allow Him to help you prioritise your time in a way that pleases Him and benefits you.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, forgive me for so often putting other things before spending time with you. Please help me to align myself with your priorities so that I don't get overburdened but learn to come to you and rest.  Amen