My in law's gave Everett and I the newest Starfield CD - The Saving One. So, yesterday morning I stuck it in my vehicle, and I've been listening to it most of the time since! I'm one of those "listen to a cd/song over and over and over again" kind of people! This morning, "Something to Say" came on, and I could relate. Not because I wasn't finding it hard to believe, but my heart's longing to be near my Lord, when I've been distracted by life.
I have the privilege of working at a Christian organization, where each morning all of the staff (approx 4-9) people meet, share what's going on, prayer requests, or scripture that God's been speaking through to us. So, the past few days, I haven't had anything to share from the Bible, since I haven't been reading my Bible :( Last night one of the things on my to do list was to at least crack it open, so I might have something to encourage/challenge the other staff with.
Well....that never happened! So, minutes from work, as I was listening to the radio, I sent up a prayer, "Lord, I want to hear from you today!" and second later a verse was read on the radio, one that I've heard so many times, over the radio or at church.
Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
One of the many things I love about scripture is, even if you've heard it 100 times before, God can still point out something new, or challenge you in a new way! And that was the case! At the time, I didn't have any huge revelations, but I thought to myself, "Okay, remember Hebrews 13:20-21, so you can share it this morning if no one else has anything to share."
So, I shared it. And as I was reading, a few words/phrases jumped out at me. "Equip you with everything good for doing His will." God gives us each different gifts and skill sets! For a reason, and the only reason is for doing HIS will! So, I better figure out what He is equipping me with, and what He's equipping me for! Obviously God doesn't always allow us to see the whole picture, but if we know our gifts, we can be confident in them, and that God has a purpose for that! I need to be in communication with God, so that I can know His timing, and what He requires of me, so I can be obedient!
Secondly, "and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him." How am I using what He has equipped me with to please Him! Are my actions/words/thoughts pleasing? Am I giving my all for HIM?
"A call to action" are the words a co-worker of mine used to describe this passage of scripture! So true, so motivating!
Homework/Recap:
- Ask God to reveal/bring to mind the gifts that He has given to me, and how He is/has equipped me. I've done some spiritual gift tests, but I think that would be good to revisit. Then get His opinion, as well as friends and family around me!
- Continue to be in conversation with God, to know His voice, and follow His leading.
- Remember that I am to live life to please God!
