June 13,2019

June 13

Running with Jesus

Luke 19:12-13,26 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

     When we accept Christ as Savior the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and brings us a gift that is to be used to build up the kingdom of God.  Just like in the story today this king gave his servants money to be used to grow his kingdom.  The first nine were faithful and earned a return for the king.  The one servant just buried it and did nothing to increase it and did not even put it in the bank to draw.

     We have so many in the body who are just burying their gifts.  They have no concern for kingdom work and they are self focused and as a result lose the blessing of serving.  They do not grow in Christ. One of the reasons the church is suffering and not moving forward.  

     We have a spiritual growth inventory that helps people discover their gifts. You have to do a graph and it will show you where your strong areas are.  Over the years I will take this inventory and I can see where my dominate gift is, however, I can see the progress of other gifts rising as I mature in Christ and learn from others.  We have always heard,” if you don’t use it you will lose it”! This is true, ask someone who took piano lessons and didn’t continue to practice.

     In order to grow you will have to step out in faith and be led by the spirit to find where God wants to use you.  At first you may feel uncomfortable but, like taking a new job you have to become uncomfortable to become comfortable.  On the other side of uncomfortable is a blessing waiting for you.  I remember early days in teaching older women after leaving children, I shook and trembled and poured sweat.  I found in teaching others was when my life changed.  Someone told me recently God will bless those who love on His children.  God is looking for those someone’s!  So let me encourage you today get involved in kingdom work, don’t let Christ return and find you with your gift buried.  Use it or lose it!

Father, help us grow in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of our gifts.  Give us the strength to take that step of faith and get involved and show us that place. 

Tomorrow: The Lord needs it.

Judy Hollaway

Originally penned 2015