Meaningful Mondays

Happy Monday!!! Hope you had a restful, peaceful and enjoyable Father's Day weekend.  No doubt it's summer in the South! 

Today we'll continue our look into spiritual gifts.  I want to post the link once again to one of the best spiritual gifts inventories that I've seen.  It's a questionnaire that is completed online and then the results are compiled immediately with commentary.  So good!  Here you go:  http://www.churchgrowth.org/.  If you haven't had a chance to find out what your gifts are, take a minute to do so, you'll be glad you did!  :)

Ok, so we've covered a number of gifts already -- Administration, Service, Mercy, and Exhortation (encouragement).  You can review these by searching the blogs under Spiritual Gifts or Meaningful Mondays.

Today I want to take a look at the gift of Hospitality.  Ever meet someone who just had a way of entertaining, making you feel more welcome in their home or business than you feel in your own home, or had what seemed to be a supernatural ability to meet a stranger and make an immediate friend?  If so, you may have encountered someone who has been given the gift of Hospitality by the Lord. 

The gift of hospitality is such a special gift.  If you can imagine the body of Christ as a human body - this person might be the arms of the body -- embracing the stranger, putting their arm around a friend or preparing for a great feast or party where all are welcome.  In the church, these folks make great greeters, visitation committee members and truly enjoy decorating, cooking, preparing for a great gathering of God's people.  They also love having people into their homes and might host a missionary family, a visiting evangelist, an exchange student or a friend who might be visiting from out of town.  Their homes are the places where the kids gather, where the food is plentiful and the fun always makes a great memory.  They are fine with surprise visits and while may feign embarrassment about an unkempt home, would much rather visit with people than to maintain a spotless home.  There's always something cooking on the stove or fresh cookies coming out of the oven and anything they do for entertaining just seems effortless and doesn't really need a whole lot of praise for doing so - although the praise seems to just flow because their abilities are truly supernatural.  There's a seemingly inborn knowledge to have the right amount of food and appropriate decor for the festivities.

The gifted host/hostess is happiest when they are using their hands to serve others and make them feel welcome.  But when operating outside the spirit, may become withdrawn, hermit-like, and uninterested in opening their home or being a part of any festivities. They may avoid welcoming a stranger and feel like a stranger at times if operating outside the spirit and will almost always resent any lack of gratitude for works done if in this state of spiritual condition. They also can get so focused on the tasks at hand because of perfectionism or passion that they forget the reason and the One for whom they should be working.   A wounded host/hostess will recover quickly if embraced and encouraged to use their gifts according to God's plan for unity and purpose in reaching others.

Like encouragers, those with the gift of hospitality enjoy people more than most anything.  They are able to focus on the guest as most important and top priority and they expect nothing in return for doing so.  There is also a very deep value for community in the heart of one with Hospitality as their gift.  There's no desire for personal promotion when this person entertains, embraces a new friend, or assists in putting together an event.  It's an unselfish act that overflows from the heart of one who is passionate for serving Christ in this way.

They are good at working in groups or individually as long as people are at the heart of the reason for working.  By profession, someone gifted with hospitality should consider public relations, catering, culinary, floral, event planning, missionary work (of course, must be called to this), host/hostess work, entertaining, food service, hotel/hospitality management or work, and possibly nursing or nutrition counseling - because of the "people orientation". 

Poor career choices for someone like this would be any type of work where there is isolation or just mental work.  Some hands on activity will keep this person interested and motivated.

In the Bible, Martha (sister to Mary and Lazarus) was gifted with hospitality and Acquilla and Priscilla found ways to minister unto Paul using their hospitality gifts as well.  They befriended Paul and assisted him in ministry in both Rome and Corinth.  I'm sure there are others who had this blessed gift as well - it would appear that some of the churches that Paul ministered to were much better equipped to meet his needs and make him comfortable in his visits than others were -- it's very likely because those gifted with hospitality were being good stewards of their giftedness and God blessed them and Paul for doing so.

If you are gifted with Hospitality, the more you use this gift the more fulfilled you'll be.  The following verse would be a great life verse for you and is one that I have adopted as one of my favorites!

"Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for His Kingdom is a waste of time or effort."  1 Corinthians 15:58.

Here are a few more:
"Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:1-2

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  Rom. 12:13

"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Pet. 4:9-11

I hope you have a great day today - embrace your gifts and use them to God's glory and to bless others in His Name.

See ya tomorrow!!! Amy 

Meaningful Mondays

Hi Everyone!  I hope you had a safe and happy weekend.  I know there were some surprising storms that popped up in our area with some damage that was worse than the storms of April 27.  I'm so glad everyone is safe though.

As you know, my birthday was on Friday -- turning 48 wasn't the best birthday I've ever had.  It's funny how stress affects people.  It makes us say things we don't mean and hear things that weren't intended.  I think it's all a matter of managing our emotions a little better and speaking with words of encouragement rather than tearing others down in an effort to be humorous.  I'm glad this birthday has come and gone and I look forward to the coming year -- my best present was the gift of rain from my Father....thank you Lord!

We've spent the last few Mondays on spiritual gifts.  Today, I'd like to share some characteristics of the encourager.  The gift of encouragement is sometimes called the gift of exhortation.  To Exhort means to empower others, urging them sometimes with force or power - to motivate with the truth of God's Word.  Encouragement means to inspire with courage, spirit and hope.  This is the essence of the person who is gifted in encouragement.  It's more than just speaking a kind word or having a positive attitude.  Encouragers are able to see the bright side in any situation and are able to find good in others when it would appear there is none.  They exhort others to press on, move forward, do the right thing -- they make great motivators, counselors, teachers, and speakers.  They typically enjoy people and are comfortable in small or large groups.  They are often the "life of the party" and don't mind being the center of attention.

When operating in the Spirit, the encourager has supernatural ability to speak the truth in love to others in areas that can be uncomfortable.  They can motivate groups to go forth into battle - and keep going when times get tough.  Outside the Spirit, though, the encourager may battle depression, narcissism, selfishness and a sharp tongue that can do great damage if not seasoned with self-control.  Encouragers who don't refuel can become exhausted and one of the key ways to know if this person is running on empty is to listen to the way they talk.  If they are negative, down, selfish or hurt, burnout may be the issue.  Encouragers are also sensitive and may be artistic.  Because of this they are highly intuitive to their surroundings and may sense discouragement when it's not intended.

Careers for the spiritually gifted Encourager can be broad in scale.  Sales, teaching, motivational speaking, counseling, media personalities, politics, public relations, etc. may be great options for this type of person.  Encouragers can be introverted or extroverted but at the core they are always able to see the positive outcome and have a strong need to work in positive environments.  Poor career choices for the encourager would be those away from people.  While encouragers do well independently, they are people oriented and aren't complete unless they are using this gift both in the church as well as outside the church.

In the church, the encourager is a great person to have around the pastoral staff. They are good teachers, but may not use Scripture references as often as they should, even though they truly believe every word of it is true and meaningful for all of life.  They make wonderful counselors because they usually have a lot of life experience and can make practical application from Scripture naturally to most any situation.  They love to talk and laugh and can lighten the mood in tense situations.  Because of their light-hearted nature, encouragers and administrators sometimes don't mix well.  Administrators can be very serious-minded where the encourager prefers a jovial atmosphere.  It's not that the encourager isn't able to be serious when necessary, it's that a room full of serious-minded individuals might not appreciate the levity in a stressful or serious situation.  Encouragers can feed off of distracting conversation and can get an entire group off track if given the stage.  But they are so important to the church body to empower others with the truth of God's word in such a way that even difficult subjects will be accepted more smoothly and in difficult times, the encourager can truly brighten the mood.  They are often gifted performers who are able to add to any worship service and the room lights up with encouragers are present.

Barnabas was a great encourager to Paul.  Peter, James and John were great encouragers to Jesus.  David was an encourager to himself and to so many during battle and his reign as King. 

Paul said of the church of Philippi - "I thank God every time I remember you" in Philippians 1:3 - this church was such an encouragement to Paul and provided for him in ways that weren't just physical -- they were mature believers who were passionate about the Gospel. 

If you have the gift of encouragement, please use it to encourage your pastor, ministerial staff and church family.  Be a voice of unity and harmony and not division.  In your workplace and family, use your gift to lift up others who are hurting or down-trodden - even yourself at times.  Find wisdom in the Truth of God's Word and share it with others when you have the opportunity.

Find humor in day to day living and enjoy life one day at a time.

May this day be a blessing to you -- see ya tomorrow! Amy

Meaningful Mondays

Happy Monday!  I hope it's going well and that you started off the week with worship!  I had to wonderful blessing of worshipping out at Chapel in the Pines and sharing the special music of the morning yesterday.  It's so beautiful out there!

Well, today continues our journey to discover more about our Spiritual gifts and how they can be used to produce fruitful, faithful lives that glorify the Lord.  Today, we're going to take a look at the gift of mercy.

I must admit - this is a gift that I've not been blessed with abundantly.  Mercy is defined as "compassionate treatment of or attitude towards an offender, adversary, etc., who is in one's power or care; clemency; pity".  The spiritual gift of "mercy" is one that gives supernatural ability to feel and express unusual compassion and sympathy for those in difficult or crisis situations and provide them with the necessary help and support to see them through tough times.  One who has the gift of mercy doesn't just feel or care - they have the ability to get in the trenches with those who are hurting - to walk in an other's shoes as such.

The good Samaritan - Luke 10:30-37 is probably one of the greatest examples of someone with the gift of mercy in Scripture.  Jesus spoke about mercy on many occasions.

Those who possess mercy as their primary gift will be drawn to others who are hurting, grieving, sick, needy, poor and helpless.  Needy people readily sense this gift and gravitate to the person with the mercy gift.  Mercy-givers feel fulfilled after visiting with those who are sick rather than depressed about the situation.  They will look for ways to help others and naturally seem to "know" what to do and do so without judgement or self-gratification.  Mercy-givers enjoy care-giving and sense a great deal of compassion for those in their care. 

Mercy-givers who move away from operating in the Spirit, can become very needy, depressed, selfish and uncaring - the direct opposite of their natural tendencies.  Mercy-givers must be very sensitive to giving out and becoming over extended, and must work hard to re-fill their own tank from time to time, both spiritually and physically.  An exhausted mercy-giver may become ill, either mentally or physically (or both) if not encouraged to let others be involved in care-giving - especially when this involves a loved one.

By profession, Mercy-givers make good counselors, foster parents, health professionals, personal care-givers, special needs, elementary and preschool teachers, geriatric care-givers, physical and occupational therapists, customer service representatives, and massage therapists.  Mercy-givers are great listeners but must realize their own limitations with regard to giving help to those in their care.

A parent with a strong mercy gift will be compassionate and caring but may lack in the ability to discipline and enforce house rules.  They are patient and loving but can be manipulated if not careful. 

Jesus referred to mercy givers in His Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:7 - blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy...it would appear in this verse that the mercy gift is a gift that keeps on giving - an endless supply that runs over...and when the gift of mercy is used to glorify the Lord - He refills the tank to give and give and then give mercy again.  In showing mercy to those who in need of any kind, the Lord gives more mercy to give again and shows mercy to those in need (sinners) through His death and resurrection...a beautiful picture of grace...and mercy on all of us.

The gift of mercy is a treasure, one to be shared with others.  It's not one to be kept or used to gratify "self".  If mercy isn't given away, it's really useless. 

I affectionately call mercy-givers "nut-magnets".  My mother and a dear friend have the gift of mercy as one of their primary gifts and I'm constantly amazed at the people who gravitate to them.  They can be standing in line at the grocery store or post office and without saying a word, the person next to them will begin to pour out their heart of the troubles that they are carrying for that day or season.  They are both precious people who use their gifts to glorify the Lord - but I've seen them both be taken for granted and used at times as well.  They can be gullible and will believe a "sob story" and give the benefit of the doubt much more than they would ever pass judgement and walk away.  They both have a sense of humor about it, but are so thankful to have others to hold them accountable and to be another set of watchful eyes for a scam.

In the church, mercy givers work well with the elderly, home-bound, missions, children, special needs classes and assistance, disaster assistance and charity drives, counseling ministries and the like.  They may take a leadership role or a serving role depending on their other gifts, but mercy givers are essential to the backbone of the church's outreach to the community and missions projects.  Their passion will drive the success of these endeavors.

If you are a mercy-giver, you will be happiest when you are busy helping others.  Find a place to help and your life will take on more meaning and will bless other in ways you cannot begin to imagine and in doing so you will fulfill your calling and will reap the reward of a never ending supply of mercy to yourself and to those you care so deeply for.

Be blessed today -- See ya tomorrow!  Amy

Meaningful Mondays

Good Monday to you all!  I hope you had a great weekend!  Seems like I was outside all weekend long.  I got a little sunburned and a snoot full of dust as I planted some flowers and dug in the dirt. and rode around in the convertible.  James and I went to see Johnny Depp in the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" to celebrate our anniversary.  It's such a good movie and as always, Johnny Depp is at best in his charming quirkiness!

So today we will continue into the series on Spiritual Gifts.  Last week we touched on the gift of service.  Today I want to take a look at the gift of Administration.

The personality of someone whose primary spiritual gift is Administration is going to be one of numbers and timelines.  They operate best in working with schedules and few details - only the necessary ones.  In the church, these people serve so well in leadership roles, organizational tasks, setting budgets, working with deadlines and delegating tasks to others.  The administrative gift is an overt gift.  This means that this type of gift puts this person in the forefront - on the front line, so to speak.  Administrators can be blunt and to the point without a lot of flowery words or deep conversation - unless it involves planning and action. 

Administrators are "take charge" kind of people who can easily get over-committed if no one else rises to the challenge on their time line.  When operating in the Spirit, an administrator will have an uncanny knowledge of how things need to be done, and will be keenly aware of the people needed to complete the tasks at hand and will be able to deligate authority, receiving a great amount of cooperation for the task.  When operating outside of the Spirit and under the control of Self, an Administrator can be very difficult to get along with.  They can be demanding, harsh and critical and have a need to be served.  They will bark orders and pass judgment quickly and will have difficulty deregating a task but rather will claim supreme knowledge and authority over the matter.  They can also have difficulty with relational intimacy, keeping distance and remaining guarded.  Spouses or children of those with the gift of Administration often complain that they feel more like an "employee" than a loved one.  Just as satan does everything in opposition to the Father, self operates in direct contradiction to the Spirit.  So when you consider an administrator operating outside the Spirit, will work in direct opposition to authority or unity.  Administrators are very conscious of time.  They put deadlines on everything, even themselves.  They want to see a beginning and an end with very little "middle" in between.  They thrive on control - no matter who is actually in charge.  They may have difficulty listening and talk out of turn to get their point across.

In the work force, an administrator can be a force of nature.  Their natural leadership ability puts them in positions that are often powerful and high profile.  Political leaders, judges, corporate decision-makers, top level educators are just a few positions that fit well to an administrative gift -- but there are lower profile positions that fit well for this gifting too.  Military officers, those who manage artists, accountants, bankers, real estate brokers, those who organize and set appointments, office managers, middle management, business owners, chefs, hair stylists, medical administration, company decision-makers, etc. all fit well too. 

An administrator isn't always an extrovert.  Many very successful administrators are introverted.  They may not be as astute at managing people, but they manage operations and structure very well.  Extroverted administrators are comfortable in the spotlight and manage the pressure of the position well.  They may or may not be people oriented but they are passionate about their work and their mission.

These people are necessary and vital to the success of not only businesses and public organization but they are vital to the success and organization of the local church as well.  They are many times viewed by those who don't possess this gift as "power hungry" or controlling when that may not be a fair assessment.  Rules, time and organization allow the administrator to focus on the work or task at hand. 

It would serve the person who has the gift of administration to seek God each day to guide and temper this gift and the use of it.  It is a rare treasure and not a gift that should be hidden.  But as with all gifts, the more mature the believer who holds the treasure, the more useful the gift will be to those the believer touches. 

The verse that would be a good guide for the administrator would be Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."  This verse realigns the focus and sets the tone for Who is really in charge and who grants the gifts and responsibilities that go along with them. 

If you hold this priceless treasure, give this gift back to the Lord each day and ask Him to direct your speech, thoughts, decisions and those who cooperate with you either in the work force, at home or at church and ask Him to bless and increase your gift as you handle it responsibly and according to His good will.  Trust Him and He will direct your path...

Be blessed...not stressed!  Amy

Meaningful Mondays

Hi Everyone -- I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  I haven't switched over to the new page just yet.  Blogger was down some over the weekend and I didn't have a chance to get the new page completely set up -- so we'll give it another week if that's ok with you.


Last week, I started the new series on Spiritual gifts and I'd like to continue with that for the next few Mondays.  Today we're going to take a look at some of the personalities behind giftings and how you can know if you are operating in your gift set or outside of it. 


Today, let's take a look at the "hands-on" gift of SERVICE. People who possess this gift are typically those who are satisfied to work behind the scenes.  They don't want recognition for their work, but appreciate being thanked for it.  Within the church setting, those with the gift of Service are well suited to work with their hands (running audio or video equipment, setting up and taking down sets and furnishings, keeping the grounds, maintenance, organizing sacraments like Communion and Baptism or special events, etc.).  Those with service gifts do well working in teams but can be just as satisfied working independently. 

We are all called to be servants of God and to serve one another in love.  But the servant who possesses the spiritual gift of service is unique in his/her abilities to serve the body of Christ.  When we serve one another in love or serve God we use our unique giftings to do so.  The person uniquely gifted to serve simply has a natural capacity to be the hands of God in doing so. 
People who possess the hands-on gift of Service are happiest when they are busy.  Idle time doesn't do well for those who like to work behind the scenes.  These gifts are easily overlooked and under appreciated by the body of Christ but they are incredibly important.  Buildings would go in disrepair, facts and figures would be disorganized, worship services wouldn't run as smoothly and the overall organization of the church would be very difficult without those who are willing to use their gift of Service generously.  It's so important to thank those who have this most special gift -- not in a public manner but in a personal "1 on 1 way"...a simple note, a word of thanks or appreciation with a hug or pat on the back will make these folks feel appreciated, needed and wanted.  Ignore these people, and they won't say anything - they will just quietly disappear into the crowd or leave.

God intends for our gifts to be used for good and He enables us to use these gifts especially well when we abide in Him. We we step outside of His direction though, our gifts can help us to know that we have because they become the exact opposite of themselves. Abide in the Spirit - gifts are used for good -- Abide in Self -- gifts become selfish or self directed. For instance, someone whose strong gift is serving when abiding in the Spirit will become needy, co-dependent, selfish and critical when abiding in Self. They will become resentful and withdrawn if their gifts aren't being used effectively, which is direct opposite of their natural gifting. Remember - the enemy always acts in direct opposition to God, so if you have the gift of Service and some of these actions and attitudes are present, then you may be operating outside the spirit of God's direction and in serving self you give over to the enemy's schemes.
I believe that Christians should be sensitive to their spiritual gifts when making career choices and relationship choices too.  We are to use our gifts to build up the church but that's not just the local church -- it's the global church too and if we are to carry out the Great Commission in reaching the lost, we'll be so much more comfortable in doing so if we are operating in our gift set.  It's far reaching and really should be considered in making the major decisions of our lives.


What types of careers are good for those with "hands on" gift of service? 
The best careers for this gift would be service oriented and hands on.  Working independently, without a lot of supervision is great for someone who is service oriented because they are typically responsible and trustworthy.  Working with their hands, tools, technology, equipment, physical type work all fits well with a service oriented person.  Fire, rescue, police/sheriff, paramedics, etc. make great jobs for service oriented Christians.  Cooks, wait-staff, clerical staff, gardeners, farmers, carpenters, tradesmen (plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc.) as well as medical support professions (x-ray, lab tech, research, etc.) all fit into the types of work that someone with the gift of Service might find deeply satisfying.  Of course this list isn't complete, but I hope it will get the ideas flowing if you are someone who is seeking career information or direction or maybe you have an interest in knowing why your current job may or may not bring "soul" satisfaction.

I encourage you to embrace this beautiful gift if God has blessed you with it.  Be satisfied in knowing that what you do, is not done for man's eyes, but for God's. 

Scripture of the Day: "Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations." Psalm 100

Until tomorrow...be blessed...not stressed!  Amy

Meaningful Mondays #4

Happy Monday Friends!! I hope that Mother's day was a blessing to each of you and I hope you have had a wonderful day so far. 

Today marks the first day of our journey into the world of spiritual gifts.  I'm going to begin a series of Monday blogs on spiritual gifts and how important they are in the life of a believer.  It is my personal opinion that spirtual gifts are extremely important in the lives of Christians and guide the believer's usefulness in the kingdom of God not only inside the church but outside the walls of the church and into the global church community.  If you are someone who has never taken a serious look at the gifts you have been given, I'd like to encourage you to take a spiritual gift inventory online at http://www.churchgrowth.org/ and select the free individual spiritual gifts inventory.  I've found this particular spiritual gifts inventory to be so helpful and clear and it doesn't take very long to complete.  Once you complete the survey, reading my blog will be a lot clearer and easier to understand. 

I'm planning to spend each Monday looking at specific gifts and areas of service that fit well for that gift but I want to go deeper.  I want to look at how spiritual gifts truly can help us to find the right career and help us to make good choices when making decisions.  Knowing how we are gifted can help us to resist the urge to get over-extended and be more selective in areas where we serve and grow.  I want to look at how spiritual gifts work and how God will give us primary gifts that stay with us consistently and then He will equip us with gifts as needed on either urgent situations or areas of service where we need to grow and expand our confidenct.  I'd like to explore helping us to understand further how we can assess whether we are operating in the spirit or outside the spirit -- it's really quite easy to determine with just a few quick tips and then I'd like to draw in the Fruits of the Spirit which are different than spiritual gifts - but we have access to them even more powerfully when we are confident in walking in our gift-set. 

I do hope you'll join me as we take this journey.  I believe you'll be enlightened, encouraged and that you'll enjoy learning more about these extraordinary presents from our loving Father and learning how we can be better stewards of them.

To someone who is a new believer, the idea of spiritual gifts may seem like a strange concept.  No worries.  We're going to start at the beginning.  What is a spiritual gift and how can I know what I have?

Spiritual gifts are given to the believer by the Holy Spirit according to God's will and they are meant to serve and build up the body of Christ.  There are many mentions of different gifts in Scripture. The term "spiritual gifts" comes from the Greek words charismata (gifts) and pneumatika (spirits). They are the plural forms of charisma, meaning "expression of grace," and pneumatikon meaning "expression of Spirit." While there are different kinds of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4), generally speaking, spiritual gifts are God-given graces (special abilities, offices, or manifestations) meant for works of service, to benefit and build up the body of Christ as a whole.  (Reference: http://www.christianity.about.com/)

Here are a few Scripture references that list different spiritual gifts

 •Romans 12:6-8 •1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28-31 •Ephesians 4:7-13 •1 Peter 4:10

A spiritual gift is different than a talent or skill.  The major difference is that the spiritual gift doesn't really require any training or practice -- just being aware of the gift and willing to use it sharpens the gift into usefulness.  Talent (such as singing, writing, dance, playing instruments, acting, visual arts, etc.) isn't necessarily spiritual though it is God-given.  Talent is a natural ability but to be better, it will take more training and practice.  There are millions of unbelievers who have exceptional talent.  A skill is learned.  (any type of profession, technical or trade skill comes from training and practice - talent may be a part of it, but the training differenciates the skill from talent.  Again, skills aren't spiritual in nature but are God-given.)  Gifts, talents and skills should all be used to serve and benefit the body of Christ but for our purposes we will focus on the Spiritual gifts and their significance.
 
When we meet again next Monday, we'll take a look at "Service" and "Administration".  So if you haven't had a chance to find out what your gifts are, you'll have a week or so before we begin looking at the individual gifts. 
 
I hope you'll enjoy this.  I ask for your prayers as I write this information to share with you.  I am passionate about spiritual gifts, but I don't want this to be about my passion -- I want this to be yet another way to encourage you to know who you are in Christ and just how special and unique you are.  I believe you'll be so encouraged when you become comfortable in your gifting and that will lead to a much more peaceful and confident walk with Christ and in serving the body of Christ with your gifts.
 
SO...know and grow - be blessed and not stressed!   Have an awesome week!!  Amy

Three men and a Fiery furnace

Hello Everyone!  What a week we had last week!!! 168 tornadoes in Alabama, the Royal Wedding, and Osama bin Laden's death...and that was just what the news covered!  If you're like me, last week is merely a blur of events that seemed to have all run together. 

Today's devotional will be taken from the book of Daniel chapter 3.  The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is a story that most of us have heard since we were children.  It's truly a wonderful story of God's faithfulness and gives us such a wonderful example of 3 men who did not fear the future but the trusted God regardless of their circumstances. 

If you haven't read the story, please take a moment to do so - I believe you'll find it fascinating! 

What I'd like to focus on from this passage today comes from verses 23 and following.  When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow to the king's statue and resolved that they trusted God and would worship Him and no one else, the first action of the king was to have the men firmly bound.  They were totally incapable of changing their circumstances.   The second scene shows us that the king ordered the fire to be turned up 7 times the normal burn.  It was so hot that the soldiers died who threw them into the fire -- they were consumed by it.  And the next passage shows the king marvelling that there were 4 men walking around in the fire - unbound and unharmed and 1 appeared to be of a divine nature.  The last scene gives us a picture of the 3 men walking out of the fire, a changed king and a newfound respect for God Almighty not only by the king but by the rest of the nation as well.

This amazing story is so full of object lessons for us.  These three men had been ordered to worship an idol.  They refused and faced certain death because of it.  But our first lesson comes in the form of resolve.  King Nebuchadnezzar was a big voice, a major power and had a roaring temper...and these 3 men were his employees - trusted leaders.  To refuse to bow down to this statue caused them to face the wrath of an egotistical, evil man.  But, he was just a man.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, knew God's Word and they knew that His very first command was to put NO OTHER GODS before Him and worship no other.  They knew God intimately because they prayed, worshipped and spent time with Him.  They remembered the great things He had done for their Nation and knew of His power and so just a man who happened to be their king and boss really didn't scare them much considering that if they had worshipped that statue they would have faced the wrath of God -- a seemingly greater force to reckon with.  I like their resolve -- respectfully they said, Oh king, we really don't need to discuss this matter with you - for if you throw us into the furnace we know that our God is able to deliver us and protect us from that fire's destruction -- but if He chooses not to, it won't change our behavior in worshipping your statue...we will not bow down to it.

The lesson here is that we have to make a decision in our walk with God.  We must base that decision on God and God alone and not our circumstances, outcome or future.  We must trust God regardless of what is going on inside, outside or around us.  We must believe He is good and He is God and that He always acts for the greater good regardless of the cost.  That is maturity in our faith.  If we can come to this place in our walk with God - then loss or facing the loss of property, people or possessions will not change Who we worship.

In their refusal to worship the statue, these men were bound tightly.  They had absolutely no control over their circumstances.  Have you ever felt like that?  Ever been in a situation where you couldn't fix it no matter how hard you tried?  Did it shake your faith at it's very foundation?  This is a great visual of the same situation.  I'm sure those of you who are reading this who may have experienced those great storms last week can truly relate to feeling completely out of control of your destiny and circumstances.  So many of us are bound so tightly by bad choices, attitudes, past hurts, wounds and unforgiveness that we have literally stunted our growth as Christians.  This is bondage and by letting the enemy take hold of our minds, thoughts and actions, we have assisted him in taking on those bindings - those ropes and chains that paralyze us.  Sometimes, our circumstances have nothing to do with our personal choices - they are affected by others.  Whether it's caring for an aging parent, sick loved one, small children or teenagers - or - whether its living next to a neighbor who gets on your last nerve or being a member of a very dysfunctional family or maybe it's a job loss, difficult work environment, unfaithful or unreasonable spouse - we may not have the ability to change these situations - but we don't have to bow down and let them defeat us.  There's nothing sadder than a Christian who has lost their resolve.  Sometimes things get so hard, we want to give up - that's when we dig in and fight harder.  It's when we let go of control and relinquish our will to God as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did in saying - we believe He can deliver us - BUT IF HE DOESN'T - it won't change who we worship.

Notice the next scene where there are 4 men in the fire.  They are unbound and unharmed - only 3 were thrown in the fire and yet the 4th one appears to be a divine being.  We may be in the midst of a fiery trial or a dry wilderness and may feel isolated and alone - but my friends, we are never alone if we have Christ.  He has sent His Comforter...the Holy Spirit - a divine being - to fulfill His promise to never leave or forsake us.  And if we are in the fires of life - guess what?  HE's right there with us.
They are unbound and unharmed.  The fire caused the bondage to burn off.  If we want to be free from the bondage of sin, we will go through suffering, trials, fire, tests.  This isn't punishment, though it may feel as though it is - this is the process of sanctification -- becoming more like Jesus -- loosing our bondage, freeing us to walk in fullness by refining us to be more like Him.  Boiling our "stuff" out of us so that we can come out on the other side stronger and purer and more useful.  If God is dealing with your "issues or stuff" right now, please don't rush this process - let him dig deep and carve out those deep hurts - you'll be the better for it on the other side if you're willing.

In the last scene, we see King Nebuchadnezzar with a change of attitude -- the confidence that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego showed in God not only preserved their lives, but brought them protection in the fire, released them from their bondage and also changed the heart of a king and the attitude of a nation -- it turned the focus off of a golden statue and on to the One who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

Three men who confidently believed in God and trusted Him beyond their circumstances received promotion in their positions of leadership - God blessed them materially because of their faithfulness and commitment to Him.  Three men didn't let fear paralyze them in holding fast to their commitment to worship only God -- God blessed them by freeing them from bondage, preserving their lives and walking with them in the fire which was 7 times hotter than normal - 7 marks the fullness of God in the Bible.  Three men confidently and respectfully refused to worship an idol but instead were honest with the king and trusted God in His fullness - God blessed them and changed the heart of a king and a nation because of it.

Never doubt that there's a ripple effect on those we influence in the choices we make.  It can be a good ripple or a bad ripple.  If we choose to operate in fear and allow our circumstances or old habits or weaknesses to control us - we can pass down these behaviors to the generation that follows us and it will continue to the next and the next unless someone rises up and agrees with God to do the work.  We might cause someone to stumble in their walk with God or turn their back on Him if we waiver in our trust and depend on our circumstances rather than God's Word to guide us.

We have a choice -- Choose this day, who you will serve.  As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.  Dear friend, will you choose this day to trust God and let His peace, which surpasses understanding be your guide in tough times?  Just as seasons come and seasons go - fiery circumstances come and go too.  If we are willing to walk through the fire and trust God when the heat cranks up 7 times hotter - we will emerge without burn or blemish and without even smelling of smoke into God's fullness.  We will be stronger, purer and more useful to God in the next season and more mature in our walk with Him.  Let's resolve today not to bow down but to trust God to deliver us - BUT IF HE CHOOSES NOT TO - we still will not bow down.

Until tomorrow - be blessed...not stressed!  Amy

Trust -vs- Surrender - a lesson on Action

Happy Easter Monday Everyone!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!  What an awesome Easter weekend -- it was just beautiful and yesterday's worship service was convicting and celebratory at the same time!  I pray your weekend was equally wonderful...

I lead an amazing group of beautiful women in Bible studies on Mondays at noon at our church and today we had a discussion on Trust and Surrender.  It was such a great discussion that I wanted to bring it to the blog to go a little deeper and maybe even gather your thoughts if you are willing to comment...please do!

Our discussion began today with a question -- What is the difference between Trust and Surrender?  At first, the answers were that within the context of our relationship with the Lord the two would be interchangeable - meaning basically the same thing.  But as we looked further into it, we moved away from that thought process.   We discussed that surrender involves giving up, letting someone else take control and determine the outcome - whereas trust involves a relationship, communication, and activity.  How so?

Consider this illustration -- In war, there are two opposing sides.  If one surrenders to the other, they are submitting to the authority of the "winning" side and giving up control and any decision making in the outcome.  This doesn't mean that the surrendering side trusts the opposition, it just means they've run out of energy and resources and basically "gives up" and allows the opposition to take over control.  The heart doesn't necessarily have to be in agreement with the action. 

In preparation for battle as well as in battle, the best soldiers learn trust their leaders to make the best decisions for themselves as well as for the country they represent.  This is totally different than surrender.  To be successful, each soldier must exhibit their trust of the leadership through action -- which includes listening, cooperation, obedience, teamwork, preparation, discipline and willful submission to the authority of the leadership. 

With regard to our relationship with Christ, both Trust and Surrender need to be present.  Our study guide mentioned that Surrender is a matter of will but Trust is a matter of the heart. Surrender involves giving over our lives to Him to guide our lives according to His Will.  This is necessary and very important to our relationship with Christ because otherwise there will be a constant battle between our will and God's will....

Trusting God with our lives is a little different.  Trust is more active because it isn't just about the large decisions we make like salvation and where we will spend eternity.  Trust involves not just the big things but those everyday, little things that we need to give over to God.  It means trusting God when we don't have the answers to a pressing need or issue.  It means trusting God with our children when they leave the nest or begin to make decisions that could affect their future or safety.  It means trusting that God knows best when outcomes or answers to prayer don't come the way we asked - as in the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the unexpected move, etc.  Trusting God to provide, to heal, to intervene, to forgive, to restore, to renew means more than surrendering and giving up.  It's active.  Just like the soldiers, we trust God with making the best decisions for our lives and following Him and serving Him willingly even when we don't "feel" like it.  When we trust God, we honor His authority and our lives bring Him glory. It's the relationship that follows the surrender.  We don't become slaves or robots when we surrender our lives to Christ.  We become children, servants, friends...family of God -- loved and cared for, nourished and fed...definitely not a passive relationship.

Proverbs 3:5, 6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." 

I love these verses as I'm sure most of you do.  Surrendering our lives to God is such a freeing activity.  It means the battle is over for eternity -- we are saved once and for all and what Jesus did for us on that cross will not ever need to be done again.  Trusting Him daily with our hearts, souls and minds means we don't have to figure it all out by ourselves.  We have the Holy Spirit to guide us in all things, to pray for us when there are no words, and to make us wise when we seek Him.   Life is hard - why go it alone when the One who created life wants a relationship with us.  Not just a one time deal in our surrender -- but an active, trust-building training camp for His warriors - His children. 

Where is this trust-building training camp being held?  In the heart, soul and mind.  If we commit our lives to studying God's Word, that's our training manual.  If we commit our lives to serving Him, we find a church where we can worship Him and get actively involved by using our gifts and talents to encourage and build up His people...that's the training camp (it doesn't mean just joining and then sitting on the bench).  And then, as well prepared warriors, we are ready when He calls us, and we go into battle --by just living our lives and then when opportunity arises, we share what we've learned in our training manual and camp with others and we link arms with other training camps (churches) and soldiers (fellow Christians) to spread the Gospel outside the walls of the camp. 

What do need to wear in Battle?  Take a look at these verses below:

 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."  Ephesians 6:11-18


These verses are active, not passive.  If all we do is surrender, then we allow the battle to be fought for us.  But that's not God's way.  He provides the armor, the battle gear to get back in the good fight and while the battle belongs to Him, and He wins always - we still are called to fight the good fight and finish the race.

Here's the uniform:

The Helmet of Salvation protects our minds from the attacks of the enemy.  Knowing who we are in Christ and being confident in that is the greatest weapon we can have in spiritual warfare.  If our thoughts, reasoning and decisions are made with the confidence of our Salvation, the enemy really has no weapon that can come against us.  He's really not all that original.  Prayer and holding your mind, thoughts and emotions close to Him is essential for victory in battle.

The Breastplate of Righteousness -- covers our hearts, lungs, upper body. When you consider emotional attacks, relationship attacks, motivational attacks -- consider the breastplate and what it protects. We talk about our hearts being broken, the air taken out of our sails, the wind beneath our wings, the air we breathe, etc. Consider matters of the heart here. Righteousness prevails over heartbreak, infidelity, temptation, etc. Having that Breastplate covering our hearts protects our hearts, the air we breathe and the life-giving energy that keeps us going when times get tough.

The Belt of Truth girds our waists -- it literally surrounds our bodies.  Jesus says, He is the Way, the Truth and the Life -- so if we wear the belt of Truth - we are wearing Jesus all around us.  Regardless the size of our waistline, folks, His Belt fits and will protect and prevail.  If you consider that it surrounds our "gut" - then know the Truth and be set free from addictions, habits, and any image type attacks from the enemy. 

The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace -- walking with Christ is a journey -- soldiers need good shoes in battle -- bad shoes mean disease, damage and fatigue -- not good on the battlefield.  The Gospel of Peace -- that, my friends, is a gift from Jesus, Himself.  How lovely that we are given shoes to walk in peace - to fight battles in peace -- to win battles peacefully and without fear or worry.   Jesus said, "My peace I leave with you, my Peace I leave with you, not as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27  Picture yourself walking in peace in all things, and you have just strapped on some mighty fancy battle shoes!

Here are the weapons --

The Shield of Faith -- This is war!  Enemies will attack -- fiery darts will come our way -- life is HARD!  This is our weapon of protection -- Becoming a child of God doesn't mean we no longer have problems and it doesn't mean that we won't encounter mean people or mean situations.  The Shield of Faith means that we believe, believe and believe some more no matter what our circumstances.  Faith brings us through it -- and the stronger we get in God's Word -- the bigger the Shield of Faith grows - a little shield doesn't protect much, does it!  If the battle is going to get hotter, I think we'd be well served to carry a BIG SHIELD!

The Sword of the Spirit -- This is the Word of God -- our major weapon of attack.  When we are tempted, quote Scripture.  When we are discouraged, quote Scripture. When we are wounded, quote Scripture.  When we are confused, quote Scripture.  For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12.  You cannot argue with the truth of the Scripture and win. God's word is the greatest weapon against the lies of the enemy - the attitudes of the world -- the attacks of those who hate you because of His Name.

Surrender your life to Christ today -- and then Trust Him actively each day in all things great and small.  Get your armor on soldier -- clock's a-tickin'!!!

Until tomorrow...be blessed not stressed!  Amy

Holy Week - A New Beginning

Hello Everyone! What a week to start a blog! I've decided to start this at the urging of a friend and fellow Southern gal - Dottie Bennett. I've been on a journey through God's wilderness for the last few years and it appears that I've finally begun to walk on out of it and what I'd like to do here is share some things I've learned, some things I'm learning and some smiles along the way. I love to cook, decorate and grow things (plants and animals!) And I love sharing the love of Christ in the ordinary things. I sing and share my testimony with others on a regular basis through Stonecroft Ministries and in churches and other venues and I'm so glad you've decided to read this blog in my little corner of the world. Yesterday marked the beginning of Holy Week with Palm Sunday - the triumphant entry of Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, into Jerusalem where he would later be arrested, beaten and crucified by the same ones who cheered him on....but that wasn't the end of the story....Sunday was coming! Holy Week is one of my favorite weeks of the year. I love it because it draws me closer to remembering just how much I'm loved by the Lord and everything seems so fresh and green and new. I'm met with a lot of different emotions during this week too. I find myself at a place of new beginnings... Holy Week this year marks not only a new beginning for me as I start writing this blog -- it also marks an ending. I'm ending a 47 day break from the consumption of bread as a sacrifice during the season of Lent. I've never done this before and I must say, it's been an interesting journey. God has shown me so much about myself, blessed me more than I can begin to write and brought me to a whole new level of intimacy with Him. How so? I'm a bread lover -- it's my favorite food, favorite comfort food and for a Southern girl, biscuits are just a staple around here! When the Lord asked me to give up bread for Lent, I found myself willing but unsure that I'd be able to make it --- not just the normal 40 days -- but for 47 days -- yes, this year Lent is longer for whatever reason (I'm sure you scholars out there will know). Nevertheless, the journey began and I felt sure that if "God brought me to it, He'd be with me through it". And you know what....He sure has! I've been tempted so many times through this journey -- and one time, I was so hungry that I actually ate a hamburger and never considered that there was a BUN on the burger until I had completely finished it! But what happened was a great lesson on being more alert to the temptations that come my way. I asked for forgiveness for that day and God told me to keep moving forward. And I didn't stumble again (of course, I have 6 days to go...) It was amazing! On that day, I experienced a whole new level of awareness of just how quickly humanity can take over spiritual awareness just in trying to get a need met. How many times do we fall into that trap? We have a bad day -- we stop at a store, "just to look" and end up overextending the credit card. We have a spat with our mates or the kids get on our nerves and we grab a candy bar or bag of chips and wolf them down before we even know it and we only remember it AFTER it's happened! I know I'm not alone in this. How many times do we simply act on impulse and say something we don't really mean and regret it after the mouth has gone full speed ahead. Matthew 6:33 says -- "but seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL these things shall be added unto you." What are "all these things?" We find that in looking back to the verses that come before this one....let's take a look -- Chapter 6 begins with instructions of how to act as Christians -- a charge to be the same before man as you are with God -- and then in verses 25 thru 30, all the things we tend to fret over and worry about are included -- everything from what we should wear to what we should eat. God uses such a beautiful illustration of lillies and sparrows to remind us that if he would make them so beautiful and feed them the smallest of grain, then because we are even more valuable to Him, we need not ever think He wouldn't be concerned about our needs. So as an encouragement to you this week, I'd like to offer you a new beginning. Give yourself a break for once -- don't beat yourself up if you act before you think - but be quick to ask the Lord to forgive you if you do (and the person, if necessary). And remember just how much you are loved. This week, Holy Week, is an opportunity to remember the greatest gift we have ever been given -- Jesus. He gave His life for you (and me) so that we might have eternal life - He was bruised and beaten and every stripe had our names on them. He had nails driven in his hands and feet on a cross that put big splinters all in his back as He moved just trying to breathe -- those nails and that cross were for us. "He who knew no sin was made sin for us so that we might be right with God." 2 Corinthians 5:21 This is Jesus. My sacrifice of bread wasn't a perfect journey in the season of Lent. But it has most definitely been an amazing opportunity to learn and grow. Food is important to our health and living -- but seeking God first has allowed me to focus and remember Him first and that He provides all things. Bread is such a symbolic food in the Bible -- for me - as one of my favorite foods, when I begin to eat it again, I'll forever be reminded of the Bread of Life - Jesus. I can't live on just bread (nor would I really want to) -- but my Life-giver -- is Jesus. As much as I love all flavors and varieties of bread -- I have truly grown to Love my Jesus more and more and more and more. Taste and see that the LORD is good! Just thought I'd share this last little tidbit -- This fast has been 47 days, I'm 47 years old and I've walked with the Lord for 40 years. I was 7 when I came to know Him as my Savior AND my wilderness started when I was 40 and lasted 7 years....God's timing is SO perfect... Be blessed....you are SO loved! Amy