A to Z Blogging -- G is for Gifts

Gifts

Peter writes, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks words of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 4:10

Paul tells us, “Now there are varieties of gifts, from the same Spirit…to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge…to another faith…to another gifts of healing…All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

 God has given every one of us gifts, and we are commanded to use those gifts. We each have different gifts, but none are more or less important than any other. Paul compares our varied gifts as parts of the body; all the parts of the body are important, and the body cannot function without all of its parts (1 Corinthians 12:14-18).

What is your gift? Are you good at organizing events? Do you like to encourage moms of young children? Are you a patient listener? Do you love caring for children? Do you have a knack for writing? Are you a prayer warrior? Do you have a way to talk to elderly people with dementia?

Peter tells us everyone has a gift—and that includes you! Not sure what your gift is? What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at doing? Can you do those things to the glory of the Lord? If so, that is probably one of your gifts. If you are not sure what your gift is, or how to use it, ask the Lord to show you.

What is YOUR gift? How will you use it today?

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Saturday and you will be entered into a random drawing to win 

a gift package (pictured below) containing two devotion books, pen, magnet book-mark, magnetic refrigerator note pad, refrigerator magnets, Scripture cards that you can give away to encourage others, and more! The winner will be randomly selected Saturday evening and announced on Sunday! Click "follow by e-mail" in the right hand column of this blog and receive posts via e-mail so you don't miss any! 

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is . Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- F is for Falls

Falls 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up!!”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Friends are one of God’s greatest blessings. But even the best of friends can disappoint—after all, they are only humans, with the failures and follies of all humans and the earthly demands that naturally divide attention among many people and things.  

When you fall down, literally or figuratively, your earthly friends will be there for you…most of the time. They might have the right answers for you…some of the time. They will be there support you…many times.

But there is one Friend who will never, ever disappoint. He will be there for you…all of the time. He has the right answers…every single time. He will support and encourage you…any and every time you need support and encouragement.

Remember your earthly friends, but never forget the One Friend who is always there for you, every time you fall down in any way.  

How do you help a friend who has fallen? How have friends helped you when you’ve fallen?

Thank God for your friends today, and thank Him for being the One Friend Who will never disappoint.

 (I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Click to read "Financial Sites and Advice, My Favorite".)

A to Z Blogging -- E is for Every

Every Thought

Paul commanded, “…and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”

2 Corinthians 10:5b

Thoughts are powerful. They can build us up, or wear us down. They can encourage, or discourage.

How often do you have discouraging thoughts?

Thoughts of “I’m not good enough.”

“God can never forgive my sins—they are too bad.”

“I will never succeed at what I’m trying to do.”

“I am a failure at marriage…as a parent…at my job…as a daughter…as a Christian…in everything.”

These thoughts that come from disappointment can lead to a spiral of discouragement and despair.

Take these thoughts captive! Tell yourself, “That is not true. That is not how the Lord sees me!” and then replace them with positive thoughts

“The Lord has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession.” 

Deuteronomy 14:2

“…casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3

“Whatever is true…honorable…just…pure…lovely…commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

What thoughts are YOU going to “take captive” today?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is . The post for today is titled “E-mail…More Productive Things to do than to Check Yet Again.” Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- D is for Desire

Desire

“Whom have I in heaven but You?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:25-26

This Psalm was written by Asaph, a song leader in the tabernacle, appointed by David. Throughout the Psalm he laments how the wicket and arrogant seem to prosper. As the Psalm concludes he realizes that the value of what we have as believers is eternal. His faith in the Lord is strengthened when He looks to the Lord, not to the world.  Things of the world will end and fail, but God is eternal.

What do you truly desire?

 Is is the Lord? Are you sure?

What do your words and actions show that you desire the most?

Take some time today to think about what you truly desire—and if/how your words and actions show this. How do you show your desire for the Lord through your words and actions?  

  

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Today’s list will provide suggestions for "Deepening Your Relationship with God." Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- C is for Comfort

Comfort

Paul says, “Praise be to the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

1 Corinthians 1:3-4

During tough times we can find comfort in knowing that no matter what the circumstances, the Lord loves us and cares for us and forgives us. Jesus was made man when He came to earth as a baby and throughout His life He felt the emotions that we feel. Hebrews 4:15 tells us, “Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because He was tempted just as we are, the only difference being He did not sin.”  

How has He comforted you during tough times? Did He send a friend, or a job, or financial help? Comforting words from someone who had experienced similar circumstances? Did He lead you to a Bible passage appropriate to your situation? Did you feel the comfort of His presence and peace?

Who in your life needs comforting right now? A friend who has lost a child? The neighbor who lost his job? The child who didn’t get into the college of choice? Someone whose marriage is going through a difficult time, or even ending?

Today, thank God for the ways He comforted you, and ask Him how you can comfort someone in your life, perhaps sharing your experiences while going through a similar difficult time.

Who are you going to comfort today, and how?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide. Today’s post lists some of my favorite Chapters in the Bible. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- B is for Beautiful

Beautiful

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Some things in life aren't beautiful at all. A health battle. A child going down the wrong path. The loss of a job.

When my marriage broke up it was definitely not beautiful. It was ugly. It was sad. It was – and is –the most UN-beautiful thing, the biggest disappointment and failure in my life.

Many days are still very hard, but after time I am seeing some beautiful things come out of the pain.

A much deeper faith and dependence on the Lord.

Wonderful new friends.

Jobs I love.

Most of all, the absolute knowledge that I am forgiven by the Lord, for every single sin. I am forgiven and free from the weight, the guilt, the ugliness of those sins.  

What could be more beautiful?

How have you seen God make a dark time in your life beautiful? 

Are you in a dark time in your life? Take a few minutes today to pray to God to show you even a glimpse of what is beautiful. And if you know a friend going through a hard time, show her a glimpse of beauty in sharing His love; send a card with His encouraging words, pray for her, send a grocery store gift card anonymously, share a hug.  

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(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is

Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- A is for Always

Always

I have set the Lord always before me;

because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8

What has shaken your world today?

Financial troubles? Illness? A troubled relationship? Worries about a loved one?

Set the Lord before you. Read His Word.  Talk to Him through prayer. Sing His praises.

Take heart; He promises that He is always at your right hand.  

How has the Lord been at your right hand?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com.

Check it out!)