Applying your gifts

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" 1 Peter 4:10

Now that you have an idea of what your spiritual gifts are, do something with them! Think of ways, big or small of how you can use your gifts and talents to bless someone else. If you're an optimist with a positive attitude, you can call a friend to give them some encouragement. If you're a prayer warrior, construct a prayer list and pray for those people on it. Your spiritual gifts are ingrained in you and should feel like a hassle or inconvenience. After all, they're not for you, they're used to bless others and demonstrate the love of Christ. Have a wonderful weekend! :)

"A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great." Proverbs 18:16

Identifying Spiritual Gifts

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Romans 12:4-5

I talk a lot about walking in the purpose that God has designed especially for you. But what if you have no idea what that is? This is where knowing your spiritual gifts is important. There was a time that I honestly didn't know how I could be involved in church because I wasn't a singer, a preacher, or an usher. That was so far from the truth! The enemy loves when we discount ourselves and our abilities. We all have ways to serve and edify the body of Christ! Here's a quick test that can be used to learn what your gifts are and show you how to apply them! http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com. If you take it let me know :) Happy Thursday

"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7

Still waiting...

Since we're on the subject of patience and preparation, there are tons of examples in the Bible. David started out as the scrawny, low man in the totem pole. That time as a shepherd prepared him to overpower Goliath and eventually become king (see 1 Samuel). 

On the other hand, when Moses delivered the Israelites from Egypt, it took them 40 years to get to a location that should have taken 4 days (See Exodus)! The Israelites did not put their trust in God. They were full of doubt and disobedience so they could not fully walk in their destiny. 

Today, we can look at how David waited patiently, developed skills, and sought God in his time of preparation. Or we can model our lives after the Israelites as they left Egypt- griping, complaining, not trusting God, and wasting time. There's a purpose to every city we live in , school we attend, and job we accept. It's up to you to maximize your time in every circumstance. 

Happy Wednesday :)

In a rush?

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" Psalm 1:3 

Moment of transparency: I sometimes fall victim of the comparison game. Not to say that I'm super envious of people and what they have, but it's easy to start to think "ugh it would be so nice to drive a new luxury car" or "that's awesome that this person knows every Bible scripture for every situation" or even "I wish I loved my job as much as they do". When those thoughts come, I immediately pray and remember that preparation is key. Right out of college it's not realistic to expect to live the life of someone who has been in their career for 20 years. We all go through preparation for each season in life. Even Jesus took nearly 30 years to prepare to walk in the full capacity of His calling! Patience is key. Instead of comparing, let's trust that God will direct us to the fulfillment of our purpose. Happy Tuesday! Stay WARM!

Excuses...

"Jesus said, 'No procrastination. No backward looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.'" Luke 9:62 

In Luke 9:43-62, Jesus is preparing the disciples for his ascension back to Heaven, by making his way to Jerusalem. People start asking if they can make the journey with him but they have excuses as to why they can't go right then. In the end he tells them that proclaiming God's word is more important than anything else. 

Have you been putting off submitting your life to Christ because you're young? Have you dragged your feet on doing something God placed inside of you? Are you not spending time with God daily because you're too busy? Let's take a step back and really assess where we are in Christ because we aren't guaranteed tomorrow! 

Happy Monday! 

New Year Resolutions

"May He grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!" Psalm 20:4

God has made so many promises of prosperity, joy, success, and love to those who love Him. He cares for YOU! Take time to tell God your plans, declare His promises for your life, and be open to His will. Honestly, His plans are so grand that we can't fathom them! Spend time sharing with God just as you do with your friends and family. He wants to hear from you. If you want this year to be amazing, put God first in everything. Happy Friday! :) 

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." Romans 8:5

New Year Blessings

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I pray that you've had a wonderful holiday! If you participated with the Proverbs challenge last month, I hope that you were as blessed by it as I was! In this new year, people are making resolutions and preparing for change. In Christ, we are new creations (Ephesians 4:22-24) and our past sins are thrown into the sea of forgetfulness (Micah 7:18-19). Whatever goals you want to accomplish this year, pray about them, make a plan, and get an accountability partner. You can do it! I am so excited about the awesome things that God is going to do in our lives this year!