WEEKLY MESSAGE

SUNDAY, 10/10/21

ON THE MESSAGE THIS WEEK: USE YOUR GIFTS

KEY VERSE: “GOD DOESN'T WANT US TO BE SHY WITH HIS GIFTS” (II TIMOTHY 1:7)

God’s given us all gifts and skills. Even when we struggle to see them, or put ourselves down, it’s the truth. The question is: ‘what are we doing with them?’ Maybe we’re using them already, maybe there’s some that we’ve put to one side. Fear can make us hide our talents and abilities. But that’s not what God’s given them to us for. We’re supposed to use them, for His glory. Paul told Timothy: ‘The special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed - keep that ablaze!

God doesn’t want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible’ (see 2 Timothy 1:6-7). We need to develop our gifts, and we can only do that by practicing rather than hiding them away. Christian writer and preacher Rick Warren says: ‘God expects us to make the most of what He gives us... to keep our hearts aflame, grow our character and personality, and broaden our experiences so we’ll be increasingly more effective... Don’t be afraid. Put your gifts and abilities to work and they’ll become enlarged and developed through practice. No one reaches full development all at once... Take advantage of every opportunity to develop and sharpen your skills. Remember, in heaven we’re going to serve God forever, and we prepare by practising here on earth. [We're going to love Him forever. Be like Him: Glory, halleluyah!] Like athletes getting ready for the Olympics, we’re training for the big day.’

Using our gifts and skills, even just telling others about them, can be challenging. But God’s given them to us for a reason, and we need to be stepping out and using them to bring Him glory and to lead other people closer to Him.

Have a blessed week in Jesus' Name, Amen.

_{(Extracts from ucb, word for today)}

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Did you know: There are almost 20 different passages in the Bible where it is mentioned that we are God's people.

Ref: Jeremiah 32:38 / Ezekiel 14:11 / Zechariah 8:8 / 2 Corinthians 6:16 / Hebrews 8:10 / Ezekiel 11:20 / Ezekiel 37:23 / Jeremiah 7:23 / Jeremiah 31:33 / Ezekiel 37:27 / Jeremiah 31:1 / Revelation 21:3 / Exodus 6:7 / Leviticus 26:12 / Jeremiah 11:4 / Jeremiah 30:22 / Ezekiel 36:28.