Are You Giving your All... or Are You Giving at All?

This is a great topic to start off with, seeing as my last post was March 2018. I could give excuses and reasons why I have not been on here, and there have been many times where I started to come on to post, and I didn't... Am I giving my all, or am I giving at all? On this blog, clearly not... in life, I would hope I am giving a lot, but yes again, clearly not all... which isn't enough. God has challenged me to share and encourage others in the truth of His Word, so I will be more frequent in these postings (I hope)!

I have also been challenged these past couple weeks listening to sermons and messages that God was speaking to me and through me. I am a teacher through and through... but this also means I am a learner too! As of March 2018, I have enrolled in a Bible College and I am working towards an Associates Degree, and then a Bachelor of Theology. I have started putting the #lifelonglearner on posts I have made. I enjoy the Word and learning more about the truths found within it. I have been a "Christian" or Christ-follower for 4 decades... that is so crazy (in a good way) to me! But each time I read, or hear, or teach a Bible truth or account, God reveals Himself to me in a whole new way! I know for NEW BELIEVERS hearing the truth of God and the miracles found in His Word and the reality of salvation and Holy Spirit, etc is exciting, scary and motivating all in one. The fire and zeal of a New Believer are unbelievable and seemingly unquenchable. We as believers (especially those 20+. 30+, 40+ or even 50+ years) can become complacent or comfortable. We have gifts inside of us that are still unopened, or maybe the wrapping was taken off, but they are still unused. Some we may have opened at one time, and maybe even tested them out, or used them once or twice, but we have gifts inside of us that haven't been used to their fullest capacity. 

This week we were challenged by a Pastor who is the Youth Director of the PAOC (now I was a part of the PAOC for many years, and I came to experience the real God and Holy Spirit in a PAOC church and PAOC ministry events). Pastor Wayne Giroux spoke to the PAOC (& other denomination) Jr Youth, Sr Youth, Pastors, Leaders and Parents (& friends) at a Youth Rally. He spoke on "WHAT IF", and used the Bible account of the "Feeding of the 5000+". Now as I said above, I have been in the church and heard Bible accounts, and even taught Bible accounts many many times. Each time is somewhat similar but differs according to the speaker, the theme, the lesson, the audience/congregation/group being spoken to. The Feeding of the 5000 is an account of one of the miracles of Jesus, where Jesus doesn't just call down the answer from Heaven, but He uses His disciples. He has them do the "dirty work" and search and seek out what is needed, and then He blesses it, and God does the miracle through them and their obedience and their faith. When hearing the story for the first time, you could be like 'ya right, I am so sure that only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish could feed that many people. Ya sure, like everyone got a teeny piece of bread and fish'... but the Bible says "They all ate as much as they wanted..." (Mark 6:42 NLT) and another translation says "So they all ate and were filled." (NKJV). (and there were 12 baskets of leftovers for each of the disciples). So most people think this was a miracle about food. In Sunday School or Junior church, you get crackers and goldfish... or something along those lines and the teacher tells the story (as I have done so many times) and shares the truth of the miracle of being broken and given out. In some translations, it just says the disciples brought back 5 loaves and 2 fish. In other translations, it says that a little boy gave his lunch. So then you sometimes teach or hear about being prepared. That boy's Mama was a part of the miracle that day as well, as she sent her boy with lunch to help him through the day, and he gave his lunch and was blessed by the miracle as well through his obedience. BUT... in all my years of reading, hearing or teaching this Bible account, I have never heard the revelation of 'what about the others'. Pastor Wayne shared with us the reality that others were there WITH food... but they didn't give it to the disciples when they went around asking for it. After the miracle was performed (for lack of a better word), how many people looked into their satchels and saw the loaf or the fish or whatever food they had hiding in there and realized what just happened. How many of them thought, "What if"... "What if I gave all I had?" 

God is asking the same from us. What are we holding back from God? We all have unopened or unused gifts...  Pastor Wayne challenged the youth (and us as Leaders), WHAT IF... we stopped holding back from God? WHAT IF... we stopped worrying about what could go wrong and focused on what God could do right? Inside you may be the answer to cancer, or something not as huge, but if you keep it inside instead of giving it to the world, what good is it? What good is God's Word of truth if you don't open it or read it?

I am reminded of a song from my youth, "What if I Give All" by Ray Boltz... (don't mind the 1980 style video, read and listen to the lyrics). The video is about giving monetary items... but it is the same meaning. The account of the feeding of the 5000 is in the song too.  (This song opens in a new window, so you can listen and then return to read the rest.) 

While I was searching YOUTUBE for that song, I found another song that I have never heard before from Casting Crowns called "What If I Give Everything"... WOW! The words are amazing... may you be blessed as you listen to these 2 songs! Maybe you can sing along with the lyrics of this second song... "Why am I still standing here. Why am I still holding back from You? I hear You call me out into deeper waters, but I settle on the shallow end. Why am I still standing here?"

I am even singing these words with you, as I have unopened/unused/gently used talents and gifts inside as well (but I am ENDEAVOURING to use more this year). I am hopefully not in the shallow end, but definitely not as deep as I could go. Remove the fear, remove the doubt, stop listening to the lies of the enemy, stop listening to the dead giants around you, listen to the voice of the Father, and step into the deeper waters with Him. Just like the promise He made to Joshua, He makes the same one to YOU (to us)... "No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you." (Joshua 1:5 NLT)

Are YOU Giving Your ALL... or are YOU even giving AT ALL? Look in your pockets or your 'satchel'... what is there that you can GIVE? Make sure you are giving something... but most importantly make sure you have a relationship with this God that I am talking about. Make sure you experience Him for yourself. WHERE ARE YOU STANDING? You cannot get saved from just my salvation story. YOU have to know Him, feel Him, see Him, hear Him & experience Him for yourself. Are YOU swimming with me in SOMEWHAT DEEP water? Are YOU drowning? Are YOU standing in the shallow end... or are you just standing on the sand... or have you even made it to the "beach"? Take this time to STAND with God, wherever you are in your walk! He will help you go deeper. He will challenge you and take you to new heights and depths in Him. So as God also told Joshua, BE OF GOOD COURAGE! 

#BeBlessed2BeABlessing

"Freely Give"

Day #109 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving -- large or small -- it will be used to measure what is given back to you." Luke 6:38 NLT

Matthew 10:8 also says, '...Give as freely as you have received!'(NLT) or 'You have been treated generously, so live generously' (Message) --and as Christians or followers of Christ we need to exhibit the art of stewardship and giving. (Not just in finances either!)

When you say 'giving' to anyone... the first thing they think of has to do with money, or finances. But God is also calling us to be good stewards of our giftings & talents, and of our time -- not just with our finances. But obviously our giving financially is giving us great blessings in return as well. We are to be 'cheerful' givers, not just giving because we have to, or because we are told to -- we should be seeking to give from the depths of our heart. Giving should be a natural response when we hear about situations or circumstances that others are going through. We may not all have the $100 bills in our pockets to donate, but even $5 is $5 more than the person had. (Even a loonie or a toonie given in faith can and will be blessed in return.)

We may not all be prophets, evangelists, missionaries, teachers and/or preachers, but each of us has the ability inside to do parts of all those ministries. Only a small percentage of people in the church body as a unit (your own church), or even the universal church body as a whole (world) are actually moving and flowing in their giftings. Some things can be taught, but other things must be caught. We need to be living by example, sharing the gospel and our testimony of how God has moved in our lives through the simple act of giving. If there is an 'easy' way to receive something, people want to take hold. (If you are Canadian) Think of 'Roll up the Rim to Win' promotions at Tim Horton's -- obviously Tim Horton's is using it so that more people will buy their 'hot drinks' than usual, as they have a chance of winning great prizes. They are spending close to $2 for one drink (which will soon be gone -perishable), to TRY TO WIN a grand prize. Most of the cups say 'Please play again' (which of course is a temptation to continue to buy more.) Some 'few' have actually won some of the prizes ranging from a donut or a coffee, to Tim Horton's Gift Cards, all the way to bigger prizes like BBQ's, TV's or even cars (which are still in a sense perishable). Now most people (even Christians who go to Timmy's after service or even on the way to service) get excited for Spring, and the 'Roll Up the Rim' contest == but why can't we be as excited for the 'grand prizes' from God?? A small cost (actually it is small in comparison to the benefits) of using our time, talents or finances can reward us with great non-perishable benefits from the KING OF KINGS and the LORD OF LORDS. He calls us to 'please play again', but sometimes we allow ourselves to settle into frustration or a rut of unanswered prayers, or unseen blessings and we think 'what's the point?'... But unfortunately our physical body can keep going out for another 'cup' time and time again with even just a hint of a chance to win a perishable prize at Timmy's. God wants to bless us... He wants to give to us time and time again, but we just don't receive the blessings for showing up -- we actually need to sacrifice something, or it needs to cost us something, so that we may receive the FULL benefits of the Father.

*Please don't think I am putting down Tim Horton's in any way, it was just a prime example of the thoughts & frivolous contests of the world today. I like Tim Horton's and participated in the Roll Up the Rim contest - not for the sole purpose of trying to win, but because that's where we went for coffee (or tea for me, as I don't like coffee), or parents gifted us with coffee/hot chocolate at work. I'm told that McDonald's coffee is much better anyway, and there you can get a coffee & a muffin for $1.39 (plus tax) -- way better deal!!*

So step out today, and start 'giving freely', so that you can 'receive freely' as well... but the point of us receiving, is so that we may freely give & receive again and again!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"What We Become"

Day #95 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "For it is God who is working among you both the willing and the working for His good purpose." Philippians 2:13 HCSB

"Faith Tip: Today, take time to think about ways you can convert talent into results."

...to be continued!


BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"The Heart of a Servant"

Day #72 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped." Proverbs 11:25 MSG

The old saying goes, 'Find a need and fill it'... whatever talent or gift you have, each of us is called to serve. Serving is giving of one's self in order to fulfill a need of another. Jesus showed us a great example of servant-hood when he washed his disciples feet. Such a small menial task, but it meant the world to the disciples, and to Jesus. We need to be the 'hands and feet' of Jesus to this world, and when we serve, others will bless us in return. God will bless us as well. When we serve others, someone will serve us; when we help others, someone else will help us as well. We do not give to receive, yet in some cases we do. Sometimes it's great to help, or serve or bless anonymously, so that you can watch the joy of another grow, and all the glory goes to God.

Thinking of the people in Japan, and other parts of this world who are in turmoil, due to the 'groaning of the earth' -- I also think of the COMPASSSION & WORLD VISION children all around the world (and those children who do not have sponsors). We don't have to be a missionary across the world, but it's good to give towards the mission trips of those who can go. They are our hands and feet, as well as Jesus'!

C'mon, let's be the 'hands and feet' of Jesus!

Audio Adrenaline - 'Hands & Feet' ENJOY this lil' song... one of my fav's;


BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!!

"Celebrating His Gifts"

DAY #54 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven..." Matthew 5:12 KJV
NKJV - "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven..."
NIV - "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..."
MSG- "You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company..."
NLT - "Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven."

The devotional message from the book starts out with the sentences, "Do you celebrate the gifts God has given you? Do you pray without ceasing? Do you rejoice in the beauty of God's glorious creation?" Three great questions, and three integral parts of blessing. Now at first thought when 'gifts' is mentioned, one immediately thinks of talents or spiritual gifts. But we must remember also that God has gifted each of us with life, salvation, unconditional agape love, protection, healing, the right to be called 'children of God', our families, our homes, our jobs & workplace... and more! We need to truly celebrate 'being alive'. I rejoice in the truth that God IS. Whatever we need Him to be, our protector, our teacher, our banner, our healer, our provider... He does that, and MORE! In all those things we need to give thanks, and we need to be in prayer. Pray without ceasing. Ceasing means;
–verb (used without object)

1. to stop; discontinue: Not all medieval beliefs have ceased to exist.
2. to come to an end: At last the war has ceased.
3. Obsolete . to pass away; die out.
–verb (used with object)
4. to put a stop or end to; discontinue: He begged them to cease their quarreling.
Therefore, we should never stop praying, nor let our praying come to an end. We should be in constant prayer, or communication with the Father. Praying is not always a loud, long extended prayer with requests, or blessing those around the world, healing our friends & family, etc. It can be a simple 'thank you Lord' throughout the day. Not just calling on Him in tough times, or hard times, but also just talking to Him as you go about your day. Thanking Him for His forgiveness, so that we in turn can forgive others. Thanking Him for His provisions, so that we in turn can give to others. But remember the old saying remains true, if you don't use it, you just may lose it. (Parable of the Talents - found in Matthew 25:14-30 {click link to read} - it says of the man who didn't invest his talent, "So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.")



I truly celebrate the spiritual gifts and talents He has given to me, as I love to work with my hands. However, I know there are spiritual gifts that remain dormant, that I have yet to open, or that I have opened but not used very often. Something to pray about, and step out in faith about. What a blessing it is to be able to use what He has given to me to bless the world. Glorifying Him in all that is done, and not looking for worldly praise. Humbly working for the Lord, and not for man gives you some of the greatest blessings here on earth, -- but importantly, 'REJOICE & BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD; FOR GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN.'

The seeds we sow, plant, water, harvest and watch multiply here on earth will allow us to receive even greater blessings in Heaven. THANK YOU LORD for your PROMISES!!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"Using Your Talents"

DAY #45 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you." 1 Peter 4:10 NLT


NIV "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
KJV "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
MSG "Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!" (v.10 & 11)
Verse #11 is important too - "Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen."


Continuing thoughts from yesterday's post (Opportunities for Service), our gifts, talents, resources, opportunities all come from God, and they are all meant to be used for the glory of God, not for our own glory. We need to act upon each opportunity with the strength, wisdom and energy that comes from God.

We are designed in the likeness and image of God, yet we are all uniquely, fearfully and wonderfully made to do good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do. (Not predestination -- but God has created each of us to be used in a different way.) Some of us have the gift of speaking, yet we are not all supposed to be pastors, some of us have the gift of music, yet we are not all meant to be in a 'famous rock band'.

We are called to share our gifts, talents, resources and more with those around us. What good are our gifts to us alone? An artist would get hardly any satisfaction, if he/she was painting gorgeous masterpieces, only meant for him alone, never to be shared with the outside world. Our gifts increase in value when we share them. God will also bless us in return, when we step out and bless others.

Just as we are to be faithful stewards with our money and finances, we are to be faithful stewards with our gifts and talents. We are not to become greedy or hoard to ourselves -- nor are we to allow that gift or talent to become our god. God grants us grace and mercy, so that we may live according to His plan and desires for our lives. He has BIG plans for us, and He has instilled in us the certain characteristics, inner wisdom, talents, gifts, resources that allows us to become the M.E. that He has called us to be. If we are to be truly effective, we are to use our gifts and talents to live up to our potential. What we may see as our greatest efforts, our best, our greatest potential is not always what God has set out for us as our 'maximum effectiveness'. Being used in this way is certainly a learning process, one in which you probably will never stop learning (unless you yourself make the choice to quit). Understandably we do have to be taught certain things as well from the education system - - but Holy Spirit can also daily teach us things that we need as well. That is why God says to 'seek first His kingdom, and [then] all these things shall be added unto you'. (Matthew 6:33)

There is a parable of the talents found in the Bible... (found in Matthew 25:14-30) Talents are actually a form of money - - but these verses can also be read meaning talents/gifts. God will give each of us at least one gift to be used to equip, encourage & exhort(build up) the body. If we are found 'hiding' our gifts & talents, the God will take them from us, and give them to someone else. If we guard our gifts, use them wisely and receive an increase, He will bless us. I don't know about you, but I would much rather receive the blessing, than to have the gift taken away (not to be used again).

So get out there - - first, find out what your gifts and talents are and how you can use them to equip, encourage or exhort the body of Christ and the world around you. SEEK the Lord as to how you can, and when you can use them. Ensure that once you use them, you do not think of them as something you are 'performing' in your own strength, but in the strength of the Lord and that all you do is as working for the Lord, and not for men - - therefore, work at it with all your heart! Remember to give God the glory, and ensure those around you are giving Him the glory too. You can receive praise and thanks for a job well done (for sure), but in turn you can thank God for the ability of using those gifts to perform the task that you did.

"God has given you special talents -- now it's your turn to give them back to God." ~ Marie T. Freeman


GLORY TO GOD FOREVER... Here's a song by Fee that you might enjoy -- I do!


So get out there and serve, using your own special  gifts and talents!

(found through Google)

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"Opportunities for Service"

DAY #44 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "So let us try to do what makes peace and helps one another." Romans 14:19 NCV

God grants us the use of our talents and gifts to help those around us, not just to proudly utilize them for our own benefits. Everything we do should in the end be glorifying to God, as He is the One who gave the gifts to us to use.

We are all special and unique, some of us utilize our giftings and talents in many ways, whereas some of us may only be comfortable using one or two at a time. I thank the Lord each day for my gifts and my talents. It's really hard sometimes to remain humble when everyone is overwhelmingly praising my efforts or my creations. I try to always come back to glorifying God in one way or another, as it is just Him working through me as all my gifts and talents come from Him.

I know that I do have many spiritual gifts that I haven't opened, or haven't yet used to their full potential, I've unwrapped the box maybe... and then put it somewhere on a shelf or a pile in my heart. :(

...to be continued!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!