Gift Giving

Today John and I are on our 9 hour journey home from the beach. I know that no one can enjoy riding/driving for that many hours, but who am I to complain?  The blessings poured at my feet during this ride are many.... Quiet time to read and study God's word, time to reflect on our week at the beach and conversation time with the hubby, just to name a few. You will have to forgive me if this post has misspellings or abruptly ends. We are currently driving through the mountains of NC.

   Today my reading was Luke 3:1-23. It is the story of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. John has always been a character from the Bible who interests me. He is a cousin to Jesus; was born to a barren mother, and lived in the desert before coming on the scene to " Prepare the way for The Lord, make straight paths for him. " (Isaiah 40:3-5)  Although there are many, many interesting details to this story, today I chose to focus on verse 11, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same. "  Obviously as Christians we would not let others go hungry, but what about the gifts with which we have been blessed by God?  What gifts do I have?  After reflecting I realize that my gift is a very simple one that God expects me to share with others. I can provide support and empower others to believe in themselves and have self respect. 

   My job allows me contact with folks from all walks of life and all ages. The way I choose to interact with them can either build them up or tear them down. I want to be a cathedral builder as author Greg Coker says in his book Building Cathedrals. My prayer for today is that I share my blessings with all whom I interact in the way that Jesus would. God has given me a position of influence and blessing so that I would use it to glorify Him and His Word. I pray for the wisdom and words I will need to be a gracious messenger of what it means to be an heir to the King of Kings. 

In Jesus' Name

Blessings ,

Shawn

Luke 1:45

New Bible study started today, Beth Moore's Jesus the One and Only.  I am already sure that this will be a personal renewal that's been awaiting my attention. I love the patience God shows me. I am at the beach and have been still long enough to hear His word and love for me, again. I am beyond thankful that He does not give up on His children.

"Blessed is she who has believed that what The Lord has said to her will be accomplished."   Luke 1:45
NIV
As I read and reread this one verse in Luke, I tried my best to see what these words mean to me. God gave Elizabeth a child after many years of prayerful obedience, even when she was too old to carry a child. She did not once question Zechariah when he told her of Gabriel's visit.  Her response to her pregnancy was, "The Lord has done this for me.  in these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people " (Luke 1:25) I know myself well enough to know that I would have been very skeptical had I been in Elizabeth's shoes. God also sent Gabriel to visit Mary and share the news of Jesus. At the time Mary was more than likely only in her early teens, but accepted her purpose by answering, "I am the Lord's servant.  May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38
Both of these women answered their call to serve The Lord with grace, strength, and obedience. As I walk through my day to day life, do I handle things the way both Elizabeth and Mary did?  They had the blessing of spending 3 months together. What did they discuss?  What did they share?  What were their prayers?  My prayer and renewal from my study this week is to walk in faith as Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, and Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, did. I need to work to react with obedience, strength, and grace when called by God to service, for I know that what He says to me will be accomplished in His way and His time!

God Bless!

Shawn