What Do You Have?

used by Almighty God to inspire millions of people to tithe; by her example of giving!

A womam named Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, had only a sewing kit; and, it became a tool used by Almighty God in a mighty big way to help the poor!


The question becomes, "What do we have that Almighty God can use?" The Apostle Paul tells the Romans and us, in Romans 12:4-8 (NLT): "Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, (v. 5) so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of His one body and each of us has different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. (v. 6) God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. (v. 7) If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. (v. 8) If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."

Each and every one of us needs to determine what our strengths and weaknesses are! We should never think more highly of ourselves than we ought to; and, we should never put ourselves down! We need to exercise our strengths in doing the work of Almighty God!

Finally, as I begin to close, this morning, in Acts 6:1-4 (NLT), we find an example of using our strengths for the work of Almighty God in the appointment of the Deacons: Stephen, Philip, Procurus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas: "But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. Those who spoke Greek complained against those who spoke Hebrew, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. (v. 2) So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. "We Apostles should spend our time preaching and teaching the Word of God, not administering a food prgram,’ they said. (v. 3) Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business. (v. 4) Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the Word."

As I sit down now, know that we need to consider our strengths and the strengths of others in working harmoniously together to build the Kingdom of God! Each and every one of us have different strengths to bring to the faith community; and, in some cases, only we can handle certain situations because of our own strength in a particular area! Each and every one of us has a responsibility to exercise the skills that we have - not the skills that we wish we had! We need to know what skills we have and what we do well; then, we need to exercise those skills for the "Body of Christ!"

What Do You Have?

May Almighty God richly and abundantly bless each and every one of you!

Sources:

1. "Decision Making By The Book," by Haddon W. Robinson, c1998: By author, published, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Discovery House Publishers, LCCN 97-4944, ISBN 1-5729-3021-7, pp. 36-37, 83, 85-90.
2. "How to Relate to Impossible People," by Dick Purnell, c2009: By author, published, Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers, LCCN 2008-030789, ISBN 978-0-7369-2367-5, pp. 70-71.