Unwrap your gift and use it!

What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:26

When Paul writes to the church in Corinth he shares with all of them the best ways to use their gifts to encourage the church. For many years, I have not considered using my spiritual gifts to encourage the body when we met together, unless my name was written on the program for the day or I had some title like minister, Senior pastor, preacher, etc. I get the sense that Paul is inviting the whole body to be ready to be used by God when the church gathers. Are you ready to be used by God when the church meets? Have you been given a revelation, or word of instruction, tongue or interpretation or maybe some other gift that may give the church strength? Seek God about how to use it. At least, we should start looking for God to use us regardless of our title. Here is a title that you can take with you every where – child of God. That is title enough to be used by God at any given time. Unwrap your gift and use it!


Please vote for my song "Don't Stop Praising"

Hope that does not disappoint.

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 

Romans 5:5

It is NCAA Basketball tournament time and many teams will go out to play with confidence that they will win the whole thing. They have this hope for a myriad of reasons. Maybe they have hope because of great practices, a good coach, exceptional players, good luck charms, you name it. Many have hope but only one will walk away with a hope that has does not disappoint them. According to Paul (the apostle), our hope of being saved from death to abundant life is sure because of the demonstration of God’s love through his giving us his Spirit and placing his love in our hearts. By the way, love never fails. Paul said that as well. Our hope does not disappoint because it is supported by a love the never fails, from a God who never stops loving.