From the Rev. Deacon Larry Barnhill, Reflection for 5 March 2014 Today’s Thought by the Rev. Deacon Larry Barnhill Gift’s for the believer. Today’s message comes out of 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 Many know that God likes to give gifts to His children. Jesus and his sacrifice upon the cross was the greatest of these gifts. Once we accept this gift, open it and place it upon our hearts, then in His love for us, God pours out more gifts for us as a way of equipping us to do His work in the world. This is actually a two part deal. We are charged to use these gifts to both honor God and to spread His love and the borders of His kingdom. As such we are called to honor what each has been given and to not covet what God has given to another. We are each created for a unique purpose and as such the Holy Spirit pours out to each of us what God has appointed, and in the allotments He has set, so that we may carry out that mission. Unfortunately, for many self-proclaimed Christians these gifts are never fully manifested. We refuse to tap into them for fear that we might be ridiculed by the world, or worse yet that the Holy Spirit may be fully manifested in our lives and as a result we might do something that we don’t or feel that we are capable to do. The truth is that if God wishes us to do something for Him, he will equip us with the tools to do the job. These gifts that are bestowed upon us are given so that the Body might be lifted up and so that we can work for the common good of the body of believers. When we fail to grasp hold of and accept what God has bestowed upon us via the Holy Spirit we are in essence telling God,” no thank you, I don’t need your help. I can do this on my own.” Is this really how you wish to set your relationship with the Lord our God? Therefore as you go to a time of prayer and reflection today, ask yourself if you have truly accepted ALL that God has given you. Then take the time to thank God for the gifts and abilities He has bestowed upon you. Then look for ways to use those gifts to not only honor God but to lift up and encourage the Body of Christ as well. One of those gifts is drawing closer to God each and every day. That is one of the aims of the Lenten Season. As a result I will be seeking to give you a specific Scriptural reading and reflection for each day. As such here is your reflection for Ash Weds. Lent Day 1 Reflection Looking at John 16:7 as a reference guide, how do you approach people who hold different positions than you do? Do you seek to reach out in love and understanding, or do you seek to distance yourself from them as people and from their positions? Are you reaching out to love your neighbor? Today’s challenge during your time of prayer is to look within and see if Christ’s love for all of mankind is being displayed within your life.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 00:06:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015