What Do You Have to Offer?

This weekend's message was on Spiritual Gifts. Next weekend, I'm kicking off a series on Jesus' parables and will be starting with a look at the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25 and the Parable of the Ten Minas found in Luke 19.

One of the important things we, as Christians, need to remember is that God has made us uniquely for the specific purpose He had in mind for us before time began. For example, God's purpose for me has always been to be a pastor. Therefore, He didn't create me with a fear of speaking in front of crowds and He didn't create me with a hard heart towards those who need to experience the love of Christ.

According to Jesus' words in the parables of the talents and ten minas, we are responsible for what God has given to us. We are stewards of gifts from our Lord. Those gifts come in many different shapes and sizes - they're not just the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4. God's gifts to us are our children, our job, our friends, our finances, our home, etc.

Have you stopped to acknowledge the gifts from God in your life? This week, take an inventory of the gifts you've received from the Lord. Then make a point to pray about how each one can be used to honor God, increase in value and build His kingdom in your life and in the lives of those around you.