Unleashing Your Gift

"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.  A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." Proverbs 18:15-16

For the past week, my 8th grade class has been examining the reform movement that swept across the United States in the 1800s and early 1900s. We've been looking at the women's suffrage movement and the anti-slavery, abolitionist movement. It's been inspiring to read the stories of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Frederick Douglass,  William Lloyd Garrison, and Harriet Tubman, to name a few.  Each of them took up the fight for women's suffrage, to end slavery, or both by using the gifts God had given them. Some fought using their voice to give speeches, some fought with their pen, writing passionate articles or writing controversial books, some of which were banned.  Some protested in the streets while some went into politics to affect change in society.  Each did something different, but each DID something.  It is so empowering to see ordinary people fight for what they believed in using their God-given gifts.  They could have been selfish and chosen to remain comfortable and complacent, but they chose to give their entire life to the cause, even being persecuted for their courageous actions.

As I discussed this with my students, it occurred to me that I have some of the most amazing students who are already gifted with some of the most awesome talents. I have writers in my classroom, artists (they'll blow your socks off), passionate speakers, technology geniuses, actors/actresses, and so many others. I encouraged them to release their talents and to use them to bless others.  As I spoke to them, I felt my own gifts being released in me- the power to encourage, the power to write, the power to speak to people who are broken.

My encouragement to you today is to release those gifts with which God has empowered you.  Some of you might be telling yourself that you do not possess any talents, but you are wrong.  Your talent may not be fully revealed to you, but it's there, waiting to be unburied from your passionate soul.   It's there waiting to be noticed. What makes you happy?  What do you feel a strong desire to do?  Notice I didn't ask what you are good at.  Sometimes, our gifts and talents must be nurtured and practiced before they can be great.  In essence, your gifts and talents may need to be developed more. Although I know writing is my gift, I know I have a long ways to go before I'm a great writer.  However, I am willing to practice writing, take classes, learn from other great writers, and willing to make errors so that I can learn from them.  Lastly, although you can use your talent for any purpose, consider using it for a meaningful and lasting cause like the cause of Jesus Christ.  He gave you your gifts so use them to glorify him.  When you use your gifts for Him and unto Him, he will develop your talent in ways you could never imagine.  I leave you with this quote:

Your talent is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God.  ~Leo Buscaglio


Please watch this inspiring video of Maria Chiossi whose gift is to make music:

Habits and Attitudes...or Habitudes

This verse really spoke to me last night about some of the bad habits we form in our daily life (ie. eating habits, sleeping habits, habits in how we spend our leisure time etc.):

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.....I Corinthians 6:12

So the question is what things in our life are we allowing to control us, distract us, and to be a hindrance to us? Which habits are we allowing into our lives which are not helping us? We know that God gives us free will. We also know that many of the things that we do are not sinful, but many of them are not helpful either. The verse goes on to say that our bodies are for God only. The purpose for our bodies is to bring glory to God (v. 13) not for our own pleasure. If we look at many of our habits, they are responsible for bringing us down. Think of one habit you have and ask yourself- how does this make me better? If it doesn't, ditch it. I know it's easier said than done. However, think about it. Your future is already being built by your attitudes and your habits of today. Build wisely.

An Invitation from the Master Artist

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

I took this picture in Huntington Beach in February 2014.  

Have you ever stared into the sky at night and let the bright stars amaze you?  How about staring at the deep blue ocean's horizon and wondering how far it stretches? Ever imagine the places that lie beyond it?  Have you ever seen the first leaves of fall float to the ground in their beautiful bronze colors?  The intricate parts of the human body- have you ever thought about how every little part of our body works together so perfectly to keep us alive? It's all God.  How can it be anything else?  Big-bang theory?  I highly doubt it.  How could it produce such a sacred thing called life? Every single part is woven together so perfectly, it had to be the work of a great artist. You may not know Him, but he does exist.   If he made everything so beautiful so He must surely have a plan for your life.  Ever thought about giving Him a try?  It's as simple as speaking the words God I want to know you.  Those words will change your life because they will summon the God of all creation into your life.  Do it.  I promise, He will be everything you want Him to be and more.

He Loves Me....He Loves Me Not?

I'll keep it simple. No matter where you are in life, no matter what you have or don't have, no matter what you do or don't do, no matter who you are or who you're not- God loves you!  In a powerful message from our pastor yesterday, I was reminded once again that nothing can separate you or myself from the Love of God. I've always wondered why marriage is one of those institutions that God holds so dearly. I ponder how when God came robed in flesh, He basically loosed us from so many OT rituals by fulfilling the Law.  However, marriage is one institution  that he continued to uphold. He even took it a step further.  In the OT, he allowed for divorce because of the hardness of man's heart.  A man could divorce his wife or put her away for some pretty silly reasons.  However, in the NT, we see that the only way He allowed for divorce was for the reason of unfaithfulness or infidelity.  He definitely tightened the reins on that one. Why is marriage such a big deal?  I've thought about this long and hard and I can only come to one conclusion.  I think that marriage is held in such high regard by God because he uses it as a model of our relationship with Him (personally and the Church's relationship with Him).  Even though we fail him and mess up so many times and give him so many reasons for Him to leave us, He never does and He never will. He promised that no matter what, He would always stick by our side.  He sees the worst in us and still loves us with tons of compassion.  When we fall at His feet crying out to him in repentance, his forgiveness is quick to meet us. What a love!   So remember when you are tripping tomorrow or when you fall short (we always will)- He still LOVES you!

A Little Goes a Long Way

Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat…" One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down…” So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. John 6:5-13

The lesson above both teaches us a valuable lesson about giving.  We learn that by giving all that we have to God, even if it is very little, He can bless it and multiply it to impact others. You may only have a few bucks to your name, but what you have, give it to God.  You may not have many talents, but what you can do, use it for God. Everyday is a gift from God and we should use it accordingly.  It's so easy to complain about what we don't have, but if we would start using what we do have, God may in turn give us all we need to be a blessing in His kingdom.   Start living every day intentionally and with purpose.  Ask yourself, how can I use this day to impact God's kingdom, even in the smallest way. What is one area of my life where I feel inadequate and like I have so little to give and how can I take what I do have in that area to give to God's kingdom?  Recently, I heard a person say that they, at times, feel like they can't do much for God because they lack a formal education.  First of all, God uses anyone who is willing regardless of having a formal education or not. We just need to use the talents we do have and let God bless the rest.  You will begin to find that God takes the little resources that we have and multiplies it for His kingdom and for His glory. 

The Deep Things of God

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.  But God has revealed them to us through His spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.  For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?  Even so, no one know the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. "  I Corinthians 2:9-12

Do you ever dream of knowing what God has for you on this earth and in the eternal realm?  Do you ever hunger to know Him in the deepest parts- to know His heart, His will, and His thoughts?  The scripture above tell us that no one has seen or heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who LOVE him.  I used to think that this verse applied to everyone and that no one was meant to know certain aspects of God, but then realized I was wrong.  The verse continues, "But God has revealed them to us through His spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes the deep things of God."  It continues by telling us the purpose, "that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."  I've come to realize that it is not God's will to keep us in the dark about himself and the "deep things" that pertain to Him- in the now and in the eternal realm. The only requirement to receive the deep things of God is to walk in the spiritual and not the carnal (v. 14).   This can be very difficult with the demands of life, but I believe there is also a hunger like never before to know God in his power and depth.   This year, like never before, I want to tap into the secrets of God, into his reservoir of spiritual wealth. He is pushing us like never before to seek, to knock, to ask.  The treasures of life and His amazing ways are at our fingertips, if we will demonstrate a willingness to find them.   Let this be a year of discovering greater dimensions of God like never before!

Love and blessings,

April

Why I'm Not Married

"Can two walk together except they be agreed?"  Amos 3:3

I've been asked about a hundred times or more why I'm not married.  I've had my share of opinions from people who think they know why I'm not married.  I've been told that I'm too picky or that my standards are too high or that I'm not forward enough.   Usually, when I face these types of comments, I simply smile and slowly back up until I'm out of the room and finally out of sight. Then I run.  Just kidding. With this said, I've decided to respond with one simple word.  Values.  The truth is that I don't have high standards, I have important values.

What is a value?  A value is something on which you place worth.  It is something that determines where you will spend your money, your time, with whom, and  for what purpose.  I think it is crucial to understand your values and then only marry someone with as many of those shared values as possible.  In the Christian realm, we often think that just because someone we're attracted to loves God, that this person is automatically a great match for us.  What determines a good match has more to do with values than anything else.  Don't get me wrong.  A love for God is a value central to any romantic relationship, but other values are also important.   Someone once told me that just because someone is a man or woman of God does not mean they are the man or woman of God for you.  I know of marriages where both husband and wife love God, but are not walking together in harmony.  Instead, they are pulling in different directions because they do not value the same things. One values family and ministry while the other values a career so they each pursue their own thing which eventually begins to put a strain on the relationship.  Personally, I value education, work ethic, and ministry, so I ideally want to marry someone who values those same qualities. I also value family and children so I want to marry someone who puts family first and wants lots of children.  If you value your relationship with God and your mate doesn't, it might be hard for your mate to understand why you take time each day to be with God and to study His word.  If you value ministry, then you want someone that also values ministry and is willing to support you when you are ministering in the capacities in which you feel led, even if that means that you might be away from your family for long periods of time. If they really value ministry as you do, they might actually pull up their sleeves and work along side you.  If you value health and fitness, then ideally you want to find someone who values the same or is at least willing to support you in your fitness endeavors (going to the gym, paying for the gym, eating healthy, investing in fitness equipment etc.). Different values can lead to friction and sometimes lead to failed marriages. I know this being that I am a child from a broken marriage and having seen them, or the lack of them,  in the relationships around me.

So there you have it.  That's why I'm not married.  I haven't yet found someone who shares my values. When we choose to overlook differing values in a relationship for the sake of "having someone" or not being "alone," we are "settling" in the truest sense.  In the long run, we will end up feeling alone anyways.  The most important value that anyone can have is a relationship with Jesus Christ.   The most wonderful part is that even if you do enter a union with someone who has completely different values than you, He can still give you your happy ending.  It may take extra work, but what I find most comforting is that God is never finished with us- ever. If you are still looking to find that special someone, take the time to figure out your values. Write them down.  Pray over them.  If you've already found him or her and made your sacred vows, allow God guard your shared values and merge others that may need to be adjusted.    Just my two cents.


April