"If your gift is _____, then do it."

Romans 12:6-8 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." What is your gift? If you really don't know, ask God to reveal it to you! It is so cool how when God made each of us, he knew exactly what was needed in this world. We are all like a puzzle - if we all used the gift we are given, the pieces would fit together perfectly and the body of Christ would be extremely effective! Use your gift for God!! And if you don't know what is is, ask him to show you!!

Stepping out of the Boat

Matthew 14:29 "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." The boat is our comfort zone. There will be many times in our lives that we will have to step out of the boat, completely in faith. The moment you doubt is the moment you begin to sink. When you find that you are in one of these situations, be so careful that you don't let fear in... You have to trust God completely!! And when you step out, keep your eyes totally on Jesus, because the distractions of the world will bring you down! Are you ready to step out of the boat in faith, and believe God for something only he can do? I am!!!

What is already in your hand?

Mark 6:37 "But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take more than half a year's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?" Sometimes the vision God gives you will seem much too big for your circumstances. Just like in this situation, when Jesus told them to feed all those people...There seemed to be no way possible to feed those people on nothing.... But wait. Their wasn't nothing. There were 5 loaves and 2 fish they could feed them. Later in the story we find out that Jesus took all they had and multiplied it to feed all the people and still had extras!! When God gives us a vision, we have to use what we have to go after it. If God has given you a vision to start a ministry, but you say you are waiting to have more money, don't wait!! Use the money you have now even if it is just a little!! God wants us to take the first step... Taking what we already have and running after the God-sized vision he has given us!! You move, God moves!!! What is your vision? What do you already have in your hand that you can use??

I CAN do it.

Genesis 2:6 "but streams came up from the earth and watered the whole surface of the ground." The same way God strategically placed the streams to water the ground, he has placed things in and around our lives to help us fulfill our dreams and purpose! Sometimes we think we aren't capable of doing these things, but open your eyes and look around - the resources are all around you!! When God gives you a dream, instead of thinking automatically that you can't do it, look inside and around yourself to see that everything you need to fulfill your dream has been strategically placed in your reach!!! Have an I CAN attitude - God makes your dreams possible!!!

Provider of Everything You Need.

Nehemiah 9:21 (MSG) "You supported them forty years in that desert; they had everything they needed; Their clothes didn't wear out and their feet never blistered." God took care of the Israelites for FORTY YEARS IN THE DESERT!! He provided enough food and made sure their clothes and shoes didn't wear out!! Why don't we trust God to provide like that? Instead of tithing and giving, knowing God is going to provide, we hoard the money because we just can't see how we could live on any less. If you give like you are supposed to, God will provide EVERYTHING YOU NEED!!! Give, and trust him today to be your Provider!!!