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“Give yourself to the gifts God gives you.”

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Dear Friends,

“Give yourself to the gifts God gives you.” (1 Corinthians 14:1 from the Message Bible.)

Seems there are million good things a person can dedicate themselves to. But we can only do a few of them. This verse has helped me to set priorities. As we focus in on our gifts, we can do a better job of using them and avoid paralysis from feeling guilty and ashamed for not doing what others are doing. It is in a way learning to be who we are.

For example, I have a friend who is a dentist. He used his gift of fixing teeth in places in the world where there is no dentist. People with the gift of making money, might use their gift to share money with others, to teach others how to use money, or to run a business. I use my gift of sharing slide presentations and stories about peacemaking to make people aware of what God is doing through people for peace and justice in the world. What are the gifts God has given you? How are you using your gifts for others?

This verse has got me thinking about my gifts and my calling. As a part of my quiet time I spend about an hour each day reading from the Bible. This daily reading has made me aware of the treasure of wisdom for living we have in the Bible.

And so, as a part of my peacemaking, I am planning to share these insights on my web site, on my Facebook page, and to my email list. I see this as sharing gifts from my quiet time. I envision writing these short snippets about two times a month as I have something to share.

Pray: God, help me to know my gifts and to use them for your glory and my neighbor’s good.

Peace, Jim

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