Thursday, June 19, 2008

Title: This Little Light Of Mine
Scripture: If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Passage: Romans 12:8
Thoughts: Remember the song “This Little Light of Mine”? “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine . . .” As children, it taught us that we should show that we love Jesus. As adults, I think it has even more meaning—I think it applies to our spiritual gifts. It’s easy to run away from our spiritual gifts—as the song says, to “hide it under a bushel.” It’s not necessarily because of the gifts themselves, but because of the risk involved. What if I mess up??? Will God be disappointed with me? What will people think about me?
But you know what....... it’s not about me. God’s Word clearly tells us that God has given us these gifts for a purpose, and if we have them, we need to use them!!!!
I’ve had to remind myself that it doesn’t matter what people may think......but what God thinks.
When you're willing to put yourself out there, and are willing to let your light shine you might find it can change your ministry and change your heart.
Yes, it feels risky—but who wants to live under a bushel, really!
So.... if God has blessed you with the ability to encourage others or show kindness, look for the extra step you can take to help someone. If God has blessed you financially, then use your money for his purposes-to further His Kingdom. And if God has given you the gift of leadership, get up, start moving, and find ways that you can lead others. Stop following and start leading. God has gifted you for a reason. Avoid bushels. Trust him to use you.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16