Use Them

Rom. 12:6  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them...

An antique mantel clock sits atop our living room fireplace.  It once belong to my uncle but found it's way into our home shortly after he moved..  We don't wind it, in fact, we're not ever sure it will keep time.  So there it sits ignored and unused.  Other than looking pretty, it benefits no one.

While taking down our Christmas decorations, my wife moved the clock ever so slightly and it began to chime.  We both knew it had that ability, but because it sat for so long, you could say that we lost sight of it's potential and purpose.  At one time, when it was being used, it produced a beautiful melody every day.

In Mt. 25:14-30 we find the Parable of the Talents where the master "delivered his goods" (v. 14) to three of his servants.  In other words, he entrusted, loaned and expected a return on that which he gave them to invest.  Each servant was given something to use.  We read that two out of the three did so, but the third ignored or squandered what he had been given.

We must not be ignorant or selfish when it comes to God's plan for our lives.  We have the potential and purpose to make a difference with what He has "delivered" to us.  He gave us gifts to benefit and bless others, glorify Him and produce a beautiful melody every single day.  Don't squander what you've been given to invest.  Recognize your talents, be a good steward (1 Pet. 4:10) and use them!


Sock Monkey Snippet:  Use you talents and abilities to reach your potential, fulfill your purpose and glorify God.

Creating Something New

Isa. 43:19  I am creating something new.  There it is!  Do you not see it?  I have put roads in deserts, streams in thirsty lands. (CEV)

Considering the heavens and the earth, and all they contain (including us), it would be understandable to think that God's full-time job is just maintaining or managing that which already exists.  And He does do that, but I think we sometimes limit our present-day view of God to only that of being a manager and no longer a creator.

The fact of the matter, however, is that God still continues to create.  In the visible as well as the invisible realms (Col. 1:16).  And His creations are new and unique.  They are wondrous and awe-inspiring, confirming His glory (Ps. 19:1).  Also, each and every one of God's creations has purpose.  Look around you.  For obvious things like snowflakes, clouds and newborn babies.  For perhaps less obvious things like new friends, a new home or a new job.  As Isaiah 43:19 asks, "Do you not see them?"

In our daily lives, it's easy to become discouraged and overlook or stop looking altogether for the continuing, purposeful creations of God that are meant for us.  So, what are you looking for?  What unique need do you have in your life right now that God can and will creatively fill?  Look for Him to do it.  God still is, and will forever be, in the business of creating something new!


Sock Monkey Snippet:  God is creating something new for you.  Look for it.