You are Gifted for the Kingdom

Too many times, we, as Christians, seek to become successful in the world.  The success of the world is hollow and meaningless.  It brings temporary happiness–but not true fulfillment.  God has ordained us to be successful in His kingdom where we will experience not just happiness, but fulfillment as well.  We have been given gifts from God that are to be used for the glory of the kingdom of God.  Just for a few minutes, read with me from the Book of Exodus.

 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:    “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.    And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,    to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze,    in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.  
Exodus 31:1-5 (New King James Version)

All the women who were gifted artisans spun yarn with their hands, and brought what they had spun, of blue, purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.    And all the women whose heart stirred with wisdom spun yarn of goats’ hair.  
Exodus 35:25-26 (New King James Version)

God had gifted men and women for the work of the ministry (the building of the tabernacle in this context) so that His plans and purposes could be manifested in the earth.  God has gifted you also for the revelation of His kingdom here on earth.  Go forth and do the work of God. Walk in your gifting just like the artisans did in Exodus.

Peace and Blessings to You!

Understanding What Christmas Really Is About

Well, today is over.  It is December 25th.  That time of the year when gifts have been passed out, and great dinners have been cooked.  People will have to go on a diet–especially me! 

After we have spent three month’s paychecks getting those expensive gifts, can we really say that we know what this time of year is about?  Perhaps it has become so commercialized that we have lost our focus.   I am afraid that is the sad truth.  I sit before my television watching the soldiers in foreign lands wish their families a Merry Christmas.  They are not able to be home to open the big presents and eat the great dinners.  Have we lost touch with the real reason for the season? 

I was watching a documentary on the origin of Christmas.  I was fascinated by what the commentator revealed in the one hour show.  I am not going to discuss his findings and thoughts, but I am going to share with you my feelings and reflections.

Christmas.  What is the real reason for the season?  Is it so that we must spend three months’ paychecks to buy gifts for a long list of family and friends?  Is it so that our already hectic lives can become even more hectic and crazy? 

Christmas is suppose to be about how God sent His only Son into the world to die for sinners like you and me.  Unfortunately, that is something that is not always made clear by today’s ministers.  We have been born in sin and shapen in iniquity.  We are on the wrong side of the spiritual tracks.  Death is our wage–not life.  Jesus was born to deliver us from that penalty. 

Christmas then, should be a time of rejoicing and celebration.  Instead, people are mad because they have lost their jobs and cannot buy the gifts for the season.  People rob and steal from those who have to get what they need for their families.  Yes, that happens all year long, but it gets worse around this time of the year. 

What about the less fortunate?  What do we do for them?  Do we show up at this time of the year to do our “civic duty” for them, and then do not show up until Christmas comes around again? 

We need to be real.  Real about who we are.  Real about the life we are living.  Real about the actions we take and the intentions behind them. 

What is Christmas for?  Why do we spend so much money on gifts?  Do we know what we are celebrating?  Maybe not.  Maybe we are comatose.  What are we doing and who are we doing it for?