2 Timothy 1-4

2 Timothy 1-4 is the second of the "pastoral epistles" from Paul.  Paul writes in his old age, based on his experiences, to encourage Timothy in his own ministry.  It seems to be a "passing the torch" sort of letter.  He gives warnings against false teachings and terrible times ahead.  Paul also reminds us that the Bible is the primary source we need in our faith. 

Even though Paul writes to Timothy, I feel like we are all called by God to some sort of ministry that is ours based on our God-given gifts.  We may not be preachers, or teachers, big evangelists, or missionaries traveling the world, but we all have something God is asking us to use for Him.

Today, I am thinking about my own gifts.  What has God given me that He needs me to use for Him?

What about you?  What are your gifts?  How is God asking you to use them?

Here's a confession.  For a long time, I think I had this whole gift thing all wrong.  I was thankful for my gifts (at least my obvious talents and blessings).  But, I was missing the point most of the time.  See, I thought my gifts were mine, for my own purposes.  They're not.  My gifts are God's.  Not only that, I thought my gifts were obvious.  They aren't always.  Sometimes my biggest gifts are my weaknesses. 

And here I am talking like I have it all figured out now, but I know with absolute certainty that I don't.  I never will- have it all figured out.

So, if my gifts aren't mine, if they aren't always obvious, and if I am always at risk for missing the point of God's gifts....

What in the world do I do?  What do you do?  How do we know what our ministry is supposed to be?  

I'd love for you to share your thoughts and experiences on this...

I think we learn from God through His Word, what He has in store for us.  Sure, God guides us in other ways too.  But, I am realizing that the strongest foundation and inspiration we will ever have in living out our faith is the Bible because it's "God-breathed."  It doesn't get any better than that.

15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank you for all your gifts in my life.  I thank you for those that are obvious and those that may be hidden in my weaknesses and struggles.  I know all I am and all I have comes from You, meant for Your good purposes and glory.  Reveal to me the gifts you need me to unwrap, enjoy, and use for You.  I pray today for ____________  that he/she/they may also be strengthened by Your many blessings.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

The Lord be with your spirit.  Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.