Not being one to turn down something free!

I have not met many people who don't want free stuff.
I mean who doesn't want presents, cool things that are a blessing and the like?
When I read through different bits of the Bible there is a re-occuring theme.
It appears again and again that God wants to give people gifts.
He is so keen to do so that He doesn't even base it on how good we are, whether we are cool or even like Him. He gives gifts to every person walking this earth.
So as you walk down the street next, look around you.
See the people in front you and behind.
And realise you are surrounded by talent...

Then and if that wasn't good enough God ramps it all up with abilities that could be called supernatural. Most translations of the scriptures call them spiritual gifts, but they are very truly supernatural in origin, design and effect.
These gifts are there for you if you have taken the amazing step of choosing to follow Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.
You are promised at the very least one of these amazing gifts!
They are free, available and ready to be discovered in your life...
They are there to help you do supernatural stuff to glorify Him and have some fun in our faith!

To help you discover what your supernatural gifting might be I have some hints for you...

Hints to discovering your Spiritual Gift?

Study what the Bible says about Spiritual Gifts

Ask God to show you your Gift(s)

Talk to someone who understands Spiritual Gifts

Try some things out - see what fits - see what others recognise in you

Take a Spiritual Gift Test (try this one online today)

Do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do

Something to search out and receive today...

Everywhere you go...

I have been thinking about our teaching from last Sunday and a song popped into my head...
"Everywhere you go, you always take the weather
Everywhere you go, you always take the weather, take the weather with you" Crowded House

So what is the link you might be asking?
Well if we are what Jesus said we could and should be - Salt and Light to our world...
Then it stands to reason I am taking something everywhere I go each day.
When I get gas for the car...I am taking something with me.
When I buy a coffee...I am taking something with me.
When I check the mailbox.
Visit the doctor.
Get some dinner for the family.
Everywhere I go I not only experience weather, but I am taking something of God's Kingdom with me!

I am not sure about you, but I find that challenging, sobering and exciting!
Challenged because my life is on show. I represent God on this earth to everyone I come into contact with. His reputation is on the line with every bit of interaction.
Excited because where ever I go and whoever I bump into, I am taking the very power and presence of God with me. The mere fact that I am somewhere, could actually change everything!

Maybe what I need to do is remind myself of this amazing concept every morning?
Maybe this revelation could help me look and prepare for each day just that little more purposefully?

If you are a follower of Jesus like me - embrace who God has called you to be.
Let's change our world together and flavour it well...make it better just by being in it.
Let's start each day telling ourselves just how influential we are, making the most of every godly opportunity.

Something to think about...

24 hours + 2 people

In a 24 hour period I have had 2 different people say stuff to me about my life that hurt, but it was soooo right! It was sore, not because it wounded me, but because it was there to heal me.
To help me be better. To help me be more effective and ultimately be more like Jesus.

Sometimes you and I need to hear some things that make us feel uncomfortable and squirm a little inside. While it doesn't feel all warm and fuzzy at the time, giving yourself a moment to process what you have just heard could truly change your life.
What I heard has impacted me and got me to be more honest about myself...even my motivations.
I am going to be a better man because of it!
The reason why I write this is is that I am no different to you.
I don't put my hand up and say "speak into my life". In part because I want to feel comfortable.
And truth by nature, will at times feel very uncomfortable.

As we get older and more so called more mature, the tendency is for us to avoid this stuff more and more. Some even focus on being the one to do all the speaking expecting others to listen.
The challenge for each one of us is to make sure we have at least one, if not more, good people who will say the things to us we really do need to hear. It just right way, right time and right environment.

Check this scripture out:
...speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15 niv

If you are reading this and know you don't have anyone like this...
Or you realise that you have made sure that there is no way anyone could speak into your life...
You have the perfect opportunity to change that!
Be honest and then put yourself into life changing opportunities with other great Christians.

Something to think about...

Sounds Obvious But...

This may sound obvious but...I take my life quite seriously!

If you know me, you will know I like to have some fun as well.
But I decided a long time a go to take responsibility for who I am, what I do, and what will potentially come from my life.

This week I am flying to Wellington (got cheap as flights) to meet with my mentor.
I am also taking time out to seek God, to pray and think. I can't wait!
All because I want to hear from God and make really good choices about my immediate future.

Over the last few months I have been looking at my diet and fitness a lot more closely.
I have sacrificed some things I know weren't the best for me...to be in a better physical state.
All because I need a body that will not fight me every time I want to step out in faith.

For nearly a year now I have been working my way through a Bible reading plan that will mean I will meet a huge goal. I know from experience that I can not trust myself to just do it. I have had to be disciplined and intentional.
All because I want to be a man of God who can use his sword well!

I think of scriptures like these as I type this:
"Fight the good fight of the faith..."
"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them..."
"...continue to workout your salvation with fear and trembling."

My faith is not some passive thing...and it was never meant to be!
I take it seriously and I live my life for Christ as passionately and as purposefully as I can!

Can I encourage you to take a moment after reading this?
Think about your life and ask God if there is anything you should put some more umph into so that you grow in your faith?

Something to think about...