Giver

Our Daily Bread
We have all met those folks - the givers.  I am sort of one most of the time.  They give of themselves beyond what some of us can understand.  Many of them give and we never know anything about it.  Take a minute and think of those people in your life.  Maybe it is you?

The story in the devotional was so sweet.  Corine didn't even realize the gift she had.  She didn't make a big deal out of it or expect praise.  She did what she knew she was supposed to do.  We all have so much to learn from her!  My question for you today is: what is your talent or gift to be used for God?  If you are using it today and are like Corine, just keep doing it!  If you don't know, then let's pray for each other to find our way and serve the Almighty God!

God taught me something new from this story.  Some of us have the gift of "inspiration" for others, whether it be through preaching or singing or an encouraging word.  That is also very important!

Lord, thank you for all of our gifts.  Please help us give and receive.  Praise God!

Simply Saturday
Perseverance
I used the verses from Galatians about the Fruits of the Spirit as my password at work last quarter.  I decided to write about each one on Saturdays.  Perseverance is the one that came to mind this week.  From the dictionary:
per·se·ver·ance
/ˌpərsəˈvi(ə)rəns/
Noun
1. Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
2. Continuance in a state of grace leading finally to a state of glory.

I always knew that perseverance was a good thing.  I never realized how special the meaning was until this morning.  Just look at the two definitions!  Most of us identify with the first one about steadfastness despite difficulty.  We think of Paul and his journeys.  Very cool!

Now, look at the second definition: "Continuance in a state of grace leading finally to a state of glory."  Wow!  If we read Paul's writings closely (and also some in the Old Testament), we can see examples of this over and over.  We see how the Holy Spirit leads to this state of grace as we make our way to glory!  Praise God!

After having two injuries this week, I kept remembering the first definition.  Difficulties have not slowed me down too much before.  Let us pray for each other that we can learn to continue in a state of grace that leads to a state of glory!  Praise God!

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13