Don't Neglect the Gift

The scripture in 1st Timothy talks about not neglecting the gift that God has granted us. So many people are looking to have a gift of the FANTASTIC. Something that others will look at and go 'wow' - But does God even ever give such gifts. Isn't it in the small things that if we are faithful with them they grow, and if we are diligent with them they flourish?
Doesn't that in itself make people say 'wow'. Not because it's flashy or loud, but because there is something about the character of the person excercising the gift or the talent. There is a certain authenticity and integrity about who they are. A consistancy in their actions and words that makes them dependable, reliable, trustworthy -
Whether that person is a diligent servant - always tending to the cleaning of the church, the service of others, prayer needs for people, nursery detail, etc. Someone who uses for God's glory the full capacity of their gift, talent or even just their willingness - That person has a 'wow' factor about them and stands out because of who they are, not what they do.
I've known plenty of vibrant and loud, flamboyant and demonstrative, speakers, worship leaders, teachers etc, whose hearts were selfish and got them in trouble, and I've known many a quiet and unpretentious man or woman diligent in their endeavors -
Who affects eternity and brings glory to the kingdom of God more?
Do I really need to ask - Be faithful in all things, be diligent, be honorable and remember in all things, you are serving the Lord Jesus, if you are being selfish, you bring shame to His reputation more than yours, and He sees it even when others don't.
Let's not neglect the gift within us, nor use it for our own glory.



Check out the website www.GraciousVine.com or www.JoannaFruhauf.com

Moving Altars? Could it be a problem?

I tell you, I just am amazed at the Tabernacle...for those of you who know me this is a real passion for me...Last night in teaching about the Brazen Altar which is the first piece of furniture to contend with once entering through the door of the area, I am just amazed at the length to which Jesus has gone for us. Having taken on the form of man, and died for us is really just jaw dropping when we think of it.

Last night in teaching about the altar specifically, there was a situation in 2 kings 16, that just amazed me... King Ahaz of Israel had gone to visit a pagan King and was enamored by an altar that he had seen while he was in Assyria. He had the priests of Israel built an exact replica of it and when he returned home he further instructed the priests to burn all the sacrifices required by God on it INSTEAD of the altar God had ordained. King Ahaz then moved God's altar out of the way and this 'better' altar was used.

How many times do we put God off? Off to the side for what the world has declared as a better mode of communicating and worshipping Him. How drawn away from the purity of true religion are we after things that our secular world says is better, bigger, more glorious?

It's so easy to get caught up in the fantastic...the sensual...the glory of the world and give it a nice coating of 'God' and even set it up in the place of God and 'intend' to sacrifice to God by means of it...

King Ahaz's intention, was insufficient. Regardless of where it was positioned. It didn't matter that it was set up in God's Courts, or that the prescribed sacrifices were placed on it...That didn't justify or sanctify it...

At the end of Ahaz's life, the Bible records him as a King given to idolatry and one who did evil in the sight of the Lord.

I want to make sure whether something is traditional or modern - that I am NOT moving aside God's prescribed and ordained manner for my own desires....


Check out the website www.GraciousVine.com or www.JoannaFruhauf.com