I hope you are having a great week. I am thankful it's getting towards the end of the week. I can't wait to see Mark, Avery and my daughter. In many way this has been a long week. I am ready to be in my own home and Avery suggested we have a tea party Saturday.
It's been on my mind lately about God's gifts. I don't know if you think about this, but I wonder if I am doing what He would have me to do and if I am truly using gifts that He has given me.
My friend, Strider, shared that he enjoys his Message bible. I have several versions and I had ordered a large print Message bible so I pulled it out again and I am finding I do really love it. I guess I have always gravitated back to NIV, but for some reason the Message is really speaking to me.
In Ephesians 4:4 it says, "You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. ....everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift." I am going to be in prayer about my gifts. I know my love for others and of course, my love for the Lord is more important than a gift, but since it's in the Word, I guess I would like to know.
I love my bloggy friends and you always seem to encourage me when I am having a difficult time. Thank you for your support!
14 comments:
You have written some important points to ponder in this post. I know I appreciate, very much, having you as one of my bloggy friends. Your sweet, encouraging comments mean a lot to me Nana! And I like the Avery pics....including your new banner. She is a little cutie!
Great post, Trish..you know why you gravitate to the NIV, right? Our district superintendent said it was the Nazarene International Version. LOL! I was just thinking I needed to find a new study and you have given me a great idea. Know we are always keeping you in prayer. God bless ~Theresa
Great scripture. Remember that it is God who works in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Sometimes it's nice not "Knowing" what your gifting is....that way...the excellency of the power is of God and not of you. I'd rather have God "express" himself through His gifts to me, than me stressing over using my gift for Him!!!! Any way, have a great end of the week. Blessings.
Sweetie... Knowing God and loving His word IS a gift!! A very precious gift!!! And you have the gift of sharing which is indeed wonderful!!
Thanks for blessing us with YOUR gift!!
Love You!
Sharon
I wondered how the Message Bible was - didn't know anyone who had one. So glad to hear you enjoy it. Thanks for the post.
Hugs.
Trish..... that was a lovely post. I use the NIV too and think it is the best version (for me).
You definitely have the gift of sharing God's love and messages, so He must be very pleased about that.
You are an encourager.
The Mister has a copy of The Message. I find I read it more closely since I'm not familiar with the text in the way that I am with the older versions which are so familiar.
Hi Trish!
I just posted the award you gave me -- thank you again! I hope you don't mind but I shared it with all my readers.
Stider explains God's gifts very well
doesn't he? I like to think He is doing with me what He planned. I believe living a good and faithful life is our own gift.
Have a good weekend!
Hugs, Pat
Thank you..once again, you gave me something to think about. smiles and blessings
Your encouraging words and loving thoughts brighten all our days. Being able to edify others is a gift. Maybe YOU are the gift to US?! God uses each of us in different ways. We appreciate you! ((Hugs)) ♥ ∞
What a wonderful post. I just recently found your blog. I always love finding more Christians to read, especially those who actively read the Bible and try to improve their relationship with our Creator.
I currently have 4 Bibles: NKJV, (2) NIV, NLT. Maybe I'll have to add a Message version to my bookshelf. My cousin, with whom I correspond quite a bit, prefers the KJV because it feels more comforting to him. (We grew up Southern Baptist).
Thanks for the recommendation. Peace - D
I like the way the Message puts this, "You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. ....everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same."
It paints quite the picture of what being an encouragement to one another should look like. We, each in our own way, are equipped by the Holy Spirit to build one another up, but we tend to wander off and do our own thing instead. I hope your weekend at home with the ones you love will strengthen you and give you what you need to face next week.
I am tickled to be a part of your blog family - we leave for sunny Florida in 2 weeks - see ya soon!
Hi Nana Trish,
What a wonderful header photo. You never cease to amaze me.
I have been reading about our gifts from God as well. If your heart is telling you that you are doing the right thing, you are using your gift. I believe it should feel effortless. Others might disagree and that is o.k. You will know if you are using your gifts.
hugs,
Barb
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