DEVOTIONAL

GIFTS

Molly Wiesen, WMF 2nd Vice President

“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom--.” Col. 3:16

Investments. Mortgages. Jobs. Taxes. Interest rates. Cash. Gold. Savings. Loss. Gain. Are these words and concepts occupying your thoughts, prayers, and time? How about “sports schedules”, “appointments”, “lawn chores”, “housework”, “must-see TV programs”, “school”, “shopping”, “church work”? Is your energy being depleted day after day, month after month? How’s your bank account? I share these things with you as an “admonishment” and a reminder that the Lord had different things in mind for our time, treasure and talents.

The Lord has confronted me recently with the big reminder – all that I am, have, and hope to be is HIS, on loan to me for a short period of time on this earth. He used, among other things, the book “The Treasure Principle”, by Randy Alcorn (Multnomah Books, 2001). If you have not read this, I would challenge you to do so. And then ready yourself for some tough decisions. Do I believe Him when He says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10); and “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, --- but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy—. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21)

In this news-letter, you will read about Kalika Peske, short-term mission worker, who made the choice of leaving behind family, future plans, school loans, personal advancement, and “getting on with her life”. She chose to give of her time in service to Christ through work with Nate and Rhoda Jore, our AFLC missionaries in Uganda. I don’t think she would classify herself as a “super-Christian” or hero. She just read God’s Word, believed Him, and made a choice to obey Him for what He gave her to do. He gives us the chance to do likewise in what He prepares for us.

At our annual WMF day in June, we will be focusing on the theme verse from Romans 12:6, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us--.” What a great time to consider what gifts, talents and treasures the Lord has shared with us! It is not easy. We are in a battle. In this world, we are faced with expectations, responsibilities, temptations, trials, and tragedy. Do these things get you “off track”, like they do me? Let us choose to meditate on God’s Word, humble ourselves before Him in repentance and gratitude for His mercy and faithfulness, and then seek His help to convict, guide, and direct us in using our lives for service and glory to Him!