Tim Hetzner, President of Lutheran Church Charities, who normally writes the daily devotions, is out of the country right now leading a Biblical Study tour in the Middle East. While he is out, he has asked Pete Imlah on the LCC staff to cover for him. Pete is Director of Mission and Outreach at LCC.

Played: 78 | Download | Duration: 00:02:55

Gifts

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
1 Timothy 4:14

God knew precisely what He was doing when He gave you a unique set of talents and opportunities. And now, God wants you to use those talents for the glory of His kingdom. So here's the big question: will you use those talents, or not?

Your Heavenly Father wants you to be a faithful steward of the gifts He has given you. But you live in a world that may encourage you do otherwise. You face countless temptations to waste your time, your resources and your talents.

Every day of your life, you have a choice to make: to nurture your talents or neglect them. When you choose wisely, God rewards your efforts, and He expands your opportunities to serve Him.

God has blessed you with unique opportunities to serve Him, and He has given you every tool that you need to do so. You are also the only person on earth who can use the abilities that God has blessed you with. Today, accept this challenge: value the talent that God has given you, nourish it, make it grow, and share it with the world. After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You have given me abilities to be used for the glory of Your kingdom. Give me the courage and the perseverance to use those talents to build up the Body of Christ. Keep me mindful that all my gifts come from You. Empower me to be Your faithful, humble servant, and to give You all the praise and glory. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen