The Word for Today

by Bob and Debby Gass

Text size: A- A+

‘Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you.’ 2 Timothy 1:6 NAS

Don’t let fear make you hide your talents and abilities. God expects us to make the most of all He has given us. He wants our hearts to burn brightly for Him; He wants us to invest in our own growth and to learn how to be more effective for Him.

Paul wrote to the people of Philippi, ‘Keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.’ (Philippians 1:9 NLT) He wrote to Timothy, ‘Be sure to use the abilities God has given you…Put [them] to work.’ (1 Timothy 4:14–15 TLB) and also, ‘Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you.

Just as when you don’t exercise your body, your muscles lose their strength, when you don’t exercise your God-given skills, they don’t maintain their level. Remember the story of the fearful servant who hid his talent in the ground and what happened to him? ‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’ (Matthew 25:28 NIV) So put your gifts and abilities into practice so that you’ll become more proficient as time goes by.

Maturity and experience don’t spring into instant life the moment you start. Practice, study and feedback all help you grow. Become a lifetime learner. ‘Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval.’ (2 Timothy 2:15 NLT) Take advantage of every opportunity to sharpen your skills. Remember, in Heaven we’re going to serve God forever, and we prepare here on earth. And God will reward us for our faithfulness: ‘Well done!… You are a good servant. You have been faithful with the little I entrusted to you, so you will be governor of ten cities as your reward.’ (Luke 19:17 NLT)

SoulFood: Exod 34:29–35, Mk 9:2–27, 2 Cor 3:7–18

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024

Select Specific Day

SMTWTFS
« JulSep »