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The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
Have you noticed this incredible phenomena?
It's incredible...but it's true!!
There are literally thousands upon thousands of folks in the church today who have received a gift...but they have NEVER opened that gift!!
Can you believe that??
Yep! It's true!
You see - - when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and we are adopted into His family...He gives us a gift! It's the gift of 'service'.
Yet many, many Christians attend their delegated one-hour of worship on Sunday morning and hang on tightly to their unopened gift. How sad!
You see...some gifts are meant to be shared!!!!!!
I have a dear friend in the Cincinnati area who makes the best 'Kentucky Creme Candy'! It's a true delight! Most years around Christmas I would receive a can of Joyce's delicious cream candy. However, she knew that I cherished this candy so much...that I had a tendency not to share it but to hide it and hoard it all for myself! Sooo...being the wise woman that she is she would usually include a little hand-written note..."Make sure you share this with your friends and family!" I would honor her request and it was always wonderful to see the expressions of delight as I shared my yummy gift with others.
Jesus had a lot to say about the gift of service. In fact, He had some pretty harsh words for the man who hid his 'gift' and did not serve. Jesus called him a "wicked and lazy servant" and proceeded to take away what he had been given. (Matthew 25:26).
The best way to serve and to share the gifts you have been given is with an attitude of LOVE. The more you get to know God and understand His ways, the more you will love Him and desire to serve Him. And the more you want to serve Him, the more He will honor your service. This will lead to even greater love.
Take heed to this written note in the God's Word..."Prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." (NIV)
So, please...stop hiding & hoarding your 'gift'. Honor HIS request ... open it ... watch the expressions of delight as you share it with others!!
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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