Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8

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Saturday, August 6, 2005

 Paula and I were having lunch today. At one point, we were discussing a mutual friend she had recently heard from. This is a woman who has been blessed by the Lord with a gift and has not used it for His glory. As we were talking, I remember thinking to myself that one day she would have to answer for squandering her gift.

 That’s right. God didn’t let me leave it at that. Almost immediately after the thought, I felt the Holy Spirit rise up in me. “What about your gift?” He does know how to convict us. Doesn’t He?

 He continued to deal with me on our ride home. Finally, I shared with Paula what I had been feeling. Pretending to be ignorant of my gift, I asked Paula what she thought it was. Without hesitation, she said, writing.

 Just as His Word is most precious to me, I have always wanted to share myself through writing. When God gave the grace to design this website, I reserved this spot for that purpose. So far it has remained vacant.

 One of my favorite scriptures is Hosea 14:2. “Take words with you, and return to the Lord. Say to Him, ‘Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.’” The written word is a sacrifice of the lips also.

 I do not want to become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. “Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be know what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?” Words have meaning. Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

 Perhaps my “exhortations” could help build you up on your most holy faith. I was surprised how many times that word was used in the New Testament. I think it is an appropriate word for what will be written here.

 As God leads, I plan to periodically add to this section. I pray the words I send out will be received with the spirit they are sent. Whatever fruit might grow from the seeds planted, let all the praise and glory go to our precious God and Savior, Jesus.