Each According To His Ability (Part 4)

While each of us is given our own gifts, talents, and abilities, there are some abilities that God gives to all of us. Those include: (a) the ability to move mountains (Matthew 17:20) and (b) the power to loose and bind (Matthew 16:19)

One ability that we often miss or ignore, however, particularly in Christian circles, is found in Deuteronomy 8:18.

God says He has given us the power to get wealth. And while He gives some of us more of this ability than others (Matthew 25:15), He's given all of us this ability in some way, shape, or form.

That said, most Christians wait on God to do miracles in their lives, particularly when it comes to their finances. We often take a Red Sea approach, assuming that God will step in and create miracles out of thin air.

But Deuteronomy 8:18 says that God has given us the power to get wealth. That means we must be active participants in our wealth accumulation.

Yes, God parted the Red Sea, but the Israelites had to participate in their escape from Egypt. Moses had to be obedient and confront Pharaoh. The Israelites had to be obedient and follow Moses to the wilderness. And ultimately, Moses had to raise his staff in obedience to God's Word for the sea to part. The Israelites, led by Moses, were active participants in their deliverance.

The same is true when Jesus fed the five thousand in Matthew 14:13-21. God provided the increase but the boy and the disciples provided the raw materials.

In short, God wants to give us increase but he's waiting on us to act.

Make no mistake, this is not a prosperity, name-it-and-claim-it message. The Bible does NOT teach that everybody is called to be rich. Rich Christians are NOT better nor more faithful than less well-to-do Christians. Again, God gives each according to our ability (Matthew 25:14-30). Some of us are called to be rich and have more resources. Some of us are called to have less. The Bible even says that the poor will always be among us (John 12:8).

We all have a responsibility to manage what we have well.

What the Bible DOES teach is that God will supply all of our need (Philippians 4:19). The Bible DOES teach that we are to be the head, not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). That applies whether we're rich or poor. And while wealth looks different for everybody, God unequivocally says that He's given all of us the power to produce it in some way.

The question is, how are you using that power today?

God bless,
J.W

Each According to His Ability (Part 3)

"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will make you ruler over many things." ~ Matthew 25:21

Culture's method for elevation involves some combination of the following: manipulation, talent, intelligence, knowledge, hard work, determination, persistence, luck, money, charm, assertiveness, aggression, networking. In other words, society tells us we need these things to succeed.

But the Kingdom's method is revealed in Matthew 25:14-30.

For God, elevation doesn't come because of our talent, charm, or skill.

Psalm 24:1 says that "the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." Do we really think that God can't find someone else with gifts?

No, God says that He can find more talent. What he's looking for is faithfulness and stewardship, particularly in the small things (Matthew 25:21).

If we manage the small things God gives us with diligence and wisdom, God will bless us with more.

In Christ, we don't have to manipulate our way to the top. We simply have to be dedicated to managing the small stuff well.

How are you managing the small stuff today?

God bless,
J.W.

Each According to His Ability (Part 2)

God knows us intimately, so much so that the Bible says that the hairs on our head are numbered (Matthew 10:30).

So, when God gives "each according to [our] ability," why is it that we complain it's not enough?

Jeremiah 29:11 says that God "knows the plans [He] has for [us], plans to prosper [us] and not to harm [us], plans to give [us] a hope and a future." Yet somehow we don't trust Him.

Our lack of trust in God makes no sense. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that God won't tempt you more than you can bear. So maybe God gives according to what He knows we can bear at the moment. We're asking for more, but God knows what we can handle.

So, be careful what you ask for. God knows what He's doing. He won't give us more than we can handle. He gives to us based on our ability.

God bless,
J.W.

Each According to His Ability (Part 1)

This culture we live in seems to be obsessed with two things - popularity and fame. Kids grow up wanting to be like celebrities. Adults idolize and admire the same.

But the Bible says that God has plans for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11) - specific, distinct, and individualized plans. Matthew 25:15 says that he gives us talents, "each according to his ability." Romans 12:6 says we're each given different gifts, "according to the grace given to each of us." Romans 12:4-5 says that although we are one body, we all have different functions.

Part of the problem with our culture nowadays is that we have too many "eyes" trying to be "ears." And too many "feet" trying to be "hands."

God has given you gifts, no matter how small, because you have a special function He wants you to play. Your gifts have been given to you for a reason. But that reason will never come to pass if you're trying to exercise someone else's gift.

Are you operating in your function today?

God bless,
J.W.

Find Where The Grace Is

Ever try to write something but the words just aren’t coming to you? Ever sit down to read a book or watch a movie and just not be in the mood? Ever struggle to complete what would normally be a simple task?

If you said yes to any of those questions, chances are you might have been operating outside of grace in those moments.

Grace is defined, at least in Christian contexts, as God’s unmerited favor.

Think about that. when someone does a favor for you, what happens?

Well, usually, their favor blesses you and adds to your life. But more importantly, it typically makes your life easier. It makes it more convenient for you to complete a task or takes something off of your plate which allows you to focus on other tasks.

The same is true with God's grace.

Over the past few weeks, God has burdened my heart more and more with operating in His grace. Many times, I can discern what He’s calling me to do according to the amount of grace He gives me for it. If something comes easy and it feels like I’m in the zone, chances are that God grace is at work in my life. If something is much more difficult and seems forced, chances are I may be operating outside of God’s grace in that moment.

Timing is everything in life. God has already accomplished everything that there is to accomplish (John 19:30). The Kingdom and victory is ours (1 John 5:4-5). But that doesn’t mean it’s manifest in our lives right away. We’ve got to wait on His timing and His grace (Psalm 27:14). One of the ways to discern His timing is by following His grace.

Is grace upon you in that task you’re doing right now? If not, maybe you're out of God’s timing. Find where the grace is, and you’ll find where God is (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God bless,
J.W.