Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Your Purpose: a devotion by Ann Broughton



For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

God has a purpose for your life. You are one of a kind and have abilities that nobody else has. God knew you before you were born. “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:15-16 NIV). He gave you talents and abilities that are to be used for His purpose. “For your are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).
Just as Jesus’ ministry was one of service, so your life should show His love by using your special talents and abilities to serve others. His message was that we are to love one another and take care of the poor.
So I would like you to ponder what you are doing with your abilities in order to serve God. If you look around there are many people who need encouragement, financial assistance, food, clothing etc. We are to be Jesus’ ambassadors on this earth and use the talents and abilities He gave us to help others.
I saw on the news how an elderly man in the nursing home was knitting hats for the homeless. He said that he wanted to use his last days on earth to help others. What a wonderful example of serving God and showing love to others. You may be a good cook and like to share meals with those who need a good meal, or maybe you can knit or crochet. There are many organizations that accept knitted or crocheted items for the poor or for chemo patients. Pray and ask God to show you how you can use your special abilities to bring joy and aid to others. Then watch for ways to serve. There are so many people who need help.
Dear Lord,
I know that you have given me special gifts and abilities that I can use to help others. Help me to be aware of the needs around me so I can be the one to make a good difference in someone’s life who needs to see your love in a special way.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen


Perseverance: A devotion by Ann Broughton

“ And not only this, but we also exult in tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven cha...