Don't waste your gifts

FAITH:

1 Kings 9:1-11:43

This is the story of Solomon's greatness and decline. God appeared to Solomon and promised blessing in exchange for obedience. The Queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's wisdom and came to see if the reports were true. Finally, toward the end of his life, Solomon's many wives influenced him to turn away from God.

Solomon's sin did not catch God off guard. Although God knew Solomon would sin, he continued to bless Solomon because of God's promise to David.

God is outside and above the Time-line. In that case, what we call "tomorrow" is visible to Him in just the same way as what we call "today". All the days are "now" for him. He does not remember you doing things yesterday; He simply sees you doing because though you have lost yesterday, He has not. He does not "forsee" you doing things tomorrow; He simply sees you doing them: because, though tomorrow is not yet here for you is is for him. You must never suppose that your actions at this moment are any less free because God knows what you are doing.
from: The Quotable Lewis

Applying it: What gifts has God given you? Money? Musical talent? Outgoing personality? Intelligence, sensitivity. or discipline? Find a way to use your gifts in service to God so that He receives the glory.
Exploring It: Purpose of Gifts - Romans 12:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12; 14:26; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6

FRIENDS:

Dear Father, use us to your glory. Take what we have to glorify you. Father help us to be willing vessels; help us to be aware of our gifts that you have so generously given each one of us and show us how you want us to use them. Father, we praise You and love You and thank You for all we have, for all comes from You. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
7. LUKE 22:14-23; HEBREWS 4:12-16; PROVERBS 21:17-31; ISAIAH 17-20
8. LUKE 22:24-30; HEBREWS 5; PROVERBS 22:1-16; ISAIAH 21-23

~The Sunshine of Life~
A poet once described friends as "the sunshine of life." I myself have found that the day is certainly much brighter when I'm sharing it with my friends. Enjoying fellowship is one of life's sweetest blessings and joys. What would we do without people and the many shadings of companionship and camaraderie? We need friends in our lives, friends with whom we not only discuss "deep" issues and confide out secrets, fears, or sorrows, but with whom we can laugh, play and even cry. The best times in life are made a thousand times better when shared with a dear friend.
Camaraderie is definitely a part of friendship, and camaraderie itself can often produce friendships, too. When we reach out to others, they reach out to us. It's a two-way street, a street practically lined with balloons and streamers in celebration of the unique bonds of friendship. by Luci Swindoll, You Bring the Confetti..this was in a book that was a gift from a Sister-friend and I just wanted to share it with all of you, my friends.

FOOD:

THE WHOLE JAR OF PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

"This cookie got its name because a whole 18-ounce jar of peanut butter is used to make it. It is the creamiest, moistest cookie I have ever had, and bound to be a favorite with anyone who makes them. Just don't over bake them!"

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 egg
1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 (18 ounce) jar peanut butter
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped peanuts

1. In a large bowl, cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until Smooth. Add the eggs, yolks, and vanilla; mix until fluffy. Stir in peanut butter. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Finally, stir in the peanuts. Refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet.
3. Roll dough into walnut sized balls. Place on the prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly with a fork. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Cookies should look dry on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet before removing to cool completely on a rack. These cookies taste great when slightly undercooked.

FUN:

Six year old Angie and her four year old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough.

"You're not supposed to talk out loud in church," she hissed at Joel.

"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel shot back.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door?"

Joel nodded.

"They're hushers."