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Listen while you read: "How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds"1 (Lyrics) |
I am just a so-so crafter. Oh, I can enjoy an occasional craft project done with a group of friends or at a ladies' retreat, but I am not an avid quilter, painter, or knitter, as are some of my friends. If I were to claim any artistic skill, I think that I could say that I love to paint pictures with words. A sheet of paper is my canvas, words are my artistic medium, and a computer is my paintbrush.
As we see craftsmanship all around us in the beauty of nature, we can thank God, our master craftsman. But God's handiwork doesn't stop with natural beauty. He is also a master gardener (think of the Garden of Eden), zoologist (think of the animal world), geologist (mountains), painter (sunsets) … You get my point.
I've been reading recently in the book of Exodus, and I was astonished to realize the extensive and minute detail that God gave Moses for building the tabernacle. He described precise architectural plans for the tabernacle, from the dimensions to the building materials. He carefully explained how to build it, from the structural framework to the walls, curtains, and furnishings. He even designed the colour scheme of the embroidery work on the curtains done in scarlet, blue, and purple yarn. The fabulous priestly garments must have been a sight to behold!
Even more wonderful was His plan for the execution of this work.
Exodus 31:6b – I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make. (NLT)
Two men were chosen to head up this massive project.
Exodus 35:31,34 – The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab … the ability to teach their skills to others. (NLT)
Anyone who so desired could volunteer to help or to donate materials for the building of the tabernacle. The spirit of generosity was so strong that the people finally had to be told to stop bringing materials because there were already more than enough. What a wonderful example this is of the value of working together as the body of Christ.
Perhaps God has given you an artistic gift, or a gift of leadership, or possibly the financial means to further a project. We each have varying skills and abilities, but as God has gifted us, we can serve together in furthering the work of the kingdom of God. Let's be mindful and intentional as we consider how we can best use our God-given abilities.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, You serve as a model craftsman through the world that You have created. May we, in turn, seek ways to use the skills that You've given us, as well as sharing the assets that You've entrusted to us. Amen.
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Good advice, Gail.
Amen Gail.
Blessings.
Thank you, Gail, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
You certainly use your gift well in God’s service. Thank you for this reminder to “stir up the gifts” within us for His glory! Blessings on your writing,
(BC Canada)
Dear Gail,
What an inspiring devotional this morning!
You truly are a Master Craftsman with words!
May God continually bless you as you use this gift He has given you, for His purposes!!
Good Morning, Gail –
Yes, God will prepare us with the tools we need to accomplish our service to him. What a blessing to know this. No more thoughts about not being equipped to do the job. We can trust that he will prepare us for success to His honor and glory. I appreciate that he has crafted you with words.
Hello Gail,
Many thanks for your devotional today. Yes, our loving Lord has surely crafted each of us very uniquely and it is our responsibility to use our talents in ways to honour Him. I’m sure it pleases Him when we share with others the joy in our lives that comes from serving Jesus.
Blessings to you for your gifted writings.
Good morning Gail
Thank you for your good devotional this morning. I used to have homing pigeons and I always marveled at the way they hatched the eggs, how the young ones were fed by both parents, and how they learned to fly home from as far as 500 miles away. God’s handy work is marvelous indeed.
Thank you again for writing and we wish you a blessed Sunday.
Thank you, Gail, for using your very special talent. You and I are on the same link, so I smiled as I read. I will be 98 this year, am hearing others many years young talking about the fact they can’t do anything anywhere, and they’ve said that to the wrong person, for sure. Just this week I had a fall. As a result, I am walking with the walker I have but never use. No, the Lord guided that split second fall, my son-in-law was right by me when I fell. My reaction as I fell was, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, and the Lord led me safely through. No broken bones but can’t walk with just my cane. Each day is better.
God bless you and yours in many special and surprising ways.
Hi Gail;
I wanted to tell you that I always enjoy your daily devotions in PresbyCan.
Thank you for sharing your God given gift with us.