Montez Dove | Inspiring: 2016

Monday, April 18, 2016

You're Gifted

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.

(1 Corinthians 12:4 KJV)

When I was a child, I loved going to the grocery store with my mother to pick out my favorite cereal. It's because back in the day, a prize (toy) came in every box of sugary goodness. I can remember deep diving to the bottom of the cereal bag and resurfacing with the prize of the day. There were prizes such as action figures, games, 3D glasses, tattoo stickers, candy, rings, and glow in the dark spoons just to name a few. And like the prize-filled cereal boxes of my past, I am reminded of how you and I, as humans, are also gifted with something special on the inside by God. Perhaps your special gifting is sales, teaching, acting, counseling, cleaning, drawing, dancing, writing, building, speaking, singing, organizing, etc. Whatever it may be, you have been uniquely gifted from on high for a specific and greater purpose. You see, before you were even born, God had a plan and purpose for your life (Jeremiah 1:5) (Jeremiah 29:11). From the heavens you were born with special gifts, talents, and abilities to both serve mankind and to glorify God. Therefore, if you haven't yet discovered what your prize is down on the inside, I suggest you seek God to learn of your special gifting. Because just like me as a child who looked forward to the prize inside the cereal box, there is also someone in the world eagerly waiting for you to share the gift that lies within you, because you've been gifted by God, the greatest gift-giver of all.

Friday, January 8, 2016

It's About You - Not Them

But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:5 (NIV)

Have you ever been offended or deeply hurt by someone? If so, you are not alone. Chances are you, like so many others, have suffered great pain at the hands of someone you loved or trusted. And because of the pain you've had to endure you might feel justified in harboring the ill feelings you may have, due to your heart being shattered into a million pieces. However, the word of God teaches us differently. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter, one of Jesus' disciples ask Him, "How often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Seven times?" And Jesus answered Him saying, "Not seven times, but seventy times seven." Jesus' response to His inquiring disciple lets us know that forgiveness shouldn't be limited, but unlimited, just as His forgiveness is towards us. So, even though forgiveness might seem challenging and sometimes redundant, I encourage you today to let Jesus be your example. Let go of any negative feelings you have towards anyone by casting your cares on God. Because forgiving others is the will of God and the master key to God forgiving you. Remember, forgiveness, it's about you - not them.