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.     

 

(C) Montez Dove 2016 - All Rights Reserved. 

 

  

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.  

(C) Montez Dove 2016 - All Rights Reserved.

DON'T LOOK BACK

The past often creeps up to remind you, of the unpleasant memories you've tried to leave behind. And past mistakes, people, and lifestyles somehow keep lingering in your mind. 

 

You find yourself confused, and your spirit is in a bind. And you're not sure of tomorrow, because you're concentrating on what's left behind.

 

Memories of the past don't mattter, so free them of your mind. And pray for total deliverance, and peace will come in time. 

 

Always keep in mind that bad memories don't matter any more. And start looking forward to tomorrow, and all the promises that God has in store.       

 

 

(C) Montez Dove 1995 - All Rights Reserved.

"TURN DOWN FOR WHAT?"

But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to you that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and to do her part along with me]!

 Luke 10:40 (AMP) 

 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the noise and the demands of life? If so, you are not alone. All day, every day, there are multiple things in our surroundings that are pitching for our attention. Our jobs, friends, family, devices, and social media are just a few things that are contending for our time. In America, we live in a fast paced culture where everything is "Turned Up." It seems as though everyone around is in a rat race. Nowadays, it is a present to just be in the present. Just the other day, I was attempting to have a heart to heart conversation with a loved one and it was like playing a game of Double Dutch. I was left desperately trying to see where I could jump in between all of the things that consumed this person's attention. Nonetheless, I was able to successfully jump in, but after a short round, I quickly chose to jump back out. You see, it wasn't one of those days where I felt like skipping rope for a conversation. I simply wanted to spend some quality time. So, how do we handle all of the amplified busyness of life without losing ourselves, our relationships, and a quality life? I believe we could all learn from Martha's sister Mary. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus is passing through a certain city and both Martha and Mary are preparing for His arrival. However, the sisters are both preparing for Jesus in very different ways. While Martha has chosen to be preoccupied with natural preparations, Mary has chosen to prepare her heart for spiritual impartation. It is obvious that Mary knew the importance of seizing such a moment. Today, I encourage all of you who are over the top busy to chose like Mary. Slow down and make Jesus a priority. Make the decision to lay at His feet everything that consumes you. Be intentional about "Turning Down" the demands of life, so you can all in all "Turn Up" in a more intimate relationship with God.

 

(C) Montez Dove 2015 - All Rights Reserved.           

 

Know Your Benefits

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Psalm 103:2 (NKJ)

What you don't know could be depriving you. Recently, my employer sent me an up-to-date print out of my insurance coverage. Although it was quite lengthy, I took the time to read it and gained an even better understanding of my coverage and all that my insurance policy had to offer. As I was reading, I immediately discovered that one of my benefits was over the counter drug reimbursement. I must admit that before reading my plan, I was not taking advantage of this benefit, because I was unaware that it was available to me. Unfortunately, I had been paying for over the counter medication with no expectancy of anything in return. As I pondered the situation concerning my insurance coverage, a question about God's word came to mind. I wondered how many of us as God's children forfeit His promises, because we are unaware of what is available to us in His word. Did you know your righteous coverage in God includes: Direction (Proverbs 3:5-6), Encouragement (Joshua 1:9), Forgiveness (1 John 1:9), Healing (Isaiah 53:5), Love (John 3:16), Peace (John 14:27), Prosperity (Proverbs 8:18), Protection (Psalm 91), Provision (Philippians 4:19), Purpose (Jeremiah 29:11), Salvation (Romans 10:9), Wisdom (James 1:5), and more? If you don't know what's in God's plan for you, it's not too late to discover what's yours. You should know that you have a policy in God that's paid in full. Therefore, take time to read the manual (the Bible), and don't forfeit any of God's benefits for your life. Know your benefits.

Lord, thank you for all that you have provided for me concerning every area of my life. Thank you for all of your benefits and for a life of abundance. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

(C) Montez Dove 2015 - All Rights Reserved.
Compel Enhancement/Tip: I used a strong first sentence as a hook.

Silence Is Heard

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thought afar off. Psalm 139: 1, 2 (NKJV)

 

There are times in our lives when life can seem unbearable, uncomfortable, and extremely painful. During these times, we tend to feel heavily burdened and very alone. We often think that there's no one who cares or even understands what we may be going through. Difficult situations in our daily lives sometimes get the best of us and simply weigh us down. Not only do we feel as though no one cares, but we also doubt that God is even interested in our prayers. Entangled with these negative thoughts are the many cares of this world that sometimes paralyze our confidence in prayer. However, it is in these times of pressure despite how we feel, we must know that God is near. For God has said in His Word (Hebrews 13:5), "He will never leave us or forsake us." Therefore, according to God's written Word, He is more than interested in us and does listen to and hear our prayers, even our silent ones. So, as we go through our trying times we must keep in mind that this is when new levels of growth in God take place. There are new levels of trust, new levels of faith, and new levels of strength developed in our inner being. God loves His children at all times. He loves us in good times and in challenging times. And He is readily available to assist us at any time. So, know and understand that even though we don't always express aloud our prayers, our concerns, and our heartfelt issues before our Father we should be grateful and encouraged to know that even in our silence before Him, we are still heard. 

 

Lord, thank you for providing and caring for me in every season of my life. Thank you for being so mindful of me that you know the things I have need of even before I ask. In Jesus' name, Amen.    

 

(C) Montez Dove 2014 - All Rights Reserved.     

I DON'T CARE

Casting all of your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV) 

 



It was one of those days. Dilemma after dilemma joined forces against me, and I felt defenseless against them all. Various concerns of life washed over me like a tsunami, and it seemed as though I was drifting away in waves of worry. As I pondered each of my problems, I eventually realized after a great deal of stress there wasn't much that I could do about any of the troubles I faced; they were all miles away beyond my control. What do we do when the cares of life are beyond our control to remedy? We cast them on the one who is in complete control, God. He is the one who is not in control of just a few things, but who is in control of all things. 1 Peter 5:7 says that we are to cast all of our care upon Him, for He cares for us. So, whether your circumstances are something beyond your control like a terminal illness or something you suspect you can handle within your own might, like removing a grape stain from a white carpet. You need to know there is a God who loves you, and cares about everything concerning you. I have noticed that when I take my eyes off of my troubles and throw them on God, He often gives me answers, direction, and a divine perspective that brings me peace. Today, I encourage you to trust God whole-heartedly, and to take on an "I don't care," attitude when it comes to life's concerns. For you have a God who cares for you.

 

Lord, help me to remember that I am not doing this life alone. You are always there for me and you are a present help in the time of trouble. In Jesus' name, Amen.       

 

(c) Montez Dove 2014 - All Rights Reserved.