January 8, 2010

GIVE WHAT YOU HAVE

Key Verse
"But Peter said, 'I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene -- walk!'”  (Acts 3:6)
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Central Truth

We can't give what we don't have, but we all have something to give. God will always provide resources and honor a gift that He has called us to give.

Reflections

Peter and John had no money, but they had something much more valuable to give.

Even the poorest of us participating in Join the Journey would be considered wealthy by most of the world's people. We all have silver and gold to give, but all of us have other valuable gifts to share as well. My particular spiritual gift is the gift of "fix-it." If the dishwasher stops working, I grab my tools. If the brakes start squealing on our car, I look for the jack and head for the auto parts store. My sister knows who to call if she needs a ceiling fan hung. 

I am not so good with things I can't fix. If your lawn mower quits working, give me a call.  But if you break your arm, you should hope that Melanie answers the phone. I am hopeless in any situation that requires quick thinking, and my gifts of empathy and mercy approach negative numbers. My conversation skills are nil, but that makes me a good listener. I have found that most hurting people, actually most people hurting or not, need someone to listen to them a lot more than they need someone to talk to them. The point is- God has given all of us gifts and skills we can share with others.

One word of caution. If God calls you to service, it doesn't matter if you are gifted or skilled in what He has called you to do. Peter didn't heal the crippled beggar with his own gifts and skills. I have been blessed in positions of leadership, and I have no natural leadership skills. When I have accepted leadership positions without God's call I have been frustrated and ineffective. Just be sure -and you will be- that it is God calling.

Discussion Questions

  1. What gifts or skills do you have to share?
  2. What can you share with someone today?
  3. How do you know when to give gold and silver and when to give something else?
  4. What has God called you to do that you had no gifts or skills to accomplish?

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Grace Community Church.

  1. Julie Capranica

    January 8, 2010 02:59 AM

    Bill....great honesty and insight! Thank you for these words of wisdom. They help me to see others more clearly and with greater acceptance and grace.

  2. Charlene Pearman

    January 8, 2010 08:11 AM

    Thank you, Bill. When I felt called to go to Cuba with GCC back in 2003, I asked the Lord what in the world I had to give, and he told me to love the Cuban people and that would be enough. I think I needed this reminder today. I am loving the Journey. Blessings!

  3. John C. Holden

    January 8, 2010 08:14 AM

    Bill: You reflection on what "gifts" we may have to offer to the Lord is very encouraging. It is very easy in our daily activities to lose sight of what we truly have to offer. I know that after reading your devotional I am going to have to go back to the drawing board and seriously relfect on what I may have to offer to others and to our Lord and Savior. Thank you for taking the time to prepare and share your devotional. John C. Holden

  4. Doug Quinn

    January 8, 2010 09:36 AM

    Bill, this is a wonderful devotion, personal, relevant and applies to all of us. We all have something to give, I need to focus on that thought! Thank you for this devotion! DQ 1/8/10

  5. Sandy Stearns

    January 8, 2010 03:03 PM

    I thoroughly enjoyed this devotion and was able to relate to it so well!! Thanks for sharing.

  6. Brett Andrews

    January 9, 2010 05:47 AM

    Thanks Bill! This was a great devotional and reminded me that each of us has something to give.

  7. Rod MacIlvaine

    January 12, 2010 09:14 AM

    Bill, Your words were an encouragement to me this morning. All of us have been gifted in various ways but the ultiamte thing we have to give is Christ's love, wisdom and compassion that he's placed in us. Thanks Bill; great thoughts today! Rod

  8. Susan Miner

    January 12, 2010 11:05 AM

    Thank you for reminding us we all have something to give. And many times it is more valuable than what is thought to be the need. Susan Miner

  9. Karen Lowe

    January 18, 2010 07:01 PM

    Bill - Thank you for this devotional! I so enjoyed your sharing with us. Your lesson is so true - if God calls us, he will equip us as well! Karen

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Bill Woodard

Bill Woodard

My name is Bill Woodard. Melanie and I have five incredible children, four equally incredible children-in-law, and 11 incredibly wonderful grandchildren, with number 12 due in about a month. I am a Sooner born and bred-- and yes, a big Oklahoma University fan.  I'm a retired engineer, a golfer, a reader, a journaler, and a "do-it-your-selfer."