Giving It Up

Giving up our gifts to God - this has come to my attention several times in the last year or so. Many people seem worried when they hear this phrase, but I see no reason to be scared. The topic came to mind when I had the chance this afternoon, when other plans were cancelled, to do something I have not had much time for as of late. That is to play my guitar.

I got to play for hours upon hours today, and I felt...refreshed. Sure my fingers hurt from having not played for more than 30 minutes in a long time, and I was a little rusty at remembering a few chord progressions, but I feel at worship when I play. No matter what I am playing, as long as I am playing to the best of my ability, I am worshipping Him.

So now onto the real topic. God gives us special gifts. One of mine just so happens to be music. God also calls us to give up our gifts to Him, but I think too many people take this the wrong way. First, we give them back by using them to glorify His name. We don't take the credit for our abilities, but return all the thanks to above. Secondly, we need not worry that once we give our gifts back, that He is not going to let us keep using them. Our Father gave us these gifts specifically so we could use them. That means He's not going to take it away and make you do something at which you are not very good. For the most part, He will continue to work through those gifts He's already given you.

So don't worry, your abilities are in good hands, so long as they are in His.

Trusting in the Future

I have no doubt that God is taking care of things. However, I still feel overjoyed when i think of praying for my future. In an email I got yesterday, I was reminded to pray for my future wife.

I have prayed the simple prayer before, asking for protection over her, Godly men to escort her down the path, and for forgiveness for either of us if we have done something wrong. I am loving her already, even if I don't know who she is, because I am praying for her. Prayer is something I hold very dear to me, and it is one of the most intimate actions I can share with someone.

I feel like a kid at Christmas here, overjoyed, because I'm praying for...us.

I'm Loved...I Want to Love

This is diverging from the kingdom musings a bit, but this is my spot, so I'll do as I please. In my humble opinion, Valentine's day was created by girls, for girls. It's just an excuse for boys to buy flowers and candy and cards. In some ways, I'm glad I don't have a valentine. In other ways, I wish I had one to love. I have been shown love, but my earthly parents as well as my Father in heaven, and I enjoy loving others. Sure I can do that in a non-romantic way, but I am loved romantically as well.

Praise

I just wanted to thank anyone who reads this for their prayers. I was prayed over last night for these nightmares, and God gave me not one, but three good dreams last night. I don't even remember the last time I had multiple good dreams in one night. Praise the Lord! He is mighty to save.

The Devil Made Me Do It

I was reading (something, I don't remember what) that said we don't give enough credit to the devil. We try to reason things out to where we have a tangible cause for our problems. However, Satan is very real, so why can't he be the one that's trying to trip us up and run away from God? I don't know for sure, but that may be the cause for some, or all my nightmares. They have returned again, and they are picking up in severity. It's quite a scary thing, but prayer is getting me to God, and He's getting me through.

Once again, my Abba is taking care of me.