God gave you a gift. Why aren’t you using it?

God gave you a gift. Why aren’t you using it?
By LEE WILLIAMS

God loves us so much that he blessed us with unique gifts and talents.

What is a gift, and how do you know that you have a gift? A gift is a skill or talent that we can do well with little effort or training.

A woman in Stone Mountain, GA, provides us with an example of someone who used her God-given gift. Her story serves as a testament of what God can do for you if you allow him.

She applied for a job at a prestigious hospital in Atlanta. When she went in for the assessment, someone accidentally gave her the wrong exam. However, she achieved a high score. She impressed the employer so much that she was offered a position on the esteemed heart specialist team – as a nurse -- not a nursing assistant. 

When she asked God why, he told her that he blessed her with such a prestigious job so that she could win souls for him.

He told the woman that he chose her so when heart patients were about to receive their surgery and they were frightened with worry about their fate, she could whisper in their ear, “Trust God for your healing.”

As a result of her obedience, many patients not only survived, but later found Christ. What she has is a gift because she has a knack for helping the sick that belies her formal education and training.

Whether it’s medicine, music, writing, or helping others, we were all born with a gift.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully,” Romans 12:6-8.

Although many of us know we have a gift, we have decided to bury our treasure. Sadly, whenever someone encourages us to pursue our gift, we dismiss this advice.

Do you know that when we do this we are making a mockery out of God? When you refuse to use your gift, you are stepping out of alignment with the path that God has chosen for you.     

God gave you that gift, and you will be judged on how well you used that gift. If you would only have faith, you would be able to fulfill your true purpose.

Some of us have allowed fear, past failures and experiences, age, race, educational background, geographical locations, money, or physical limitations to keep us from our destiny, but we must persist. God did not give us the spirit of fear, doubt or worry.

Maybe God chose you to find a cure for Cancer or AIDS or develop a way to ensure a safe return for our astronauts every time they journey in and out of space. 

God does not expect you to allow your gift to lay dormant. He expects you to cultivate your gift, and he will prosper you for your obedience.

“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great,” Proverbs 18:16.

Do not bury your gift in the dirt like the servant in the parable of the talents, and risk being called wicked and lazy by God. Do not let the devil fool you into robbing God’s kingdom of the talent that he placed in the temple that lay within you.  

God gave you a gift. Why aren’t you using it?

Could the recession be a blessing in disguise?

Could the recession be a blessing in disguise?

By Lee Williams

The recession has stripped many of their wealth and their worldly possessions. But, as I ponder the current state of the economy, my mind keeps returning to one radical thought: The recession has been a blessing in disguise.

I know many will disagree with me. However, while some people choose to focus on all of the things they have lost, I chose to focus on how much we have gained.

In my very humble opinion, I think we have gained a greater sense of caring and compassion for another.

There was a time, when people were blasé or cavalier about their jobs. Now, they are more apt to provide better customer service or go out of their way to complete a job-related task, and do it with a smile.

Moreover, the recession has drawn many of us closer to God.

For the first time ever, many of us have found ourselves relying on unemployment benefits, food stamps, donations and/or help from friends and family just to stay afloat.

The startling reality is that oftentimes, the money we gather up doesn’t always pay the bills or supply our every whim. But somehow, we make it day after day, month after month, year after year.

Who could have predicted that this would become our cross to bear?

Some of us had to put off lavish vacations, trips to the beauty salon, a new pair of shoes and a few other things that we once took for granted, but we survived.

There once was a time when we mistakenly believed that we achieved our riches and prosperity on own accord.

Many of us foolishly believed that if we went to the right schools, made the right contacts and found the perfect job, everything would be alright. It’s time for us to confess with our mouths and humble our hearts because we were wrong.  

Somehow, in our climb up the ladder of success, we forgot God, and we turned our backs on his only begotten son, Jesus. We forgot to put our trust and faith in Jesus, the one who selflessly died for our sins.

Seduced by a world fueled by arrogance and greed, we lost sight of the truth: Jesus is our source. He supplies our need, and he makes a way out of no way.

If you don’t believe me, tell me, how many days have you gone without food, clothes, water or shelter, despite whether you had a job or sufficient income?  

Jesus, the faithful shepherd, tells us that he will never forget his flock.

“Take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:31-34.

God wants us to know that we will get back on our feet, but when we do -- don’t forget him. Make time for him in your life. Don’t be a stranger to God. Lean on God.

God will supply your need. All we have to do is ask?

No matter how discouraging things may become, God wants you to have faith. God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20.

In times of despair, remember this bible passage, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” Proverbs 3:5-6.

God will always see you through.

Stop Casting Your Pearls Before Swine

 

Stop Casting Your Pearls Before Swine

By Lee Williams

 

In life, we will encounter friends who are like rare gems. They are positive and encouraging. They are always willing to lend a hand or bend an ear. They are cool, but they aren’t patsies either. They will tell you the truth whether you want to hear it or not. But, when they deliver the message it’s done with a sense of compassion, humility and love.

Then, there are those friends who are quite the opposite. These friends are negative, discouraging and argumentative. You never really know if you should call them friends, but you do so anyway out of habit or some sort of misguided obligation. Despite your better judgment, the so-called friendship continues. Until, one day, you come to the realization that it might be time to sever the relationship. It is a hard lesson to learn, but you must discover that some friendships are not supposed to last forever. They are only meant to last until you learn the lesson that God has for you.

God could be trying to teach you humility or endurance, but what he would never do is force you to sacrifice your self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence for a relationship either platonic or romantic that is toxic. You know which relationships these are because they change something very unique about you. These are the friendships and relationships that leave you feeling empty, mentally drained, worn or used. If you find yourself, dreading interaction with that person then that relationship has reached its peak.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Therefore, if you find yourself pouring out all of this love and encouragement, or you find yourself offering time, advice, money, or anything of value, and that effort is not returned, then in essence, you are casting your pearls before swine. That goes against the word of God, and Jesus wants you to stop this behavior, immediately.

“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you,” Matt. 7:6.

God only wants the best for you, and he wants you to have healthy and balanced relationships that lift you up -- not tear you down. No matter how much we feel that we may hurt someone’s feelings, we must honor God’s word. Get the lesson and walk away.

Don’t let unhealthy relationships keep you from the blessings God has in store for you. Keep your pearls for those who are worthy enough to receive them.

To whom much is given, much is required …

To whom much is given, much is required …

By LEE WILLIAMS

There comes a time in our lives when life gets good for us. The bills are paid on time. The children are OK. The car is running. Everything is fine.

But, when we are called on to help someone in need like offering up a warm bed, a pair of shoes, help with a resume or help at the homeless shelter, we fall silent.

We are quick to ask for help, but slow to give it. The importance of giving is a principle that many of us fail to grasp, but Christians must give to others. “Give and it will be given to you,” (Luke 6:38 NIV).

As Christians, we should seek ways to help others because the truth is many of us would not be where we are today if someone did not lend us a hand, leave us an inheritance, or pray for us. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

How can we say we are demonstrating we are true followers of Christ when we refuse to help others no matter how big or small the request?  If we do not have compassion for others, can we really claim to love God?

Jesus teaches us that if someone asks you for something we should give it cheerfully and in confidence.

“When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you,” (Matt. 6:1-4 NIV).

When we focus on serving others instead of ourselves, then we are doing the true will of God. We have to be a blessing for others in the same way God has been a blessing to us.

So, the next time someone asks you for a helping hand, before you say no, just stop for a minute and ask yourself, “Am I doing what is pleasing to me or what is pleasing to God?” and act accordingly.

Ms. Lee Williams is an award-winning journalist and she resides in Atlanta, GA. She teaches math and English to adults and children. She can be reached via e-mail at amarige25@hotmail.com.

A Woman’s Virtue is Worth Far More Than Rubies

A Woman’s Virtue is Worth Far More Than Rubies

By Lee Williams

As I thumbed through my local cable channels one evening, I was met with shows like “Teen Mom,” “Bad Girls Club,” “Love & Hip Hop” “Basketball Wives” and the “Real Housewives.”

I let my curiosity get the best of me and I tuned in to “Bad Girls Club.” While watching the show, I was inundated with scenes of scantily clad young women, chugging down alcohol shots with strangers, shouting obscenities, fighting, and that was just for starters.

What happened to our women? Why are so many women lining up to degrade themselves for ill-gotten fame and fortune? Why are so many women willing to embarrass themselves by showing the world that they lack morals or social skills? What’s worse is this egregious behavior is trickling down to young women in our local communities.

It was once unheard of for a woman to go to school, work, or church in mini dresses and spiked heels, but today its commonplace. It’s often common nowadays for women to brag about working in strip clubs, having children out of wedlock, living a promiscuous lifestyle, using drugs and alcohol, and stealing, all the while using more profanity than the average sailor. 

There’s no doubt things have gone awry, and it’s time for Christian women to take a stand. We must be a living example for the women of today, and we have to be just as creative about getting the word out on how Christian women should conduct themselves – even at the risk of ridicule and a few raised eyebrows.

We should make public service announcements; teach character education or etiquette classes. We must be willing to do whatever we have to do to reach and reclaim our women -- both young and old – because so many have sold their souls for a dollar.

We must stop letting television raise our children. We must tell women that it is not socially or morally acceptable to dress or behave in ways that is often displayed on TV shows such as “Bad Girls Club,” “Jerry Springer” or “Maury Povich.”

The bible teaches us that our bodies are temples, and we must be mindful of how we treat it, and where we take it. Would you take Jesus Christ to a strip club or to the “Bad Girls Club?”

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s,” (I Corinthians 6:19-20).

A typical fight on a TV show garners higher ratings and a nice paycheck. But in the real world, the consequences can be severe for the people involved. This is the part that so many young women fail to consider.

We must be honest and tell them that the cost of emulating bad behavior often glamorized on TV can lead to HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol addiction, a criminal history, and much more.  

In Proverbs 31, God teaches us that a virtuous woman is worth far more than rubies. Strength and honor are her clothing. She is a blessing to her husband and children.

Christian women should dress modestly and ladylike (I Timothy 2:9). I sincerely doubt mini dresses and spiked heels would fit the bill.

As Christians, we cannot allow Satan to seduce our young women with money so that he can destroy their future and their relationship with God. If you sit back and do nothing, whose side are you really on?

Ms. Lee Williams is an award-winning journalist, and she resides in Atlanta, GA. She teaches math and English to adults and children. She can be reached via e-mail at amarige25@hotmail.com.

You're Never Too Big To Fail

You're Never Too Big To Fail 

By Lee Williams

As I look back at the ruin that has now become my life, I can't help but to think about the goodness, grace and mercy of God. Why might you ask? It's because when we are going through challenging times, God is actually teaching us, strengthening us and shaping us for what is to come. So that's why I am excited because God is about to do some awesome things in my life. Psalms 27:5 states, "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me."

There was a time when I thought that all of my talent, success and accolades came from my own doing, but today I know differently. I now see that beyond a shadow of a doubt that the accolades and worldly possessions come from the infinite source of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior.

He saw something in me that made Him bless me in ways unimaginable, but when I failed to honor him, trust him, follow him or obey him, He had to show me that I'm not too big to fail. No matter how successful you become, you must always give honor to God. You must always seek thy face. He doesn't want you to call on Him only when you need him. He wants you to develop and maintain a close relationship with him so that you never get too proud or too big to serve him.

Some people may not be following me right now. My words may be falling on deaf ears, but let me break it down for you, so that we all can see where I'm coming from.

Have you ever had a friend that you really like, but every time the friend called, they were in a state of crisis? The first couple of times, you listened to them or even offered a couple of dollars to help that friend out. A couple of days go by and the friend calls you again with another crisis and they need another helping hand. You soon began to realize that this friend wasn't a true friend at all. This friend never called you to see how you were doing. They only called when they needed something. The next time that friend called and you saw the number on the caller ID screen, you politely hit the "ignore" button on your phone.

Now, I couldn't possibly know what God is thinking when we call on Him, but we could understand if God just hit the "ignore" button when we called on him at times because we don't have a relationship with Him. We just call on Him when we need him, but when everything is back to normal and the crisis is over, we go back to drinking, drugging, fornicating, stealing, not praying, not trying to win souls for Christ, not tithing or giving offering, not offering up our services to those less fortunate.

The lesson is that we must get back on track with God. Make a commitment to Him, develop and MAINTAIN a relationship with Christ. Praise Him in the good times and the bad. Behave in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, and I believe that your life will begin to move in a positive direction. Giving praise, honor, and glory to the Lord. Amen.