Sustainable Blessings!

What does “sustainable” mean to you? In the context in which we are discussing tonight I am not talking about our physical stewardship of our ecosystem or the manner or rate of human consumption versus natural or renewable resources, etc. and the effects to our planet, etc. I am talking about the spiritual understanding and stewardship of the blessings God has bestowed on each of us and how we sustain and even maximize those blessings throughout our lives to bring glory to our Father in Heaven! It is important to first realize that each of us have been blessed with amazing and unique gifts. Have you ever wondered why you were blessed with these gifts in the first place? I suppose how we answer this question will largely determine the manner in which we are using those blessings today. James 1:7 reads; “Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the father of Heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” That answers the first part of our question… where the gifts come from! Now, as the stewards of such gifts we need to know why they were bestowed upon us! Ready for the answer?… it is simple yet profound… to bring glory to our Heavenly Father. We should never forget that our talents are “gifts!” If we truly understand that we would be better off in using those gifts more appropriately, we wouldn’t brag, boast or squander them away…right? When we read 2nd Samuel 5:10 it says, ” David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him!” David became more popular, stronger, wiser, and wealthier…his sphere of influence expanded rapidly! Yet when we read in verse 12 of the same chapter we read: “ And David realized that the Lord has established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his Kingdom for the sake of His people, Israel.” David understood where the “blessing” came from, and what the purpose was for! That knowledge kept him humble and mindful for the tasks at hand, plus it helped sustain him for over four decades on the throne! In our own lives, we should take the gifts that we have been blessed with and humbly lay them down before our Father in Heaven and ask Him to use our gifts to bring glory and honor to Him! Friend, He will answer that prayer and direct you to a place where you can serve Him with your gifts. There is not a better place to be on earth then serving the Lord with the gifts He has blessed you with! Remember, as we remain faithful knowing where the gifts come from and for what purpose…to bring Him glory… He will bless us more and more and expand our sphere of influence! Thanks for letting me share, Randy Young