Discover Your Talents 05.15.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday May 15, 2008 and today we are continuing out studies on the book of 1 Chronicles. Please read Chapters 8-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read.

Today we will read and learn about the descendants of Benjamin; the priests and Levites in Jerusalem and their responsibilities; the genealogy of Saul; and the tragic deaths of Saul and his sons. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we all have special talents that God has given us and no matter how small they seem, they are important to God.

The Chronicles were especially written to encourage Jews who were to reconstruct the Jewish national and religious life in Judea. Only a small minority of Israelites were willing to leave the comforts of the new Persian kingdom and return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. "So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression. Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;" (I Chronicles 9:1-3).

These people had all returned to rebuild the Temple, "And their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God......And the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their brethren: Shallum was the chief; Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.....And certain of them had the charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by tale. Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices." (9:13,17-18,28-29). The work of the Nethinims (overseeing the vessels) may seem rather insignificant, it was essential work that needed to be done for the Lord. Loyalty to their heavenly King made them willing to work and to serve wherever needed.

Some of the responsibilities appear to be of little importance, but God esteemed each responsibility as indispensable and worthy of recording and, collectively, all tasks were necessary to fulfill the service to the Lord in the Tabernacle. Regardless of the seeming importance or insignificance of our abilities, they are a sacred trust from God. The Lord does not expect the person who is given one talent to fulfill the responsibility of the person who has five talents, but, though his talents may be minimal, everyone can do something. "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey." (Matthew 25:14-15).

We are reminded to be faithful stewards of our lives and the abilities and opportunities that God has entrusted to us. "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:22-24).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through Jerusalem, which means "foundation (possession) of peace" (I Chronicles 9:3). Christ is the only foundation of peace upon which man can stand before God.

Today's Psalm: 102:25-26
"Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:"

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
You have called us, Your servants, to exercise our talents to the contributing of the needs of others, leading, and being vessels of Your mercy. Help us not to be fearful or timid in exercising our talents that flow from Your power within us, since it is not for our own glory, but rather for the building up of the body of Christ. We are inadequate within ourselves, but fully sufficient according to the grace given to us through Your Holy Spirit. We seek affirmation from You, the opportunities You provide us, to confirm our talents and to use them for You. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Have a wonderful Thursday!
God Bless you,
Christina

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