Use Your Gifts As an Act of Worship

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES Transformed

Use Your Gifts As an Act of Worship By Rick Warren — Feb 2, 2015 “When you produce much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified.”(John 15:8a AMP) When you use the gifts that God has given you, it is an act of worship. What is it that makes God smile? Some people think God only smiles when you’re praying or singing or going to church. The truth is, God smiles when you use the gifts that he’s given you. When you’re doing what you were wired to do and shaped to do, God goes, “That’s so cool! I made him to do that!” Remember in “Chariots of Fire,” when Erik Liddell said, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure”? God shaped some guys to run. He shaped others to ride bikes, drive fast cars, or surf. They’re just good at it. I think when God looks at them, he says, “That is so cool! I made the wave. I made the surfer. This is cool.” You don’t have to always be doing something spiritual to bring God glory. The Bible says, “When you produce much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified” (John 15:8a AMP). When you use your gifts correctly, God gets the glory. And you certainly can’t please God with gifts you don’t have. God doesn’t expect you to be talented or gifted at everything. He just wants you to use what he’s given you. In the Bible, the word “joy” and the word “gift’ actually come from the same Greek word. It’s the word for “grace.” When you use your spiritual gifts, it brings joy to God, and it brings joy to you. God goes, “He’s doing what I made him to do.” And you go, “This feels good!” The greatest feeling in the world comes from using your gifts for God’s purpose because it works, and you know it, and you enjoy it. It is the greatest thrill in the world to be used by God. If you haven’t ever felt that, I pity you. You need to develop the spiritual gifts that are in you so you can enjoy your life and bring glory to God. There’s no feeling in the world like being used by God, knowing that you’re doing what he made you to do. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over What is it that you believe God made you to do? How are you using your SHAPE — your gifts, abilities, and personality — to worship God?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5DnUvrxpeM Stay Positive TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria It’s easy to be positive and encouraging when everything is going your way, isn’t it? But every one is going to have obstacles to overcome in life. Problems have a purpose, and part of God’s purpose for allowing you to face obstacles is to test your attitude. That’s why you need to be positive even in negative situations. Remember, God wants you to live life to the fullest. And He has provided a way for you to enjoy your life, even when you’re going through hard times. Look closely again at John 16:33. Jesus has just told you that you will face tribulation. But then He says, “Take heart!” That’s the secret. One translation puts it this way: “When you have trouble, cheer up.” What God is saying is that you can choose to be joyful and positive no matter what happens. The reason you can do that is because Jesus has already won your battle, whatever it may be! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Lord, thank You for the trials that strengthen my faith. I know that all I need to do is look up to You when troubles come, and claim Your victory over them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.