Gifts from God

Scott Willis was my very good friend.  He was often described as a Renaissance man because He was multi-talented in the arts.  In fact, I have never known anyone else as greatly gifted in so many areas.  His beautiful voice ministered to his fellow church members Sunday after Sunday.  His exquisite flower arrangements gave beauty to weddings and a multitude of other festive events throughout this area.  Not only was Scott a talented painter but a great art teacher as well.  The appearances of many homes in Decatur have been enhanced by his advice on colors, decorating, and furnishings.  Scott was forty seven years old when he died, but he touched and blessed the lives of many, many people during that short time because he so generously shared his talents with others.

      Spiritual gifts and natural talents such as musical or artistic ability are not necessarily the same, but they are all gifts from God.  When God wanted the Israelites to construct the Tabernacle, He had this to say in Exodus 35:30-35, 36:1, New Living Translation,  "And Moses told them, 'The Lord has chosen Bezalel.....The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts.  He is able to create beautiful objects from gold, silver, and bronze.  He is skilled in cutting and setting gemstones and in carving wood.  In fact, he has every necessary skill.  And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab......the ability to teach their skills to others.  The Lord has given them special skills as jewelers, designers, weavers, and embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn on fine cloth.  They excel in all the crafts needed for their work.  Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other craftsmen whom the Lord has gifted with wisdom, skill, and intelligence will construct and furnish the Tabernacle, just as the Lord has commanded."  God gifted these men for the purposes of serving Him and blessing others with the beauty in the Tabernacle, and He gifts each of us for the same reasons--to serve Him and bless others.

Father, please show me how You would have me serve You and bless someone today.  Amen.