THE GIFTS HE GIVES
Today's reading: Ezekiel 19-24

"I gave them over to worthless customs and laws that would not lead to life. I let them pollute themselves with the very gifts I had given them, and I allowed them to give their firstborn children as offerings to their gods--so I might devastate them and show them that I alone am the Lord." Ezekiel 20:25-26 NLT

I shudder to think of someone being able to sacrifice a child, a true gift from God, to idols.

It's beyond belief that someone could or would do that. It's just not done. Well, it's just not done blatantly and intentionally.

And then I think of the other gifts God has given us. Abilities. Material blessings. People in our lives.

We allow our lives to become polluted with them, instead of using them to serve more wholeheartedly.

I'll open the door of my own life this morning and share what He's spotlighted in me.

I really believe God has given me the gift of planning/organization and possibly even leadership abilities. Not to toot my own horn, but I do well organizing events and people in ways that flow smoothly and utilize talents. I've been told before that I make 'putting things together' look easy. I take that as a compliment and I also see that as a gift God has bestowed upon me. I enjoy doing it and I believe may have a bit of a talent for it.

That being said.

I've crashed and burned on numerous occasions when my propensity to organize and use those God-given talents has been thwarted by my need to see things done my way--and my way only.

My way or the highway.

My way or no other way.

My way because no one else's way could ever in a million years work as well as my way!

In those instances, as of having my eyes opened this morning by the Lord, I see that He allowed my gifts to pollute my heart and mind into thinking it was anything to do with me.

I know from the rear view mirror that in those times I saw my need for Him intensified because I really and truly thought I was doing His will. I still think I was doing His will, it's just I wasn't doing it with His attitude and love.

Polluted.

Hmm, seems to be a theme of His this week!