Encouragement for Today - July 11, 2006

July 11, 2006

Encouragement for Today

Principle 4

“You’ve Got Charisma!”

Luann Prater, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member

http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/speaker_luann.htm

Key Verse:
I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong. Romans 1:11 (NIV)

Devotion:
The words spiritual gift in the original language is “charisma,” which means “the instantaneous enablement of the Holy Spirit in the life of any believer to exercise a gift for the edification of others.”

Our daughter got married last year. The months preceding the wedding were a marathon of planning, spending and attending showers. Each shower was in a different city and each with its own theme. We had the UK coed shower, the Pampered Chef shower, the kitchen gadget shower, the intimate family shower, and the ‘bring anything you want’ shower. The giving was generous and the love was flowing.

This madness, coupled with a semester of eighteen college hours drove my daughter to develop a severe stomach ulcer. For weeks she was unable to keep anything down and was shedding pounds like a sheared sheep. Five days before the wedding, as stress levels reached an all time high, God’s still small voice echoed on my radar screen, “Stop rushing and start praying.” I asked my two daughters to take a break and join me in a circle of prayer. Quietly we came to the Lord asking for His peace, His comfort, His healing touch. As our prayers continued, the high-speed race was disrupted by a tranquil stream of peace that enveloped the room. It was such a delightful time of bonding with our Father and one another. All of the racing, the spending, and the gift-giving could not compare to the precious gift that God showered on us at that moment.

We rose from the circle rejoicing. Our lovely bride whispered in my ear, “Mom, I felt my stomach calm down. I don’t think I’m going to need any medicine today.” And she didn’t. Not only for that day, but every day since she has been medicine free.

Now, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying that things went smoothly from that day on…quite the contrary. The week took many twists and turns. Her stomach, however, did not. Bridesmaid dresses didn’t come in until two days before the wedding and they didn’t fit. The caterer got sick right before she was to prepare the rehearsal dinner. The wedding cake was not at all what she had ordered. And yet, peace remained. The most precious gift my daughter received for her wedding? Time spent in prayer with her loving family and her heavenly Father.

God has given each of his family members the ability to share his love with others. Many people are generous with their worldly gifts, but how many take the time to reveal God’s eternal gift? His peace that passes all understanding is a gift anyone can afford to give. When it’s gift-giving time, whether for a shower, a birthday or Christmas, take a moment to longingly impart charisma to build and strengthen others.

My prayer for today:
Lord, you are such an awesome God. Your goodness is more than we can comprehend. You shower us with your loving kindness everyday. And you have called each of us to share that love with those who need your touch. Help me this day to build and strengthen others through my prayers and your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application Steps:

Find one person today who needs to feel God’s love through your loving touch.

Reflection Points:
Who in my world needs a touch from God?

Am I a willing vessel, ready to be used by God?

Is my focus on others or myself?

How can I become more aware of the hurting people around me?

What do I need to surrender today to allow God to shine through my life?

Power Verses
Romans 6:23, “But the gift of God is eternal life.” (NIV)

2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:6, “… fan into flame the gift of God.” (NIV)

1 Peter 4:10, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” (NIV)

1 Corinthians 14:12, “…try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (NIV)