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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 287 October 10, 2001
PUZZLES
Once upon a time, a long time ago, well perhaps not that long ago, but when I was a teen, I used to build a lot of jigsaw puzzles. I’d spend hours looking at the cover picture and trying to get all the pieces to fit and recreate that picture.
Puzzles are still a big seller, although the latest rage seems to be 3-D jigsaw puzzles. You can build world monuments, animals, body parts and who knows what else, from those puzzle kits.
The work of Jesus here on earth is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. It needs all the pieces to fit together just right to finally come to completion.
If you have accepted Christ, you are a part of that puzzle. As a believer, you need to be seeking out what God has called you to do to fill your part of the picture in.
We have each been given unique gifts, talents and circumstances. We’re not where we are by some cosmic fluke; it is because the master puzzle builder has placed us here.
Time in prayer, the Word and practice will lead you to discover your unique spiritual gifts and talents. Search for them and put them to use.
All the gifts are important. There are no unimportant pieces in the body of Christ. The picture will not be complete without you.
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:4-8 NIV
Until next time, may you come to learn where your piece fits into the puzzle.
God bless.
Kevin
Is something missing from your life? Do you know there are parts of the puzzle you don’t have? Are you looking for forgiveness, unconditional joy and eternal life? Look to Jesus.
Email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a personal relationship with Jesus is important. I’ll also send a prayer that will make that relationship possible.
Don’t wait. Put the pieces together today.
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© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
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