Janice Demus, cousin of Sister Tarpley, is a graduate of Booker T. Washington’s Magnet School of Performing Arts in Dallas. Among her many talents, she is a marvelous violin player.
By Sister Trapley
With this being the gift-giving season, think about what kind of gift that has meaning that will last for more than a day, a week or even a year or two.
Give the gift of life along with your other gift. Share the good news of Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross for everyone who believes in Him.
Think about your own gift from God that He has given you for His glory and for helping others around you. “Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.” 1 Corinthians 12:1
In First Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, the apostle Paul is teaching us about the role of spiritual gifts in the Church. He correlates these gifts to a human body, telling us that each person’s gift helps the whole Body of the Church.
This is such an important principle for Christians to learn. It has been said that God will never speak as strongly to you as to someone else.” Your spiritual gift is important in the whole Body of Christ.
The reason is that you are unique to your gift. It is the one gift that can almost stand alone better than any other – at least that should be the opinion of the one with that gift.
I have learned that God has placed within each person a spiritual gift that is designed to make the Body of Christ function better for His purposes. When we discover the spiritual gifts God has placed in those around us, we are better able to see the Body of Christ function as a real body-totally dependent on one another.
Life is a Gift – Before you think of saying an unkind word, think of someone who can’t speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food, think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your personal family, church family, a friend or any loved one, think of someone who’s praying to God for a family, a friend, a church or someone that loves them.
Today, before you complain about life, think of someone who passed away before you were ready for them to go. Before you complain about your children, think of someone who desires children but is barren.
Before you complain about your dirty house that has to be cleaned, or how someone didn’t clean or sweep it, think of the people who are living on the streets and thank God for strength to clean your house that God gave you..
Before whining about the distance you drive to work or the supermarket, think of someone who walks that distance or more all the time.
When you are tired and ready to complain about your job or your responsibilities, think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wish they had a job.
Before you think of pointing a finger or condemning another, remember that three fingers are pointing back to you and not one of us is without sin and we all must answer to one maker, God the Father of all.
Now, for this season of the year, “Be Kind to Yourself – There will be times when it’s hard to remember your strengths. These are the times when you need to give yourself special attention. Kindness nurtures and gives hope to growing dreams. Respect yourself, listen to your needs, and treat yourself as you would a friend.
Encourage yourself; remember what you truly want, and fight for it as you would your life. Appreciate yourself; don’t take for granted the qualities that make you unique. Focus yourself; it is with discipline and motivation that you will move towards your goals. Be giving towards yourself; in that way, your strength will thrive, and you’ll be realizing your goals a day at a time.” –Gail Mutterperl
