USE YOUR GIFTS
Five years ago I woke up early in a California hotel room to practice one last time for a Ted Talk I had prepared for my company’s top executive leaders. I was beyond nervous but also excited. The topic was about creating a vision and leading a team to the end goal. One of my favorite leadership topics!!! But first I had to start with my daily Bible reading.
It still gives me chills when I think about it. But in my daily reading God put these verses before me that morning.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT
That morning I knew God would be with me even though my talk was on a crucial leadership topic. And I have continued to pray that this gift of speaking He has given me will be used to bring Him glory. All for Him! God does not give us these gifts for our own gain.
What is your gift? Whether it’s speaking, serving, teaching, leadership, you too can use your gift to bring glory to God. When we use our gifts as God directs others will see your light. #purpose
Ironically enough (and nothing is ironic…) in my recent journey through Acts I studied Paul and the way he spoke to the crowds. I made notes as I studied his different speeches. I hope you can take these points and bring life to them in your own faith journey. You can use these lessons from Paul for any speaking engagement or conversation. #shareyourstory #influenceothers #itsallintheBible
**Know your audience and establish common ground. Paul changed his tone and stories depending on who sat before him.
**Share your own stories – this builds credibility. How has God changed your life? Others can learn from you. You don’t have to create something brand new!
**Don’t shy away from admitting mistakes. None of us are perfect. If we try to convince others that we are, they will see through it.
**Realize that not everyone who listens will rally behind your message nor will they accept it. Follow what the Holy Spirit puts in your heart! God will do the rest.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
Happy Friday from Rooted! Make it a good one!
Heather & Lisa
