Bezalel and Oholiab

Exodus 31:6b
Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make.

Lord, I love that you equip each of us with the special skills we need to accomplish the task you set before us. You gave Bezalel great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. And you gave him skilled helpers so that they could make all the things needed for the Tabernacle.

You don't give us a task without giving us the skills we need to do it. It may seem impossible to us in our human minds, But we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. 

Philippians 4:13

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

And your power works best in our weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need, My power works best in weakness."

I praise you, Lord, because you have given me the skills I need to teach my children at home and to train them in godliness. Please help me to not become weary in doing good because at just the right time I will reap a harvest, if I don't give up.

Galatians 6:9

So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.

Thank you, Jesus, for the encouragement you have given me this morning! Thank you for these verses that you have brought to my mind and have spoken to me through. In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSE

Salvation Not By Works

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Salvation Not By Works

It's Not About Me!

Genesis 41

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." 
"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Genesis 41:15-16

It would be easy to take the credit for being able to do something like interpreting dreams. However, Joseph gives God the credit. He recognized that God is the one who gave him that ability in the first place, even though this seems to be an ability that ran in his family. Back in chapter 37, his brothers and father seemed to have no trouble interpreting the dreams he'd had.

I've always felt that God gives us each special abilities to use for his purposes. A couple of those for me are crochet and writing. Am I using these talents for his glory and to eternal purposes? I believe so, although there is room to grow in this.

God used Joseph's ability to prepare Egypt for a severe famine. He then promoted Joseph to a prominent position. But it wasn't for Joseph's sake that he did this. It was to bring about the salvation of Joseph's family and to birth the nation that would contain the lineage of the Messiah. It wasn't about Joseph at all, it was always about Jesus. Neither are my talents and abilities about me. It's all to easy to become prideful when people notice my talents and praise them. Lord, help me to remember that it isn't about me. It's always all about you!
Amen


If this post resonated with you, please share your comments below. I'd love to hear how God is working in your life!