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What is the secret to having extraordinary talents, skills, intellect, and physical fitness and finesse?

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7).

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.” (James 1:17).

The Giver of all good things has imparted to everyone innate gifts. If used for His honor and glory, God will propel us to a level of par excellence. We look at sports figures, Olympic contenders, successful entrepreneurs, etc., and wish for great achievements.

Yet, we overlook our God-given talents or know that we are gifted but do not use our abilities to glorify God. How many individuals recognize their gifts but refuse to use them–burying their talents? For the believer, God uses people to alert us that we are talented in specific areas.

Although I have been writing for 20 years, it was on the advice of my mom [who is also a writer] to compile and submit my devotionals to a publishing company. I reluctantly submitted the manuscript to Christian Faith Publishing company in August of 2020. In 7 days, I received a call from the literary agent that my manuscript had been accepted. Yet, God brought me through a spiritual journey of transformation, which lasted 18 months before the book was published.

Thankfully through His Divine intervention, I endured many months of perseverance through the publishing process to prevent my natural tendencies from taking credit for my gift.

Pray for Divine revelation of your spiritual gifts and talents and how to use them. We were created to worship and honor God. Our finite minds can never equal His Omniscience!

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Prayer: God, we have buried our spiritual gifts and natural talents or used them to glorify ourselves. And for this grievous sin, we repent and ask forgiveness. Please give us spiritual insight and direction. In Jesus’ Worthy Name, we pray. Amen.

Is this statement sacrilegious or full of truth? The following excerpt was written in the late 19th century.

“The Bible has been placed in the background, while the sayings of great men, so-called, have been taken in its stead. May the Lord forgive us the slight we have put upon his word. Though inestimable treasures are in the Bible, and it is like a mine full of precious ore, it is not valued, it is not searched, and its riches are not discovered.”

“…and it is in the word of God we find out how we may become possessors of these heavenly riches, and yet why is it that the word of God is uninteresting to many professed Christians? Is it because the word of God is not spirit and is not life? Has Jesus put upon us an uninteresting task, when he commands us to “search the Scriptures”? (John 5:3). The Highest Treasure, EG White

Fast forward to 2022, and if asked, “What is your favorite book?” rarely will the answer be “the Bible.” When I read the Devotional this morning entitled “The Highest Treasure,” I felt like rocks were in my stomach. Why? I have two reference points, a godly mother who studied the Bible as if her life depended on it, and I attended a Christian school for 10 years where the Scriptures were taught in a two-hour class, five days a week. And this was from kindergarten to the 9th grade.

“LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.” (Jeremiah 10:23).

It is the reigning worldview to live your life as you desire. Since the Scriptures provide God’s instruction, direction, and acceptance of His plan for our lives, we understand why studying the Scriptures is no longer desirable.

Another issue has arisen with modern Christians–studying the Bible only to have a scholarly knowledge base, yet they do not live a life of humility and obedience to God. This is not judging others–their conversation, the places they visit, the people they hang out with, and the music or programs they watch reveal their true character of living to please themselves.

Still, the number one reason for not studying: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'” (Matthew 22:37).

Today was definitely a “Come to Jesus” moment. What excuse could I offer for not diligently studying the Voice of God–the Bible every day? Studying the Scriptures is not scanning a few verses or reading multiple chapters to follow a daily Study plan. We are spiritually incomplete without an in-depth love for God and the desire for righteousness, knowledge, and wisdom.

David provides us with this prayer of humility:

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24).

Self-reflection is only effective from the desire to give our whole hearts to Jesus. The simple, daily prayer of “Lord, not my will, but Your will be done in my life” is proof that we are ready to surrender to God. We become hungry and thirsty for direction from God. Our greatest desire will be to do God’s will.

Although there is a narrow focus on worshiping God by singing, which evokes an emotional response, we learn our priorities in approaching God. Through diligent prayer and study of the Scriptures, we follow the example of the life of Christ.

“But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24).

Prayer: God, we ask for forgiveness for not having the desire to commune with You through the Study of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

“But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)

There is common false teaching regarding why Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt. It was not because she beheld the presence of God. Disobedience to God and the desire for her former life caused her to suffer the consequences of sin–the wages of sin is death.

Unfortunately, many believers desire their former life when experiencing severe trials, sorrows, and hardships. God has blessed us with free will. He is not intrusive and will accept our rejection of Him. Think about trying to force a child to eat broccoli. They do not care whether or not the vegetable is healthy for their bodies. The pungent taste and smell of the green crowns repel them from eating the veggie.

“Do not call to mind the former things; pay no attention to the things of old.”(Isaiah 43:18). How many have lost out on God’s perfect plans for their lives because of disdain for suffering and disobedience for following their desires? Satan presents their past as a light in a dark tunnel. Or he convinces humanity that God places too much on us. Because they do not have a heart-to-heart relationship with Jesus Christ and lack knowledge of the Scriptures and the power of God, they eagerly retreat into the darkness of yesteryear to escape trials and tribulations.

God Reveals the Only Exception for Looking Back

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me…” (Isaiah 46:9)

The Christian should often review his past life and recall with gratitude the precious deliverances that God has wrought for him, supporting him in trial, opening ways before him when all seemed dark and forbidding, refreshing him when ready to faint. He should recognize all of them as evidences of the watchcare of heavenly angels. In view of these innumerable blessings he should often ask, with a subdued and grateful heart, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (Psalm 116:12). E.G. White

Prayer: God, we ask forgiveness for looking back and desiring certain aspects of our past sinful lives. We acknowledge that Your thoughts and ways are higher than ours. Please direct us and give us strength in our spiritual journey so we may completely trust You through the raging storms in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.