"And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness." Romans 12: 6-8

It's already Thursday folks as time marches on. The one happens to fall on June 29, 2017. Typically, most all of us wear different hats at different times as we live out our lives here on the planet. We have jobs where we do our best to serve the interests of our employer. We attempt to do our best in the roles we have as a family member. Many have other jobs as well. I guess the longest running consistent opportunity to serve for me has been in my role as a teacher of God's Holy Word. That began back in my 20's. I taught for several years before I grasped the truth about what it really means. I came to realize that teaching is a gift given to me from God. Don't misunderstand. I knew how to read, study, research, and compile notes. But, once I gained an appreciation that my ability to effectively communicate God's truths was given from above, well, that was a game changer. He gave me the gift. He works the gift through me. Bottom line, He receives the honor for it all. Lastly, I learned the gift was not primarily for me, but rather, it was for the building up of others. Here's how the Apostle Paul said it in his inspired letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 4:11-16, "It was he who gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, that is, to build up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God – a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature. So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love." (From the NET Bible) My point? He is at work when truth is shared to accomplish His purpose and we are privileged to be used in His service. Amen.

I guess after that long opening, I should give everyone an opportunity to stretch their legs. And, as they used to say in some of the services I've attended, it will make it much easier for the men to get to their wallets. I know what my number one reviewer will say when she sends her response to today's episode: L-O-N-G. I thought that little testimony about my own journey as a teacher might be of help to someone, somewhere, out there. Me learning those things doesn't mean that I always remember them. One thing is certain. When I teach and it is all about me and my ability, it is not the same as when He is the object of our studies beginning with me humbly submitting to His working through me. Okay. I repeat myself. Yep. I do that quite often. No. I do not get paid by the keystroke. What's that? If I did, I would be a very wealthy man. That just might be the truth.

I'll go ahead and shut it down while I am behind. Take care and may God bless each one. Amen. ....More later.