Theme:   Elevate: Next Level Spiritual Growth - Leveraging Your Life

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

READ:  Psalm 139:13-18; 2 Corinthians 12:10

 THINK:  We often hear the expression that no two snowflakes are exactly alike.  For those of you that are skeptics to this common perception, it has actually been proven to a mathematical certainty that since the inception of the universe the odds of two identical snowflakes appearing is indistinguishable from zero.  

Even something as simple as the unique arrangement of fifteen books on a bookshelf in groups of five can yield astonishing unique possible combinations. OK, you have ten seconds…one…two…three…four…five…six…seven…eight…nine…ten! The answer: 360,360 different combinations are possible!!  I guess I will be busy on Thanksgiving weekend proving this mathematical equation. 

Pastor Ben spoke this weekend of how can we leverage who we are and how God made us.  Many attributes were presented which provide insight into how we relate to God.  Talkers, Feelers, Thinkers, and Doers each have a purpose born out of a desire to know God, to worship God,  and to please God.  But we are also cautioned that a strength overused can also become a weakness.  Those unique attributes that each of us possess,  if not guarded and thoughtfully leveraged,  can lead us away from God not towards Him. 

As I listened to the sermon this weekend I thought a lot about how God has uniquely made me.  For me,  I am a “Feeler”.    A certain worship song, a moving video, seeing individuals baptized, and babies dedicated to the Lord all bring tears of joy to my eyes.  While I am thankful that God has made me this way I was also warned that the weakness of this strength is temptation.  Trusting solely upon my feelings, may at times lead me astray.  While God has given me a gift and a tendency, it does not absolve me from reaching and searching into all of the ways that I can grow in my faith.   Perhaps I need to think and study more, or serve more as an expression of my faith, or heaven forbid even talk more about my faith and the saving grace that God has given me.  

Today’s readings speak of the wonderful works of the Lord in His creation, and His grace.  The truth of His word tells me trust Him even more as my weakness is revealed.

DO: Make a note of all the unique attributes that God has given you.  Like a snowflake you are uniquely and wonderfully made.  Give thanks to God who knew you before you even breathed your first breath.  Likewise,  make a note of the potential weaknesses associated with these attributes if overused.   Ask God to let His power and grace guide and direct you, even in your weakness.

PRAY:  Heavenly Father, each of us are uniquely and wonderfully made.  No two are alike.  You have crafted each and every one of us to be in relationship with You.  Search my heart, search my soul, show me Your wonderful ways.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.