IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS

Paganini, one of the world’s most famous violinists, walked onto the stage before a large crowd. Just before he began playing, he looked at the violin he was holding and realized that it was not his. He was horrified, but it was too late for him to do anything about the violin. It was time to begin!

After the concert, the critics and audience said it was the best concert of his entire career.

When questioned about using a violin that belonged to another person, he said, “Today I learned the most important lesson of my life. I once believed that the music was in the violin. Today I learned that it was in me.”

God has given each of us different abilities and gifts. They vary in name and number but not in value. They may be obvious to others or they may be seen only by Him. Our gifts come from God. What we do with them is our gift back to Him. We must realize that His gifts are within us and only come to life when we respond to the opportunities He gives us to develop them and serve Him – whatever they are and wherever we may be.

Prayer:  Empower us, Lord to develop the gifts and abilities You have given us to serve others and bring honor and glory to You. May we be who we can be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:   In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. Romans 12:6