The child pines for a toy; the moment he possesses it, he throws it by and cries for another. When they are piled up in heaps around him, he looks at them without pleasure, and leaves them without regret.

He knew not that all the good which they could yield lay in expectation; nor that his wishes for more will increase faster than toys could be multiplied, and is unhappy at last for the same reason as at first: his wishes are ungratified. Still indulging them, and still believing that the gratification of them will furnish the enjoyment for which he pines, he goes on, only to be unhappy.

Men are merely taller children. Honor wealth, and splendor are toys for which grown children pine; but which however accumulated, leave them still disappointed and unhappy. God never designed that intelligent beings should be satisfied with these enjoyments. By His wisdom and good men were formed to derive their happiness and virtue from Him alone (Timothy Dwight, Spiritual Awakening).

Songs in the night (JOB 35:10)

In his darkest hour, Job gave us the celebrated song, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (19:25) Think of it. From his pit of futility, Job rose to the pinnacle of faith with one of the most sublime songs of the Bible. His staunch affirmation has been translated classically into the stirring soprano strains of Handel’s Messiah: “I know That My Redeemer Lives.”

God make me real
Purge out the dross that harms my soul, and fit it for the heavenly goal; Teach me in all things I do to be sincere and ever true. There is no legacy as rich as integrity.

Now is my will resigned, struggles are quelled, clay on the wheel am I, nothing withhold.

Master, I yield to Thee, crumble, then fashion me flawless, and fit to be indwelt by Thee (Leslie Taylor-Hunt)

If we yield our lives to Him, He will fashion it into a vessel of beauty and purpose.

Forgiven (PSALM 130)

In a cemetery not far from New York City, is a headstone engraved with a single word: FORGIVEN.

The message is simple, unembellished. There is no date of birth, no date of death, no epitaph. There is only a name and the solitary word forgiven. But that is the greatest word that can be applied to any man or woman, or written on any gravestone. “Sin invites judgment; confession ensures forgiveness (Haddon Robinson, Our Daily Bread May 8, 1993).

HOW TO DISCOVER THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Acceptance---The Christian should believe that he/she has a gift or gifts.

Awareness of what the gifts are—You must know the gifts (Romans 12:3-8; 1

Corinthians 12-14; Ephesians 4:7-13; 1 Peter 4:7-13).

Appeal—What does the Christian enjoy doing well?

Ask—Ask God to show you your gift(s). “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:3).

Action—Don’t spend all your time trying to analyze your gift. Use the gift in serving Christ

Dedication of the gifts—Paul reminds Timothy to stir up his gifts.