The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States “GIFTS FOR SERVICE” for Thursday, 25 August 2016 with Scripture: Exodus 35:30 - 36:1

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States “GIFTS FOR SERVICE” for Thursday, 25 August 2016 with Scripture: Exodus 35:(RY: ii, LY: iii) 30 Moshe said to the people of Isra’el, “See, Adonai has singled out B’tzal’el the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Y’hudah. 31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God — with wisdom, understanding and knowledge concerning every kind of artisanry. 32 He is a master of design in gold, silver, bronze, 33 cutting precious stones to be set, woodcarving and every other craft. 34 [Adonai] has also given him and Oholi’av the son of Achisamakh, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. 35 He has filled them with the skill needed for every kind of work, whether done by an artisan, a designer, an embroiderer using blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, or a weaver — they have the skill for every kind of work and design.
36:1 “B’tzal’el and Oholi’av, along with all the craftsmen whom Adonai has endowed with the wisdom and skill necessary to carry out the work needed for the sanctuary, are to do exactly according to everything Adonai has ordered.”
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Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.[1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)]
I have been crocheting since I was a teenager. I enjoy the softness of the yarn as it glides through my fingers. I delight in the blending of the pinks, greens, blues, and yellows as a baby blanket takes shape.
Over the years, I have given away many crocheted items as gifts; but until recently, I had not thought of using this skill as a ministry. Would God use crochet as a way to help reach others for the Lord? I searched for answers in the Bible, and found that during the time of Moses, God called skilled craftsmen to build the tabernacle. And God used Tabitha’s skill of sewing to minister to others. (See Acts 9:36-42.)
So I started a ministry at my church where we seek out areas of need in the community and crochet or knit items to help meet those needs. To each item we attach a card with Bible verses so that the receivers may be drawn to Christ.
If we allow God to do so, God can and will use whatever skills we have. I feel blessed to know that the scarves, caps, and baby booties I crochet will help others to know the love of Jesus.
See a picture of Nancy with some of her creations, here.

Link2Life for August 25, 2016

Nancy with some of her creations.

The Author: Nancy C. Todd (Kentucky, USA)
Thought for the Day: What gift can I use to glorify God?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for using our simple gifts to serve others. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE SEEKING A WAY TO SERVE

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