"Gifted Hands" -Too

"A man was famous according as he has lifted up axes upon the thick trees." (Psalms 74:5) You really don't get to choose some things in this life, they are handed to you, sometimes with care, mostly by force; but you do get to choose how you will handle what you have been given, either with care and concern, or with neglect and disregard. Obviously this verse is speaking to those who helped supply materials for the building of the Temple, King Hiram of Tyre, being one such person. Solomon had many deals with Hiram, including a fleet of ships, which Hiram supplied sailors to help Solomon's men sail. Sometimes those that we let into our lives become a curse from a blessing; not because they planned on being one, but because we neglect to have care and concern over them and their feelings. If you don't get what I am trying to say, it's okay; there are some things that are better left unsaid, and there are some things, if not said, which can cause more damage than not. I saw the movie "Risen" on Sunday, and I was captured by something I witnessed towards the end of the movie; it was the part where they were all in the boat fishing all night, and the Tribune's hands were bleeding from holding the nets. He was dragging his hands in the water, looking at the torn skin, and then he looked up a Peter, as he noticed that Peter's hands were perfectly fine. Here was a man of battle and of strength, yet out of his element, his skill of battle does him no good; his hands are not accustom to handling nets, but yielding a sword. We all have been given certain gifts from the Lord; some are for ministry and some are for life in general; but we are gifted for certain purposes that best suit our ability to serve and be used of God. No one can tell you what it is you are best suited for, nor can you choose what your purpose is on your own; it is God that places you in whatever place that He would have you, and it is your choice to handle it accordingly, whether it be unto God or for your own glory, it's totally up to you. If you perform your duties for your own glory, then your glory will fade and be of no use to you; but if you do everything as unto the Lord, then it is never undone, and it will be yours for ever... "Slaves, obey your earthly master in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly a whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance for a reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master -in heaven." (Colossians 3:22-4:1) NLT