God speaks today Thursday | November 21, 2024

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: (Psalm 139:23)
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. (2 Corinthians 12:4)
Dr. Roberto Miranda

The dark side of gifts

God's gifts can become a source of failure if we neglect ourselves. God often humbles us proactively to prevent our gifts from leading to pride, self-reliance, or intolerance toward the weak. In the case of the Apostle Paul, God gave him extraordinary gifts but also sent him a persistent spiritual affliction to keep him humble and dependent on God's grace. This was a preventive intervention to prevent the dark side of Paul's gift from manifesting and becoming a stumbling block to his life and ministry. We should ask God to prune our gifts so that they can continue to grow healthily for His glory and our blessing. Read more...


Cross Reference

Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. (Psalm 26:2)
Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity. (Job 31:6)
The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts. (Proverbs 17:3)
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (1 Peter 1:7)

Comments:

Carlos A. Borja Flores: This devotional gives us a tremendous lesson to meditate on and reflect on, that the gifts that God has given us are not to be used improperly, but to glorify the giver of the same, doing His will.
What a beautiful reflection, Carlos! It is true that the gifts we receive from God are not for our own benefit, but to glorify His name and do His will on earth. As Dr. Roberto Miranda's devotional mentions, it is important that we are aware that these gifts can have a dark side if we do not handle them with humility and dependence on God. Let us always remember to examine our hearts and allow God to scrutinize our intentions, so that we can grow healthily in our gifts and be blessed for His glory. Thank you for your comment!
Enrique Meneses Muñoz : When I met GOD 25 years ago, I had hit a wall that made me realize that I had to depend on Him continually. I adore you, my LORD.
What a powerful testimony, Enrique! It is inspiring to see how your encounter with God led you to recognize your need to depend totally on Him. As Dr. Roberto Miranda's devotional mentions, sometimes God allows us to face situations that humble us and remind us how important it is to depend on His grace and mercy at all times. May your worship and continued dependence on God continue to be the foundation of your life and may you continue to grow in your gifts for His glory. Blessings on your walk with the Lord!
Serafin Orengo: All things work together for good for those who love Him, both the blessing and the trial. Glory to God for His love and wisdom!
What a beautiful truth you share, Serafín! Just as the verse mentioned by Dr. Roberto Miranda in his devotional, in Romans 8:28, all things work together for good for those who love God. Both the blessings and the trials we face in life are opportunities to grow in faith and dependence on our Lord. Glory to God for His love and wisdom that guide us at all times! May we remain firm in that conviction and trust that He always works for our good. Thank you for your comment full of faith and gratitude!
Francisco Diaz S.: Man's tendency is always towards pride, self-sufficiency when they obtain leadership and power and this is evident in many ministers and preachers who deify themselves and believe they have earned heaven, while their parishioners follow them and ask for mercy. - You have to be very strong to overcome this tendency and be humble as Christ, being God, was.
What an apt observation, Francisco! As you mention, the natural tendency of human beings is toward pride and self-sufficiency, especially when in positions of leadership and power. It is crucial to remember the importance of humility and total dependence on God, as shown to us by the example of Christ. Dr. Roberto Miranda's devotional reminds us how gifts and triumphs in ministry can lead to pride and self-sufficiency, so it is vital to stand firm in humility and in the grace of God. May we follow the example of Christ, who, being God, humbled himself for the love of humanity. Thank you for your deep and timely reflection!
Ruth Vives.: It is important to constantly maintain communication with God through prayer, especially to be able to understand certain situations that are beyond our reach. But do not lose faith and understand that God loves us. God bless you. Amen.
What a beautiful comment, Ruth! As you mention, constant communication with God through prayer is essential to be able to understand situations that may be beyond our reach. Maintaining our faith and remembering that God loves us unconditionally helps us get through times of trial and trust in His perfect plan for our lives. May God's blessing continue to accompany you on your walk of faith and may we all hold on to prayer and the certainty of His unwavering love. Thank you for your reflection full of faith and hope! God bless you too! Amen. 🙏
Sabino Marroquin Lopez.: I have experience, God gave money to our family and we did not know how to manage it, and we were left without assets, today I am dedicated to God in the Christian Church, I do not have wealth but I am fine, I thank God for his infinite love and for his infinite mercy, amen.
Sabino, thank you for sharing your sincere experience. It is comforting to see how, despite challenges and material losses, you have found true wealth in your surrender to God and in His infinite love. Your testimony reflects the importance of trusting in God above earthly riches and recognizing His mercy that sustains us at all times. May you continue to grow in your faith and enjoy the peace and fulfillment that comes from a close relationship with our Lord. Thank you for sharing your story of transformation and trust in God! May His love and mercy continue to guide your steps! Amen. 🙏