Two weekends ago, my team as well as 2 others went to Global’s debrief. Global Ministries is the ministry we’re working with. This debrief lasted only for the weekend, so it was much shorter than our squad debrief. We had a couple sessions to attend, and one speaker was the absolute best. His name was George Georgia. He has a church in Port Elizabeth. He had me laughing so much during his sessions because he was either cracking jokes or bringing up his Assemblies of God background. I laughed because I could relate. Anyway, his second session talked about the master who gave talents to his 3 servants: to one, he gave five talents; to another, he gave two talents; and to the last, he gave one talent. I honestly thought this message was going to be about being wise with your money, so I wasn’t entirely thrilled to hear another message on this passage. However, he turned it into how God has given us gifts and abilities, and we’re supposed to give them away and not hoard them for ourselves. He also touched on how we are all children of God, so we are all equal there. However, we do not all have the same level of responsibility. Some have more than others, just like the servants. He gave them the amount they were given according to their abilities. We are full of gifts that make you you. You just have to figure out what they are and use them for God’s glory. He also mentioned how the master calls two of his servants “good and faithful.” Normally, we wait until we die to hear those words. However, what if we apply them now? What if we can be called “good and faithful” well before we die? (Interesting thought). With that, the servants had to be good at something as well as faithful in it being promising. Sometimes to be good at something, you need to have training to be fully effective. Yes, God does give people gifts to fulfill whatever He has called them to, but to further the effect, they have to discipline themselves and become experienced. In today’s world, you can’t be taken seriously if you have nothing to prove your skills. God gives you a calling and a purpose, but what are you going to do to be effective?
One of his comments referred to his Assemblies of God church in regards to when people are slain in the Spirit, or they fall from being overpowered by the majesty of God. It’s an experience to be slain in the Spirit and it’s honestly beautiful. However, when the Holy Spirit comes on us, we don’t always need to fall. Sometimes we need to stand properly and learn how to function with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has given us power to go out and make disciples of the nations, not just for ourselves. We need to step outside of ourselves and let the Holy Spirit do what It is supposed to do. We need to let the Holy Spirit use us and not fall every time It comes over us.
Overall, this weekend was one of encouragement and excitement. I can’t wait to see what God has in store as this week continues!
Cool update: at the market nearby, I bought a ring that reminded me of my great-grandmother. It’s a heart that has a crown on top and is held by two hands. My granny used to wear one on her pinky finger and I wear one now in remembrance of her. She passed away when I was 6 or 7, but I remember seeing her and spending time with her when I was small. It’s little moments like these that make you miss home and those that have gone, but I’m thankful for these little reminders that link you to that person.
Thanks for reading! God bless!
