Pride in Gifts

Good morning!

Pride of gifts robs us of God's blessing in the use of them. ---- William Gurnall.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them...let love be genuine (Romans 12:3-6a, 9). 

A hymn to read, sing, hum or whistle to the glory of God: RENEW THY CHURCH, HER MINISTRIES RESTORE. 

Renew your church, our ministries restore:
both to serve and adore.
Make us again as salt throughout the land,
and as light from a stand.
'Mid somber shadows of the night,
where greed and hatreds spread their blight,
O send us forth with power endued,
help us, Lord, be renewed.


Teach us your Word, reveal its truth divine,
on our path let it shine;
tell of your works, your mighty acts of grace,
from each page show your face.
As you have loved us, sent your Son,
and our salvation now is won,
O let our hearts with love be stirred,
help us, Lord, know your Word.

Teach us to pray, for you are ever near,
your still voice let us hear.
Our souls are restless till they rest in you,
this the goal we pursue.
Before your presence keep us still
that we may find for us your will,
and seek your guidance every day,
teach us, Lord, how to pray.

Teach us to love, with strength of heart and mind,
each and all, humankind;
break down old walls of prejudice and hate,
leave us not to our fate.
As you have loved and given your life
to end hostility and strife,
O share your grace from heaven above,
teach us, Lord, how to love.