Nathan Bush's Blog: Write here, Write now, page 5

Gifts

In Romans 12:6 Paul talks about our spiritual gifts: "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us."
God gives each believer gifts. Gifts to build up and edify both those inside the church and those outside. All gifts differ in nature, power, and effectiveness. To use these gifts we must:
(1) Know that the gifts come from God
(2) Know that not everyone has the same gifts
(3) Know which ones we have and how to use them
(4) Use them for God's work and not personal gain
(5) Use them wholeheartedly
These are gifts from God to His church and should be used accordingly. Our duty is to be faithful with these gifts and seek out ways to serve God and others with what we have been given.
Take time to pray to God and ask Him to show you your gifts and where you need to use them.

Interview

My first author interview hit today! Check it out at the link:

https://architectsofworldsafar.wordpr...

Encouragement

"Comfort yourselves together, and edify one another." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Everyone needs encouragement. Especially during trials, tribulations, or just plain rough times. As Christians, we are to encourage one another. The right word at the right time can make a huge difference between someone overcoming bad times or being overcome by trials or temptations.

Encouragement can help us find the strength we need to finish well, to push on through when weakness threatens to overtake us, and not give in to Satan's attacks and traps.

We must all learn to be sensitive to the needs of others and always be on the lookout for those who need our support. And then be willing to take that extra step and offer encouragement when it is needed.

Take the time today to pray to God and ask Him to show you someone who needs encouragement.

Books update

I now have (2) good reviews here on GR for Written in Blood and (2) 4 star ratings, with several readers either presently working on getting through it, about to start it, or waiting to get their copy in the mail (it will get there!). Plus it's on 200+ TBRs. Thanks to everybody for their support, much appreciated.

Finished the third, or was it fourth edit/rewrite for book 2 of my Christian Crime series the other night, and I already have some notes on things that need to be added, changed or deleted altogether.
Feels like this part of the process takes way more time and effort than the original writing did!
I hope to have this one out in print no later than early spring, but I'm really shooting for a January deadline.

One of those days

Have you ever just had one of those days? Nothing goes right. Problems range from bad weather to a broken car or anywhere in between. Seems like they come more and more often the older I get. When they come along, I'm brought to Paul's writing in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our own body."

Paul is reminding us here that even though it might feel to us that we are at the end of the proverbial rope, we, through Jesus' power, are never at the end of our hope. Though our bodies are subject to sin and suffering, God will never abandon us. And since Jesus defeated death, we have eternal life.

Any trials, tribulations and temptations we face, are but opportunities for God to show His strength and presence through us. As we meet these troubles, it is easy to focus on our pain and discomfort, rather than on the goal; which is to stay the course and finish the race well. We must maintain our focus on the rewards to come for our steadfast faith. So, no matter what happens in this life, remember, we have a far greater life waiting for us.

Take time today to pray to God and ask Him to help you focus on the gain, not the pain.