Who Wrote That Song?

Acts 4:8-12

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: "Leaders of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved."

I read this scripture and I just smile, to be honest I just chuckle a bit. Here we have Peter giving credit where credit is due. It would have been so easy for him to say, "Hey everyone look what I just did." It would have been easy for him to collect a ton of glory, but he was a wise man and used it as a teachable moment.

So...

I think about myself. How many times have I been proud of myself after a performance (far too often). How many times have I finished recording a song and sat back and basked in the glow of my accomplishment (most of the time). I read these lines and I realize that yes I have done some good things with my talent, but I didn't EARN my talent. I did not find it on my own. My talents are given to me by God. God deserves the glory for anything good I do because I believe that all love comes from God and all good flows from that love from God. I'll take credit for all the bad that I do for I believe that evil comes from turning away from God's love and serving myself and therefore creating sin, but that's me and what I think.

Jesus,

Let's be honest for a moment. I don't always use the talents that you have given me the way that you want me to. Far too often I am selfish sinful man, please forgive me. Help me to see how to use my talents for your will. I know that my way far too often leads to pain and suffering, for others and then eventually me. I love you Jesus so very much. I offer up all my works, joys and sufferings of this day for those who do not realize their talents. I pray that they will see them and use them for the betterment of your world. Thank you Jesus, I love you.

In Jesus Christ's name I pray,

Amen