JULY 20, 2026
ON THE PORCH
“WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND??”
- David had a rock and a sling. — 1 Samuel 17:38-40
- A little boy had five biscuits and 2 fish. — John 5:5-9
- Jael had a tent peg and hammer. — Judges 4:18-21
- The woman at the well had an empty jar. — John 4:1-2
** I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
**A very close friend sent me notes asking for feedback on what she would be teaching at the jail this week. I gave mine and bounced it off Benny, too. It is an important question and God has used this one simple page of notes for His glory three times now. Benny preached on it yesterday, Krissy will use it for her jail ministry this week, and I get to share my thoughts from my porch.
As I thought about her question, I looked down and I was holding a piece of sandpaper, cleaning a toilet. This small piece of material used to scrub and scour the stains left by our iron water at the church wasn’t much, but it had a singular important task, making our toilet cleaner and our bathroom more desirable.
Sometimes I find myself looking around at all the neat stuff others are doing for the LORD, and I want what they have…even when my plate is overflowing and both hands are full. I still want to pry their little fingers open and add more to my “stash.” Surely, they are serving God in a mightier way than I am. Surely, their gift is more valuable than mine. And surely, they are changing the world.
**Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, *said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” 6 This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. John 6:5-6
Then God reminded me, that He, in His perfect wisdom created me unique and special and formed me with different gifts and talents, and He intends to use them. I am wired for what I already hold, and I can either hide what’s in my hands behind my back, or I can hold my hands out in front of me, offering God what I possess. He created me with a distinctive purpose and a deep calling only I can fulfill.
LORD, today I offer up what’s in my hands, even if it is a small piece of material to clean toilets. May I always be open for You to use “as You intend.” Give me a willing heart to follow where You lead, strong hands to hold Your gifts and offer them back to You, and a joyful Spirit to be content in the path You lay out for me, no matter how big or small. May I extend my hands in offering every morning and allow you to use whatever I possess to bring You glory and honor. Walk beside me, LORD, and teach me to love Your ways. Remind me to be grateful that I am fearfully and wonderfully made and created for a special purpose only I can fulfill. Amen
WHAT IS YOUR TALENT?
ON THE PORCH 