When I told one of my friends about how my husband, Joe, was able to fix our old washing machine so that we didn't have to call a service repair person, or buy a new one, she brought to my attention something that I have taken for granted for years. She said that we were saving a lot of money because of Joe's skills. As I talked to the Lord about it later that day, He reminded me of a Scripture in Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV), which says, "But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth." I knew this verse well, and I often prayed it for myself and my family, but I never thought of my husband's gifts as enabling us to "produce wealth."

Over the years, Joe has successfully repaired our cars, our appliances, our heating and cooling systems, and a host of other things around our home. I have seen him do plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work. I have seen him install a tub, where there was just a shower stall. And I have also watched him knock out walls to install windows where there were none. Joe has an Accounting degree, so he has efficiently handled our finances and prepared our taxes all these years. I knew Joe was saving us a fortune, and I knew that his gifts were from God, but I never equated his skills with wealth. And I was not "remembering" that this ability to produce wealth was directly from the Lord.

The Bible says, "In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well." (Romans 12:6 NLT) My husband isn't the only one who has been blessed by God with talents, skills, and gifts. You and I have, too. And these gifts are not just for our own benefit. As the Scripture tells us, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10 NIV) Joe has used his skills to bless others countless times, enabling them to save money, and to have more wealth, too. I like to pray for his projects using this prayer from the pages of the Bible: "Bless all his skills, Lord, and be pleased with the work of his hands." (Deuteronomy 33:11 NIV) That's a prayer that you and I can pray for ourselves, too!

Prayer: Lord, today, I ask that You reveal to me exactly how You have given me the ability to produce wealth. Teach me how to make the most of the skills, talents, and gifts that You have blessed me with. Show me how to use them to benefit others, as well as myself. Thank You that as I continually remember and give thanks to You for my God-given gifts, You will make them more valuable all the time!