Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
11 28 2025
A Heartfelt Thank You and Call to Use Your Gifts
I just want to take a few minutes to say thank you. Thank you to each of you who faithfully listen, read, and share God’s teachings. Some of you have been walking with me for over six years, and your presence, your prayers, your encouragement—it means more than words can say. People often ask me why I keep writing, recording, and sharing. And the truth is… it lifts me as much as it lifts you. When I write, I’m learning. God is teaching me. He is preparing my heart so that what I share comes from a place of truth, experience, and love.
I genuinely believe that each of us has a unique gift from God, and He wants us to use it in the body of Christ. Romans 12:6–8 reminds us: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” These gifts are not meant to sit on a shelf. They are meant to bless others, strengthen the Church, and glorify God.
Some of you are already using your gifts, and some of you are still discovering what they are. That’s okay. Take time to pray, reflect, and explore. Even the smallest act of encouragement, a kind word, a prayer, or helping someone in need—these are ways your gifts can flow. 1 Peter 4:10 says: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
And here’s the beautiful part—there is joy in this. When you step out in obedience and use your gifts, you will feel a deep, fulfilling joy. You will see hearts touched, lives changed, faith strengthened—not only in others but in yourself. God blesses the giver as much as the receiver, because giving is a reflection of His heart. There is nothing more joyful than seeing God work through you.
Our small groups are off till February, but God is still calling us to use our gifts. Practically, this might look like encouraging a friend who is struggling, offering a word of wisdom to someone seeking guidance, mentoring a younger believer, or simply sharing a story of what God has done in your life. Maybe your gifts are music, hospitality, teaching, writing, or even just listening. Whatever they are, God can use them. What matters is faithfulness and a willingness to share.
Personally, I am fascinated by the reality that we are living in the last days. I just turned 76 on October 23rd, and I truly believe—even at my age—that I could witness the Rapture, the Blessed Hope of His coming. It motivates me every day, and it should inspire you too, to make the most of every moment, every word, and every opportunity to prepare hearts for Christ. My prayer is that what I share with you becomes kindling for the fire in your own hearts—not just to fill your mind, but to ignite your passion to live fully for Christ in everything you do.
And now, Thanksgiving is another memory… a beautiful season of gathering, reflection, and gratitude. These gatherings give us a unique opportunity to share what God has been doing differently in our lives this year. Maybe He has healed a relationship, brought provision, deepened your faith, or opened doors you never expected or caused you to realize that there is still time. Don’t keep these stories to yourself. Share them in small conversations, or even in a short message to someone who needs encouragement.
Even simple acts count. You might:
- Offer a prayer of thanks for someone else’s gift or testimony.
- Speak a word of encouragement to a family member who is struggling.
- Share a small story of God’s provision or guidance in your life this year.
- Invite someone to pray with you or participate in a way that lets their gift shine.
Let’s be like the wise virgins in Matthew 25:4, whose lamps were full when the bridegroom arrived. May our hearts be filled with the Holy Spirit, our gifts cultivated and ready, so that when He calls, we are prepared—not just for ourselves, but to bless others along the way. The joy of living for Christ is multiplied when we step into our gifts and participate in His work.
So, thank you. Thank you for listening, for walking alongside me, and for sharing God’s Word in your own lives. May you continue to discover your unique gifts, cultivate them, and use them for His glory. May your hearts be encouraged, your spirit lifted, and your lamps burning brightly in anticipation of His coming. And may this season be a time to celebrate His faithfulness and joyfully share what He is doing in your life. What an incredible time to be alive, what an extraordinary privilege to serve, and what a joy it is to do it together. Please know that I am praying for you. This has been a hard year for me, and I so covet your prayers, too.
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You Never gave up on me. Bates
