Stars Shine Brightest in a Cluster: Using Your Giftings Complementary With Others

11/07/23 • 28 min

In our solar system, The Milky Way, there are 1000’s of star clusters. A cluster makes an impact because alone each star may not stand out but together they make a powerful light image. Clusters are powerful because there is synergy where the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts: synergistic symphony— where synergistic parts work together they accomplish more than they could ever accomplish alone.
The rare Globular star clusters are held together by mutual gravitational attraction. Interestingly, we as Christian’s have mutual gravitational attraction in our purpose and our calling. At the same time we are so very different- in cultural backgrounds, seasons of life, capacity and gifting. But as we come together and live out loving God and pointing people to Jesus TOGETHER, then we shine with synergistic parts and make an impact in a cluster.
We are delighted to welcome Jessica Gilbert, the creative mastermind behind making magic happen on our Instagram reels, to share her insights on working out of her gifting on The Called to Shine Team. Is there something God has put on your heart, that could be accomplished in a cluster? Watch for who God might bring in your life for you to each work out of your gifting, and accomplish more together than you ever would alone.
As the Christmas season draws near, before all the decorating, shopping, and school events take over, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate and adore The Savior. This is a great time to shine in a cluster, by going through The Advent Study together with friends, family or neighbors. We'll walk through the first Christmas, in The Bible, drawing from our NBS2GO Advent Bible study, a free resource found at nbs2go.com. You can also find it on You Version: Advent: Come Let Us Adore Him.
So, come listen in and experience the joy of studying God’s Word, the power of community, and the beauty of our unique gifts. Let's shine brighter - together!

SOCIAL MEDIA: @called_toshine Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram and enjoy the community as we spur each other on through inspiration, encouragement, and equipping.
And always you can find resources to help you connect to the people around you at NBS2GO! (nbs2go.com)
— A ministry of NBS2GO: Neighbor Bible Studies to Go and Cru

Previous Episode

Shining Through the Darkness: The Power of Being a Light In Hard Times

Have you experienced one of those dark nights when you can’t see anything around you, but you look up and see one star that sparkles and gives light? It shines brighter surrounded by the darkest night.
During hard seasons, sometimes we need help to navigate the future, a life preserver thrown to us to survive, or maybe a friend to sit with us as we process. And then other times we get to throw the life preserver to others— which might look like a shining star—where you shine the little light of hope you have to those in darkness.
Listen and absorb wisdom as Caroline Schuler, Cru City Staff, shares her personal journey of walking through the unknown in a health challenge. Her story showcases the profound impact of empathy, hope, and the power of the smallest gestures of love from those around us. A kind word, a surprise treat, or a comforting presence speaks volumes-- saying that we are not alone.

You don’t have much capacity right now? Even showing up and giving the gift of your presence is one of the most important parts of being a light in the darkness.

Who is God nudging you to shine toward this season?

Next Episode

Lighting Up With Gratitude: Cultivating a Heart of Thanksgiving

Do you remember the juice cups, that you stick the straw in? What happens every time you poke that straw through the plastic? Juice spills out! In life, the same holds true: what is inside of you will come out once poked. What would spill out of you: sourness or sweetness, grumbling or gratitude, light or death?
Today we are delighted to have Jessica Gilbert with us again as we talk about how to Light up with Gratitude as we go through the Thanksgiving Season. Not only do we want to take advantage of this cultural holiday that has a biblical basis, but we want our lives to spill over with gratitude when we are poked.

Cultivating a heart of gratitude, takes preparation, training, and discipline. As we offer practical tips and traditions to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in ourselves and our kids, see which ones work for you.

The ultimate spirit of gratefulness begins and ends with our personal relationship with God. What are you grateful for that He has done for you, protected you from or provided?
Enjoy Rend Collective’s Counting Every Blessing, appreciating all the things God has given.
From Rend Collective: Just because we intellectually KNOW God’s promises, doesn’t mean we always feel them to be true. Counting Every Blessing came from a season of real wrestling with God because we couldn’t see His promises coming to pass. We despaired instead of looking at the signs of His goodness along the way. It’s so easy to give in to looking at what God hasn’t done yet rather than counting the blessings God has already given us.

As we try to set the Thanksgiving table for Jesus to be the centerpiece of our heart celebration, who pointed you to Jesus? How can you thank them this season? Grab a seat, fill your cup with gratitude and let's light up with thanksgiving together!
Grumbler’s Guide To Giving Thanks Book by Dustin Crowe
Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks YouVersion 7 Day Plan
Corrie Ten Boom Story in Hero Tales Volume 2

Called to Shine Podcast - Stars Shine Brightest in a Cluster: Using Your Giftings Complementary With Others

Transcript

Jesslyn Adams00:00:02.867

Hello , Jesslyn here and Pam , welcome to the community where we explore how Jesus is our light and we are here to spur each other on to love God and others right where we live . We are called to shine

Jesslyn Adams00:00:17.280

In our solar system , the Milky Way , there are thousands of star clusters . 150 of the more rare globular star clusters have