Recently, I have heard a couple of pastors say God cannot use people that sin. It's also been said that there is no anointing upon the gifts and ministry of those who don't "LIVE" holy. I totally disagree and I want to encourage anyone and everyone that believes God has equipped them with a gift that is to edify the body of Christ.

It is such a shame that people have such small minds to think that God can't (or just doesn't) use people that have faults and flaws. And the more disappointing part is to think there are people who believe they ARE used because they are totally righteous without any faults and flaws. There are men who believe they do not error and have nothing to ever repent for. (Tsk-Tsk-Tsk)

I disagree with that also, but will not make them my focus. For you who are like me and admit we are imperfect, but yet have gifts that are necessary to the body of Christ, let's not neglect those gifts. One thing I have learned about God is that He uses whoever makes themselves available.  Due to the fact that ALL have sinned and fallen short, we must understand that GOd is not so hard that he wouldn't understand and help us through our struggles. As a matter of fact, I've found it normal for God to allow me to use my struggles as a great tool of ministry and evangelism.

There are a couple of scriptures that I want to bring into play.

I Corinthians 1:26...

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

This confirms that the arrogant, heady, know-it-alls are not the ones that He seeks after. But when you realize that you know nothing and you want GOD alone to be recognized (no flesh), that qualifies you to be used by Him in spite of your carnal battles.

Romans 11:29...

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

This is self-explanatory. And again, it is based upon a person's availability. He calls who He wills and He gifts who He wills...even if it is WITHOUT any repenting.

CONCLUSION:  Be bold and be willing to utilize your gift in the body of Christ whenever opportunity presents itself. You speak and leave it up to God to make the increase. If there be any that don't receive, remove them from your focus and only concentrate on those that do receive you. STIR UP YOUR GIFT!!!