Did you take the “Spiritual Gifts” inventory? Knowing and actively using your special God-given assignment within the body of Christ is very important. So, I want to pass on a great definition of “A Spiritual Gift” from the study, “A Practical Guide to How God Works Through You–Spiritual Gifts” by David Francis, Lifeway Press.
Quote “A spiritual gift is a God-given assignment, capacity, and desire to perform a function within the body of Christ with supernatural joy, energy, and effectiveness.” End Quote
I also want to give you four scripture references that are key to spiritual gifts. They are Romans 12:1-16; Ephesians 4:1-16 and 1 Peter 4:9-11. The last one I want you to see, now. It is 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” (see also entire 12th chapter) What I want you to understand is that “You” are included in “God works all of them in all men”. Now, a reminder to all of us, including me, “The Church” is not a building. Yes, we use our gifts within our (location) body of Christ. But there are gifts, such as hospitality, mercy and evangelism (to name 3), that are (also) used outside the church. If you did not use the “Spiritual Gifts” websites listed in Day 6, I would encourage you to do so.
I really didn’t intend to talk about the “gifts”, it just happened. I pray everyday for the Holy Spirit to guide me and direct me in my steps in this study. At the end of this study, I want all of us to have a clear mindset and fullness of heart for the Lord’s “Purpose” and “Plan” for our lives. So, anything that can help us see our God-given potential will only encourage us. I know what my gifts are and are not. Two of my gifts are Evangelism and Discerning of Spirits. I also know that “I Do Not Have The Gift Of Mercy”. Anyone who knows me, will tell you this. On the other hand, God (and it truly is a God thing) has given me the gift of “Mercy” for some people in my life. I do not have the gift of “Hospitality” (which can mean more than inviting people over for dinner). But, that does not mean I am not hospitable. I love to have family holiday gatherings in my home. I like to have friends over. We have had missionary families stay in our home for a few days. But “Hospitality” is not my gift. I guess one of my points is this: We have only to ask for a gift if we need it. Like me, God helped me to be merciful and compassionate for ?? Or, God give me some of that “Hospitality” gift these next four days while ?? are here. Now you say to me, “let’s go on a mission trip”…and I’m ready right now to go, or I’m giving you 5 minutes notice to give your testimony…and I can do it. Only by the Grace of God, but I will go and I can do it.
Today, if nothing else, think about your gifts and talents. You do have them. Think about the joy and satisfaction you have when they are active in your life.
Something else that’s on my heart right at this moment. I know that when you are in a season of life when you are consumed by raising children, or your having a difficult day…the last thing you have time for is discovering your “Purpose” or gift from God. But, if you’re reading this anyway….take a couple of minutes and do it. Let God speak to you right now. Allow the encouragement of the Holy Spirit to touch your heart and strengthen you.
“Transformed by the Renewing of Our Minds!!!!!” Romans 12:2
This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 12:36 am and is filed under Bible Studies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
