Spiritual Gifts

July 27th – Proverbs 8:32

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Proverbs 8:32

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.”

One of the most important things Solomon wanted to leave his children was a legacy of wisdom and discernment. Wisdom uses our life experiences and past consequences when making decisions. While discernment uses facts as we know them to judge whether something or someone is true and right. Both go hand in hand, and both are important in leading successful, victorious, Christian lives. Spiritual gifts given by God, when we follow the path of wisdom and discernment, we are more likely to avoid mistakes and make better choices. We save ourselves from a world of pain, heartache, and regret. Wisdom and discernment allow us to leads lives of integrity, love, and compassion. And they give us a testimony to share with others, so they too can avoid the pitfalls of wrong decisions. By following Solomon’s advice and walking in wisdom’s ways, we open ourselves to many blessings. Blessings including sound decision making, inner peace, and spiritual growth.

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January 26th – 1 Corinthians 14:1

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1 Corinthians 14:1

Have you ever listened to an especially charismatic teacher and wished you could teach like that? Perhaps you’ve heard the most beautiful singing voice and wished you could sing like that? Or maybe you see someone who is always the first one to volunteer, and wished you could serve like that. The truth is, we’ve all felt that way a time or two. And it’s good to want a spiritual gift. But the desire is only good if it stems from a motive of wanting to use the gifts God gives to both build up the church, and each other. The Lord is our great Conductor, and each of us an important member of His heavenly orchestra. And what an honor it is to be able to use our unique gifts and talents to both serve Him and each other. So polish up your instrument, straighten your sheet music, and follow our God as He leads His orchestra in beautiful harmony for the world to hear!

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January 14th – Luke 16:13

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Luke 16:13

Jesus often taught earthly stories with heavenly meanings, called parables. And usually the stories He told were clear in meaning. But the parable of the “Unjust Steward” upon first glance appears to find the Lord commending a crook. For in it we find Jesus seemingly condoning the dishonesty of an unrighteous manger. Yet in truth, Jesus uses the story to teach the importance of caring about our futures, and to warn against the worship of wealth above God. Each of us are God’s stewards. And the wealth He blesses us with, whether it be in the form of money, the ability to teach, a tender heart, or a giving spirit, He expects us to be faithful in managing for the glory of His kingdom. To be just stewards, joyfully and faithfully continuing to go about the Master’s business. And as we do remembering, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Col. 3:23-24)

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August 13th – 1 Peter 4:10

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1 Peter 4:10

Recently I went through a drive-thru. I pulled up to the window to find the car ahead had paid for my order. Pleasantly surprised by the generous gift, I happily paid for the car behind me to keep the blessing ball rolling. Each Christian is given a spiritual gift. Whether it be leadership, discernment, giving, helping, or teaching, each of us receives a gift of God’s choosing. And He  expects us to take that blessing and pay it forward. For just as God told Israel, we are blessed to in turn bless others.  (Gen. 12:2-3) Evangelical author Neil T Anderson wrote, “Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the Lord.” If we want to glorify the Lord, we need to be willing to take the blessing ball God passes to us and pass it on. Serving others generously, giving kindness, encouragement, and strengthening to all who need it.

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December 28th – Ephesians 4:11-16

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Ephesians 4:11-16

As we pack up Christmas and look forward to the New Year, let’s take time to reflect on the gifts of God. For His blessings are not limited to the birth of His Son. The minute we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. And with Him, He brings some pretty incredible gifts. God’s church is made up of the body of Christ. And each Christian is a valuable part of that body. Why? Because the Holy Spirit bestows specific gifts unique to only us. Think of that! We have a God given purpose that only we can fulfill. Our Creator painstakingly equips us with marvelous gifts designed to work in harmony with the gifts of fellow believers. All with the goal of performing as a perfectly tuned orchestra for the glory and purposes of God. And He counts each one as valuable as the next!

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March 9th – 2 Timothy 1:6

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2 Timothy 1:6

It’s easy to get complacent in our relationship with God. But just like the embers of a fire need stirring to reignite a fire, so do the embers in our hearts. For if our fire for the Lord goes out, what benefit are we to Him? Because each gift God blesses us with, is for the purpose of furthering His kingdom and blessing others. And so He calls to, through the Holy Spirit, stoke our embers, renew our hearts and minds, and work mightily for Him. So kindle afresh your gifts, stoke your fire, and burn brightly for the world to see!

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February 24th – 1 Corinthians 13:2

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1 Corinthians 13:2

Each of us is blessed with our own unique talents and gifts. But no matter how talented we are, when those gifts aren’t used with a foundation of love, they mean nothing. God blesses us so that we in turn can bless others. That means using our spiritual gifts with unselfish motives of furthering God’s kingdom. And when we fully understand the depths of love that God has for us, everything we do will come from hearts of thankfulness. For even though faith and hope are vital to the Christian walk, love is the greatest of all. And we can love, because He first loved us!

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