Gifts Galore
The following words are borrowed from a devotional that comes my way. These are so appropriate as we approach this 2006 season. I I doubt that can compose something better today. Hope it stirs your heart as it did mine.
~ Pastor Murray ~
Some years back we were getting ready to take down our Christmas tree. It had been a wonderful season of celebrating the Lord's birth with fun, food and, of course, gift giving. But as we took off the cloth that covered the base of the tree, we made a surprising discovery. One of the presents had slipped under the tree skirt and never gotten opened.
When we surrender our lives to Christ and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, the Spirit gives each of us one or more gifts. Unfortunately some Christians never open the gift given them. It like the present under the tree skirt--unwrapped and unused. Let's see what God's Word says about that.
What Does God Say?
"God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly" (Romans 12:6-8, NLT).
Although this passage in Romans 12:6-8 is not meant to be exhaustive, it does point out what our attitude should be toward God's gifts. How enthused are you about using your spiritual gift? What is preventing you from exercising your gift more freely?
My Part
Some Christians don't know what their spiritual gift is. If you aren't sure about your spiritual gift, ask your pastor for a spiritual gift inventory (or look one up on the Internet). You might also ask other Christians who know you well what they feel your gift might be.
Additional Scripture: Ephesians 4:11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-12, 28
~ Pastor Murray ~
Some years back we were getting ready to take down our Christmas tree. It had been a wonderful season of celebrating the Lord's birth with fun, food and, of course, gift giving. But as we took off the cloth that covered the base of the tree, we made a surprising discovery. One of the presents had slipped under the tree skirt and never gotten opened.
When we surrender our lives to Christ and the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, the Spirit gives each of us one or more gifts. Unfortunately some Christians never open the gift given them. It like the present under the tree skirt--unwrapped and unused. Let's see what God's Word says about that.
What Does God Say?
"God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly" (Romans 12:6-8, NLT).
- According to these verses, what is the basis for God's gifts?
- How are we to respond to the opportunities to use our gifts?
- List some of the gifts mentioned above.
Although this passage in Romans 12:6-8 is not meant to be exhaustive, it does point out what our attitude should be toward God's gifts. How enthused are you about using your spiritual gift? What is preventing you from exercising your gift more freely?
My Part
Some Christians don't know what their spiritual gift is. If you aren't sure about your spiritual gift, ask your pastor for a spiritual gift inventory (or look one up on the Internet). You might also ask other Christians who know you well what they feel your gift might be.
Additional Scripture: Ephesians 4:11, 1 Corinthians 12:1-12, 28
posted by Murray Lincoln at
Monday, October 23, 2006
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