Scriptures:
Romans
12:6–8, “We have different gifts,
according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it
in proportion to his faith. If it
is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is
contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is
leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it
cheerfully.”
Thought: It takes all the people of God to do all the work of
God.
I
was awake at 3 am sitting in the recliner complaining to God about something I
had no reason to. It was immature for sure, but it bothered me enough that I
could no longer sleep. As I sat in my pity party, God was not pleased, and He
let me know it. Like a Father disciplining His son, he said to me, “You can
continue to sit there and sulk, but you are cursing and not a blessing. I have
given you gifts that that can bless the situation, but you are choosing to
curse.” I had a decision to make; I could use my gifts, or I could withhold
them.
God
has uniquely gifted each of us by the Holy Spirit to be a blessing to The Body
of Christ, our community, and the world. Instead of withholding our gifts, we
are to be good stewards of our gifts and use them for the sake of the Kingdom.
From
our January 30th devotional, we discovered the ways the Holy Spirit
works in our lives to help us live transformed lives. However, our experience
with The Holy Spirit does not stop there; He gives us gifts to work through us.
All of the gifts are to bring glory to Jesus, build up the Body of Christ, and
empower us to reach the world for Christ.
Romans
12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-13; and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 list the different
spiritual gifts which are categorized in the following ways:
Leadership gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers,
(These are called the five-fold ministry gifts).
Verbal gifts: preaching, teaching, prophesying, evangelizing, speaking
in tongues, and interpreting tongues
Manifestation gifts: prophecy, faith, miracles, and healing
Serving gifts: generosity, hospitality, and encouragement
Some
gifts are more expressive and prominent, but none are more significant.
Whatever gifts we have, we are to steward and strengthen. At Centerpointe, we
encourage everyone to go through a group called Focus where you will discover
your spiritual gifts and personality style in order to find your divine design.
You
may also be interested in an online assessment. This free link can be taken
before your Life Group meeting: https://spiritualgiftstest.com/spiritual-gifts-test-landing
Refection:
What
are your spiritual gifts and how did you discover them?
How
are they helpful in your life?
How
are you using your spiritual gifts to serve the Body of Christ and your local
community?
Prayer:
For a list of spiritual gifts, also read
Ephesians 4:11–13 and 1 Corinthians 12:7–11,
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