Working Your Gifts

7 Each believer has received a gift that manifests the Spirit’s power and presence. That gift is given for the good of the whole community. 8 The Spirit gives one person a word of wisdom, but to the next person the same Spirit gives a word of knowledge. 11 One Spirit works all these things in each of them individually as He sees fit. 1 Corinthians 12:7-8,11 (Voice)

Toby never gave much thought to his passions, those things he loved to do and was good at. He, like many of us, just took them for granted. One of the things he liked most to do was build things. He didn't consider himself gifted in that area, never gave it much consideration. He just knew that if he couldn’t use his tool box, and don his tool belt, the day would be wasted. He filled his life with construction projects and was extremely happy by the day's end.

How about you? Is there an area you excel at, and look forward to working in? Some of us not only love to cook but are considered by many to have uncanny talent in the kitchen. There is no place you would rather be, nothing you want to do more than pull ingredients together and create a feast.

Are you wondering what special talent you have? What is it that excites you and burns a deep desire within your heart? As Christians, we all have at least one Spiritual Gift. There is that one (or more) special area in our life that lifts our spirits and fills our heart with joy. Do you love to teach, to sing, to help others? Perhaps you write or compose music; whatever it is that lights a fire within you, that is your gift. Recognize it and share it with those around you. 

Just like Toby, who loves to build things, our gifts are to be used to help others along the way.
If you are very fortunate, your Spiritual gifts line up with you profession. Or just maybe it is your own individual gift that fuels your down-time. Either way, you are blessed.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

To Live Is Christ!

I can’t believe it has almost been six years since my dad passed away.  This February is approaching fast and my memories of his death are as strong as ever.

One of the best memories I have was taking communion together as a family.  Pastor John came over and led my father, mother, sister and I in the sacrament.  It was a touching moment.  We knew this was going to be the last time we shared the Lord’s Supper together.

After we received the elements we spent some time in prayer.  We confessed our love for each other and thanked God for the time we had together.  We made sure that all past sins were forgiven.  As our prayer ended my father looked at us and with all seriousness, spoke some of the most profound words I have ever heard.

He said, “This was great.  Praying together and loving each other, but I want you to remember one thing.  It means nothing without Jesus.”  Wow! Not what I was expecting.  I was having a moment with my dying father and he was busy pointing us all back to Christ.

This was not typical of my father.  Yes, he loved God and had a relationship with Christ, but his mind was not always on Christ.  He was human like all of us, so I knew this moment came directly from the throne of God.

This story was the first thing that came to my mind when I read today’s scripture.  Romans 8:5 says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

We were worried about my dad and our relationship with him.  We wanted to make sure everything was good before he was gone.  None of that is bad, but it was motivated by the flesh.  I love that my dad’s last life lesson for me was, “Focus on Christ and him alone.” 

That is what the Spirit desires isn’t it? Even our most pure intentions mean nothing if Christ is not at the center of it.

Read today's entire scripture here. Romans 8:5-12