Gifts of the Spirit

1 Corinthians 12: 4-11   -  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. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,  to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

Sorry if you think the scripture reference is too long this morning….I just couldn’t leave any of Paul’s amazing explanation of the spiritual gifts out.  God gives all of us at least one of these gifts…in order for us to more effectively share the gospel with the lost and sinning world.  Some of you may be wise beyond your years…or simply be able to retain the knowledge of the bible more easily than others.  To some of us he grants an ability to believe and have amazing faith in his power and grace.  Others have the gift of actually placing their hands on a person…or through prayer …they can speak healing or do other miracles with his power.  Some have the amazing gift of prophecy…they actually are given a look into our futures….and can discern the spirit within each of us.  Paul also speaks of the amazing ability of speaking in different tongues….and interpreting the message God gives through these strange mutterings.

It is these gifts he gives…this embodiment of the spirit within us that makes his presences real to our lives.  He gives them to each of us to build his church…to win the lost...to catch the runaway Christian and place them back in a right walk with him. We are to use them to keep our faith…our churches healthy.  None of these gifts are more important than the others…they are all meant to work together ….not to build up the person…but to glorify God and show his amazing power in our transformed lives….so that more people will believe.  Only God knows which of these gifts he will develop in us…we just need to use them …when he reveals them to us.

Father…thank you for the Holy Spirit.  I thank you for its presence in my life and the strength it gives me to love and share the gospel through my writings.  I thank you for the gift of faith…and the way you are developing an ability to read and understand your awesome bible.  I pray this morning that you continue to show me how I can maximize your gift …and use it to work…to be your vessel…and help lead more people to believe in you….to help others examine their Christian walk and begin to draw themselves closer to you and your purpose for their lives. Help me to never forget the high price you paid to allow the spirit to give me these gifts…it really wasn’t free to you…it cost you your son. Amen.