Passage of the Day:
Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b] 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.
Reflection:
I spent a decade as a member at a large church. During these years, I met one of the founders of the Church Growth Institute. Larry was a firm believer in Spiritual Gifts and donated his material to my Bible Classes. While there are different types of assessments and tests you can take to ascertain your own spiritual gift, your degree of confidence will influence your overall score. The more humble you are, the lower you will rate yourself. However, as you research the various gifts that exist, you will discern at least one which fits your abilities and personality type. However, this is just the beginning.
Prayerful Action:
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline, 2 Timothy 1:6-7.
Retracing Your Steps:
I attended a Discernment Seminar at a Vineyard Church on February 1st and 2nd of 2012. Prior to this interactive conference, I thought I possessed a special gift, but wasn’t sure if this was from God. Pastor Bruce identified this as Writing in the Spirit. As I listened to a song, heard something on the television or watched a clip from a movie, ideas would suddenly pop into my mind. Before I forgot what I was hearing from God and seeing in my mind, I started taking a journal with me wherever I went. After discerning this gift that I possessed, I began to fan this into flame, creating this blog 2 days later on February 4th, 2012. Twelve years later, I continue to share what the Holy Spirit whispers to me as I continue to nurture my spiritual gift.
Song of the Day:
If you don’t have a clue about your own spiritual gift or talent, search the internet for a free spiritual gift assessment. While it may take a while to ascertain a specific gift, seek discernment from friends or people at church so you can begin to nurture this talent.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 