X You have left Christian Women Today, click here to return.
Subscribe Subscribe
Daily Devotionals »
Ways To Give

Helping the Church

Written by Dorothy Brown

by Dr Bill Bright

**What is your opinion about how you discover your spiritual gifts? http://mentodayonline.com/chat/home.html

“The Holy Spirit displays God’s power through each of us as a means of helping the entire church” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

A friend once asked me, “Are all the spiritual gifts for today?” and “How can I discern my spiritual gifts?”

He had been reading a number of books with conflicting views on gifts and had heard sermons – some encouraging him to discover his gifts and others saying the gifts are not for today. He was woefully confused.

I shared with this friend that I have been a Christian for more than 35 years and have known the reality of the fullness of the Spirit for more than 30 years. I explained that I have seen God do remarkable – even miraculous – things in and through my life throughout the years.
 
Yet, I have not felt the need to “discover” my gifts, because I believe that whatever God calls me to do He will enable me to do if I am willing to trust and obey Him, work hard and discipline myself.

The Holy Spirit obviously controls and distributes all the gifts. So when I am filled, controlled and empowered with the Holy Spirit I possess all of the gifts potentially. God will give me any gifts I need.

I went on to tell my young friend that some of the gifts of the Spirit are supernatural enhancements of abilities common to all men, wisdom for instance. Other gifts, such as healing, are granted by the Holy Spirit to only a select few.

But the gifts differ in another way, too. Some are instantaneous, and others are developmental in nature. Primarily, we need to remember that whatever God calls us to do, He will enable us to do. “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, NAS).

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 12:24-31  http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=I%20Corinthians%2012:24-31;&version=31;

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will dwell on God’s ability to do in and through me what ever He calls up for me to do.

About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/dr-bill-bright/

Email Print

No comments yet

Leave a Reply

Start a Conversation

Refreshment for a life of ministry

Media

Image for Connecting Through TechnologyConnecting Through Technology

Do you use technology to stay in touch with family and friends?

>Watch
Image for Choosing to SimplifyChoosing to Simplify

Voluntary simplicity – a choice to consider.

>Watch

Latest Comments

  • LAC said: please pray that i will grow in grace and have closer and... Read More »
  • sharon b said: yes some times I am bad about trying to rush ahead of God Read More »
  • sharon b said: thank you for a wonderful devotional Read More »