Word for the Day by the Christian education Forum - August - 15

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Gifts of the Spirit
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all” (4)

When Jesus called the disciples to follow him, He didn't select them because of their talents or special skills.  Rather, he chose foolish and incapable men with many flaws to carry out the message of God's love and redemption for humanity.  (1 Corinthians 1:27- 29) In Luke's account of the Gospel, Jesus appears to his disciples after the resurrection and affirms to them of the "power from within" that will allow these ordinary men to become witnesses for Christ.  “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” (Luke 24:49).  In Acts ch2, we read that these men were filled with the Holy Spirit and immediately became gifted to share the Gospel of Jesus.  It wasn't their abilities, but rather the supernatural abilities from the Holy Spirit that empowered them.  
                 Some wonder if the gifts of the Spirit were only for the first century church or if it still exists today.  To bring clarity on this thought, we should ask what and why are we given spiritual gifts?  Spiritual gifts are special abilities given from the Holy Spirit to ALL Christians, to proclaim the message of Christ Jesus and bring Glory to God.  Every person that has placed their faith in Jesus, as their Lord and Savior are uniquely gifted with at least 1 or more spiritual gifts.  Spiritual gifts are given to every Christian as a means of serving the body of Christ.  The body of Christ properly functions and expands, when every believer uses their spiritual gifts to benefit one another and working together.  The gifting is only for the advancement of Gods kingdom here on earth, and not for any human to boast.  
             Have you unwrapped your spiritual gift(s) from God?  Maybe you won't figure out what your gifts are, until you start working it out.  The Bible mentions many gifts such as leadership, serving, teaching, evangelizing, encouragement, faith and others that are given to believers.  In laboring for Christ, you will notice special strengths and abilities that you do well.  If you don't know what your gifts are, don't become discouraged but keep working for Jesus and it will be present itself.  It will be revealed as you walk by Faith in Christ.  
            Stop and take an assessment of where you tend to show strengths in your areas of service for God and His people.  What talents have people complimented you frequently?  Identify your gifts and get to work on using them daily. It's not for us to boast, but to work together so that an unbelieving world would witness the power of Christ working in us.  Your gifts will bless those around you, as you serve God faithfully and willingly with unwavering commitment. "God has given gifts to each of you from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you. Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God Himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we thank you for empowering us with gifts through your Holy Spirit.  You choose simple, ordinary people and make them extraordinary through the gifts you place in us.  Help us to find our gifting and use it effectively for the glory of your name.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Thought for the day:  Each of us are gifted by uniquely by God, to work together for the expansion of His Kingdom.  Exercise your spiritual gifts daily, for God has chosen and entrusted you to serve the body of Christ.

Jojy Koshy, St Paul’s MTC, Dallas

Theme of the Week: The gifts of the Spirit.

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