June 8: Spiritual Gifts

Courtesy of Wordle.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (The Message)

^4-11God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful:

wise counsel

clear understanding

simple trust

healing the sick

miraculous acts

proclamation

distinguishing between spirits

tongues

interpretation of tongues.

All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.

What does all this meal? A spiritual gift is a special ability that God gives each Christian to be used to help strengthen the body of Christ and to fulfill God's purpose.

Do you have spiritual gifts? You betcha. We all do. The trick is first figuring out what it is and then figuring out how to use it. We are all one body, with many parts, all to work together and glorify God.

Today's challenge: Think about your special talents, gifts and abilities. Make a list. If you are feeling especially creative, head over to Wordle and make your own cloud. Send Jana the link, and she'll post it on the Facebook page. Big points, people. BIG points.