2021-01-21
1 Corinthians 12:11 NCV
The Bible says, ‘There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit’ (v.4 NCV). The word ‘gifts’ comes from the Hebrew word ‘charis’, which literally means grace. That means we can’t earn, qualify for, work for, or deserve a spiritual gift. The Holy Spirit ‘decides what to give each person.’ We don’t receive our spiritual gifts through study, practice, or inheritance. They’re not even highly developed natural talents. They are characteristics and attributes given by grace, which enable us to carry out God’s will in God’s way.
We’re not designed to serve God by just drawing on our own strength and abilities, but by depending on the power of the Holy Spirit within us. It can help to picture a gloved hand. A glove on its own can’t really do anything useful. It’s only when there’s a hand inside the glove that it can really fulfil its purpose. We’re like the glove – we can’t accomplish much by ourselves. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us, He can move us and enable us to accomplish what God wants us to do.
When we think about the plans God has for us, we might worry that we won’t meet His standards. But the truth is that He doesn’t expect us to be perfect. If we were, He wouldn’t have needed to send Jesus to secure our salvation. Jesus told His disciples, ‘If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5 NIV). We need to allow the Spirit to work within us, lean on God’s power, and keep our hearts completely open to Him.
Isa 8-11; Matt 9:1-13; Ps 89:38-52; Prov 3:1-2
1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJV
The Bible says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (v. 4 NKJV). The word gifts comes from the Hebrew word “charis,” which literally means grace. That means you cannot earn, qualify for, work for, or deserve a spiritual gift. The Holy Spirit gives them to each of us “individually as He wills.” They are not something you get by study, practice, or inheritance. They are not highly developed natural talents. They are supernatural endowments that enable you to carry out God’s will in God’s way. And you will never discover God’s way until you realize that you are not meant to serve Him by drawing on your own abilities, but by depending upon the indwelling power of His Spirit. In a sense, you are like a glove; the Holy Spirit within you fills that glove, moves it and accomplishes through it what needs to be done.
A young pastor once said to an older pastor, “I’m discouraged because God expects the very best from me, and as hard as I try I can’t always give it to Him.” The older pastor said, “Son, God expects nothing from you but failure!” Then he added. “But he has given the Holy Spirit to you so that you need not fail.” Jesus told His disciples, “He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NKJV). The secret to success is not just in activity, but in abiding! Your job is to learn the ways of God, and lean on the power of God.
Soul food: Isa 8-11; Matt 9:1-13; Ps 89:38-52; Prov 3:1-2
2021-01-16
Romans 12:6 ESV
The Bible teaches that God gives each of us certain gifts, and the grace to use them. But when we’re not working in our area of giftedness, we can struggle. We need to keep that in mind when we see a great achiever, or become a great achiever ourselves. Paul spoke five languages and wrote a large part of the New Testament, but he constantly struggled with what he refers to as a ‘thorn in the flesh’. When he prayed and asked God to remove it, God said no. ‘My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you’ (2 Corinthians12:9 NCV). So we need grace in the areas of our gifting, and grace for the areas in which we’re not gifted at all.
We might be brilliant in one or more areas, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be brilliant at everything. We need to remember that when we’re dealing with other people. We shouldn’t get frustrated with someone just because they struggle with something, as God will have gifted them with other strengths. It’s even likely that they’re skilled in an area where we’re weak.
We need to work at developing patience and learn to appreciate each person for the unique part they fill in God’s kingdom. We also need to remember that if God won’t remove a barrier or grant us an ability that we want, we should accept His decision, and try to understand what God’s trying to teach us through the challenges. As long as we live, we’ll soar in some areas and struggle in others, but we’ll find that God’s grace is more than enough for any challenge we face.
Exo 36-38; Matt 8:1-9; Ps 81; Prov 2:11-15
Romans 12:6 NKJV
The Bible teaches that God gives each of us certain gifts, and the grace to use them. And when we are not operating in our area of giftedness, we struggle. We need to keep that in mind when we see a great achiever, or become a great achiever ourselves. Paul spoke five languages and wrote half the New Testament, but he constantly struggled with what he refers to as a “thorn in the flesh.” When he prayed and asked God to remove it, God said no. “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). So we need grace in the areas of our gifting, and grace for the areas in which we’re not gifted at all.
The story’s told of a man who went to hear a great speaker, and ended up seated beside the speaker’s wife. During the speech, the man noticed that the great speaker had monogrammed socks. Intrigued by this, he looked closer and saw that instead of the usual two or three initials were the letters “TGIF.” When the speech was over he complimented the speaker, then turned to the speaker’s wife and said, “How come your husband’s socks say, “TGIF: Thank Goodness It’s Friday?” She replied, “Oh, that’s not what those letters mean; the monograms are there to help him get dressed. They stand for Toes Go In First.”
As long as you live you will soar in some areas and struggle in others. And you will find that God’s grace is sufficient for any challenge you face. And that’s the word for you today.
Soul food: Exo 36-38; Matt 8:1-9; Ps 81; Prov 2:11-15
2021-01-11
Romans 1:12 NCV
Did you know that trees communicate with each other? They use a network of fungi in their roots to create a support system that allows them to share resources and send out warnings. A tree that’s being attacked by insects can send a warning to other trees. A tall tree that gets plenty of sunlight can send vital nutrients to shaded saplings. Alone they’re more vulnerable, but together they can grow, thrive, and withstand problems. It’s a great illustration of how God wants His church to function.
‘The whole body depends on Christ, and all the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part does its own work to make the whole body grow and be strong with love. (Ephesians 4:15-16 NCV). Often, we want to work alone, especially if we’re a more independent type. But sooner or later, we’ll come up against a problem that makes us realise our need for:
1) Encouragement. Even Paul needed cheering on. He wrote: ‘Everyone in Asia has left me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, who has often helped me and was not ashamed that I was in prison. When he came to Rome, he looked eagerly for me until he found me’ (2 Timothy 1:15-17 NCV).
2) Sympathy. We all need to be understood and have our feelings validated. But sometimes we’re in such a hurry to ‘fix’ people, we forget to sympathise with them.
3) Grace. ‘Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others’ (Colossians 3:13 NLT). God’s grace to us should motivate us to show grace to others, and we’ll never be asked to show more grace to someone than God has already shown to us.
Exo 22-24; Matt 6:1-8; Ps 71:1-16; Prov 2:1-2
