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Pastor's Notes from The Scribe (August 2014)

posted Jul 27, 2014, 9:52 AM by Pastor Russ Crouthamel

Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all. For one person is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, and another the message of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another performance of miracles, to another prophecy, and to another discernment of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. It is one and the same Spirit, distributing as he decides to each person, who produces all these things.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

All of us have different and varied gifts for ministry.  The apostle Paul tells us that all gifts are in the same Spirit; all different ministries are accomplished in the one Lord; and all results from the gifts and ministries come from the same God who produces them all.  Yes, there are varied and different gifts for ministry.  Some people will have certain gifts while others will have their own special gifts.  These gifts are used to proclaim the name of Jesus, build up the body of Christ, and spread the kingdom of God. 

Take a few moments to think about the gifts for ministry God gave to you.  What are they?  Do you use them?  Are there ones that have yet to be activated by God’s Spirit?  Also, take a moment to think about the people God put into your lives who have recognized your gifts for ministry.  Give thanks for the people God gave to you who helped shape your calling to proclaim the gospel in word and deed. 

Like those persons who helped us to recognize our gifts for ministry, we have a call to help others recognize their Spirit given gifts.  As Paul says there are different gifts, ministries, and results.  Some people might have the gift of music to help enhance the worship service.  Others may have a gift for sharing their faith openly and without reserve.  Some might have the gift for leadership and the administrative aspects of church ministry.  Others have the gift to visit the sick and hospitalized.  Some might have the gift for leading prayer or Bible study.  The Spirit gives gifts to all people who have been called to faith in Jesus Christ.  We have the task to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and then help those disciples recognize their gifts for ministry.  The Holy Spirit will continue to call, gather, and enlighten all of us for the task of using our gifts that were activated. 

In Christ ~ Pastor Maureen

Prayer: Gracious Spirit, you have called us to the gospel and enlightened us with gifts for proclaiming the gospel.  We give you thanks for the communion of saints who have helped us grow in our lives of faith and recognize our gifts for ministry.  Guide us to use our gifts so that you may work through us to bring others into the faith of Jesus Christ and to proclaim that faith to the world.  Amen. 

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