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     Did you know once we have Jesus as Savior, God gives us particular spiritual gifts? Yes, we each have them! You can see more about them in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12 and Ephesians 4.

     We work together to use our gifts for the glory of God and they are used to help the world around us.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7

     Often, the gifts of the Spirit will match up with our natural abilities, but God sometimes pulls us out of our comfort zone. We realize we can count on Him. Our confidence lies in His strength, in His power, in His ability to use us to bless others.

     Watch and observe your children and grandchildren as they grow and encourage them to be comfortable with who they are and how God has made them. Some of the gifts become clear early. Our daughter, Lauren, had a strong faith gift in Jesus from the time she was 4 years old. She taught me along the way. Our daughter Angela has the gift of administration and helps Both gifts fit her personality and her talents.

     Relying on God was difficult for me when I realized He wanted me to begin teaching. Having received my first bad grade in college in a speech class, left me frightened and like Moses, I asked, “Who me?” Obediently, somehow the words changed into, “Here I am, Lord. Use me.”

     The blessings of following His lead are far too numerous to list, but allow Him to lead you into using your gifts. The gift of helps might fit an introvert. Helping others lead, or setting up and taking down after a meeting or class. The gift of hospitality may find you greeting new members in your church or helping to decorate for a time of fellowship.

     Maybe you are a natural leader with the ability to come up with fresh ideas or you have the gift of mercy and encouragement and could fit into a one-on-one ministry for those in need. The list is long and the gifts are many. But we are all members of the body of Christ. How wonderful are His ways.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Sprit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Father,

You work in all of our many parts to make one body of Christ. We all have something to do in the way You choose. Give us confidence to step out and use our abilities, our personalities and our Spiritual gifts to bless others. You continue to bless us right back.

In Jesus name,

Amen