God Promises Spiritual Gifts(Sep 28)
Paul’s letter so far has dealt with problems of a personal nature. But now he addresses public issues in the Corinthian church: the veiling of women, the importance of the Lord’s Supper & the use of spiritual gifts. Worship must be characterised by propriety and orderliness. And spiritual gifts must be exercised in love, for the building up of the whole body of Christ. Only then is the church of God properly worshipping the God of the church.
Lord, we will Use Spiritual Gifts:
There are different kinds of gifts,
but the same Spirit distributes them.
There are different kinds of service
but the same Lord who does the work in all of us (1Cor 12:4-6).
Now to each one of the
manifestation of the Spirit is
given for the Common Good.
To one is given the word of wisdom
through the Spirit, to another faith
by the same Spirit, to another
gifts of healings (v7-9).
But one and the same Spirit…
distributing to each one
individually as He wills (v11).
Lord, Your Word says that You give Your people special gifts that they can use to build Your kingdom. Thank You for the different kinds of gifts that the Spirit has given me. Give me wisdom & discernment and opportunities to use them so as to help accomplish the Lord’s will on earth. Amen.
Lord, I worship You for Your creativity & welcome it in my life. May I never place limits on what I expect You to say or how U say it. Open my mind to anything that is in Your heart. Help me to discern and to hear Your voice in others. Help me to see past their flaws and to recognise what You are saying through them. Amen.
Lord, grant me the gift of wisdom and of special knowledge. Alert me to Your gentle nudges to represent You to others. Make me aware of various creative ways You speak so that I can speak forth Your word. And teach me to ask: What are You really saying; before I even think: Why is this thing happening. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.