Passage of the Day: 1st Corinthians 12: 7 … Now to each one [i.e., Christian] the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
Hebrews 10: 23 – 25 … 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
My Journal for Today: One of the most important aspects of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is found in the dovetail of these two verses. When one becomes a Christian he/she is given Spiritual Gifts (see the discussion of spiritual gifts in 1st Cor. 12, Rom. 12, and Eph. 4) so that Christians individually and collectively (in the Church) can reach out and minister to other believers and to witness to the lost. And as we read in the passage from Hebrews above, these Spirit-driven, Spirit-given functions are most effectively carried out from a unified body of believers.
As individual Christians, endowed by God’s Spirit with at least one spiritual gift (and maybe more than one), each of us can use those gifts individually for God’s glory (above see 1st Cor. 12: 7). But there are times when my spiritual gift of teaching does not match the needs of a person who might best be served by someone with the gift of mercy. It’s not that I can’t be merciful; but those who have the gift of mercy could more easily and more effectively come along side me from the Body of Christ to provide the mercy needed by a needy one if that one were being served by God’s Spirit through His Church. All of God’s gifts, as provided by God’s Spirit, are evident and available in God’s Church. Hence, when the Body of Christ is working in unity, all of the needs of His Body can be met by His Body when the Church is functioning as indicated in Heb. 10: 23 – 25.
Everyday, through my home church, I see people being helped, encouraged, directed, and/or ministered to by the brothers/sisters in Christ with gifts that perfectly match the circumstances and/or needs of those in need. Sometimes I can use my spiritual gifts of teaching or encouragement; …but then again, sometimes it takes the gifts of others to effectively be Christ in a given set of circumstances. But when the Body of Christ comes together for the Body of Christ, there is not a need that cannot be met in that Body. That’s God’s church doing God’s work, i.e., shining His Light, by the administration of His Spirit in His Name for the Father’s glory [see Matt. 5: 16].
I pray that you’re a vital part of a vital church, using your gifts, along side your brothers/sisters in Christ for God’s glory.
My Prayer Today: Use me, Lord, in Your Body. Amen
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