Today’s Scripture
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
—1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NKJV)
Additional Scripture
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
—Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)
Reflect on the Word
Every daughter and son of God, each member of Christ’s body, has been given spiritual enabling that grants us access to understanding and power beyond our own. These gifts are not personality traits or talents; they can’t be found in anyone’s toolbox. Instead, they come from above.
Though generally referred to as “spiritual gifts,” these capacities to function supernaturally include more than one category of spirituals (gifts and ministries) and different ways in which they work (activities). For instance, the gift of prophecy isn’t the same as the ministry of a prophet, and some prophecies console while others announce the future.
Over time we grow more sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting to exercise a gift and function in our ministry. And we learn to cooperate more fully with the Holy Spirit, speaking words He gives us to share and taking actions He bids us do.
That partnership produces miraculous results in others’ lives—and that’s why Paul encourages us to seek spiritual gifts so earnestly (1 Cor. 12:31, 14:1,12).
Prayer + Contemplation
- Re-read these scripture passages aloud, and ask God to give you insight about your spiritual giftedness.
- This week, how will you make space to minister with your unique spiritual gifts?
- Pray that you and your church will operate more fully with the spiritual tools and capacities He has ordained in your lives.
More on Spiritual Gifts
From Pastor Daniel Brown
“The Word of God is a book that talks to us over and over and over again,” says Daniel A. Brown, Ph.D., in this video from Foursquare Connection 2018. As a pastor, teacher and founder of Commended to the Word, Daniel has taught and trained leaders all over the world to walk in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
