Monday, July 26, 2010

Gifted to GO or STAY


As we work our way through the book of Acts we see a church where God has gifted some to Go out and be missionaries and plant churches and preach the gospel in new places. But there ar also others (probably more of these people) who have been gifted to stay. People who live life in their local church and they, encourage, give, pray, administrate, be hospitable... 

Often its the people with the upfront or highly visible gifts that seem to be put in the spot light. Thats why I love reading Romans 16 and seeing all the unkown people who are helping Paul with his mission to the gentiles and church planting.

This is wher we see the truth of ephesians 4 and 1 Cor 12 and how the church opperates as a body. With some highly visible parts and others unseen - but we must all work together to see the continued growth of the church.

How has God gifted you and where is he calling you to serve?  Pray this week that he would reveal these things to you.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

God's Words in and out of us

I will put my words in his mouth he will tell everything I command him
Duet 18
 I will pour out my spirit on all my people
Your sons and daughters will prophesy
Young men will see visions
Old men will dream dreams
Even on my servants both men and women I will pour out my spirit in those days and they will prophesy.
Acts 2:18

God continues to speak - Primarily through the Bible - but also through us as God's spirit works in and through us to reveal his truth. Jesus says to his disciples in John 16

But when he the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you in all truth. He will not speak on His own, he will only speak what he hears and He will tell you what is yet to come.

As the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit I too belive that God can reveal his truth through us. It never goes beyond scripture but can powerfully speak to the lives of people. The gift of prophecy is still active today in the life of the church, let us continue to be the chanell for God to speak.
 
Ask him today who you are to build up and encourage
Who do you need to send a bible verse too today - Ask God who and what?  and then have faith to act.
 
Remember the context of the use of any gift is love -  This is not about you  - It's from God for others!!
 
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 1 Cor 14:1