1 Corinthians 12-14

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them." 1 Corinthians 12:4

1 Corinthians 12 breaks down every spiritual gift and how it affects the body of Christ. (I've written about Spiritual gifts a ton already) 

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me." 1 Corinthians 13:11

1 Corinthians 13 is probably the most familiar because it's the "love chapter". Love is a term that's used so often, that it can lose it's power. Are you really demonstrating love on a daily basis or are you still living like a selfish child? *yikes* 

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit..." 1 Corinthians 14:1

Chapter 14 really breaks down the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy. There are so many mixed messages about what they are, when they should be used, but in the end, God has already provided us with a manual. 

Happy Monday! What has been your favorite verse or chapter in 1 Corinthians so far? 

Matthew 25

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

What are you doing with the material things that God has blessed you with? Are you sowing into good ground by tithing to your church? Are you blessing others financially as God leads you? Are you harboring your spiritual gifts for yourself? Are others being brought to the knowledge of Christ through your words and actions? God doesn't want us to be afraid and bury our blessings (Matthew 25:24-30). Don't allow fear hold you back from growing in Christ. Happy Tuesday!

Matthew 13

"When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, 'Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?' Then they scoffed, 'He’s just the carpenter’s son...and so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.'" Matthew 13:53-58

This passage shows Jesus, the son of God, doing his Father's work, walking in his purpose. He's healing people, giving them hope, perspective and encouragement. However, when he returns to his hometown, people can only focus on his upbringing, his family, his circumstances. They could not get past the labels that they had placed on him. Has anyone ever tried to corner you with their critiques? Have people judged you off of your past and not your future? No big deal, Jesus went through the SAME thing!

But look at this, because Jesus' neighbors were so narrow-minded, they missed out on seeing Jesus in all his glory. He didn't do many miracles there. So what your BFF from elementary school doesn't like your convictions? Somebody, somewhere needs to hear your story. Somebody somewhere needs to be empowered through your poetry, music, writing, painting, or dancing. Everyone can't walk with you into your destiny, so don't allow the naysayers to stifle your gifts. You are talented. You are special. You are a vital part of the spiritual body.

Are you allowing the crowds determine your walk? Jesus didn't. Are you greater than him? Ha! #jesusjuke ...of course you don't think you're greater than Jesus, but it does make you think...

Happy Snowy Thursday!

Applying your gifts

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" 1 Peter 4:10

Now that you have an idea of what your spiritual gifts are, do something with them! Think of ways, big or small of how you can use your gifts and talents to bless someone else. If you're an optimist with a positive attitude, you can call a friend to give them some encouragement. If you're a prayer warrior, construct a prayer list and pray for those people on it. Your spiritual gifts are ingrained in you and should feel like a hassle or inconvenience. After all, they're not for you, they're used to bless others and demonstrate the love of Christ. Have a wonderful weekend! :)

"A man's gift makes room for him and brings him before the great." Proverbs 18:16

Identifying Spiritual Gifts

"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." Romans 12:4-5

I talk a lot about walking in the purpose that God has designed especially for you. But what if you have no idea what that is? This is where knowing your spiritual gifts is important. There was a time that I honestly didn't know how I could be involved in church because I wasn't a singer, a preacher, or an usher. That was so far from the truth! The enemy loves when we discount ourselves and our abilities. We all have ways to serve and edify the body of Christ! Here's a quick test that can be used to learn what your gifts are and show you how to apply them! http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com. If you take it let me know :) Happy Thursday

"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:7