spiritual gifts – Page 3

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 – Have You Opened Your Gift?

The Holy Spirit is so generous! Not only are we gifted with special abilities to further the kingdom, we are drawn to Jesus, recognizing that he is Lord because of the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives. The gifts we are given are designed especially for us. “There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.”

When we realize how we have been gifted, we can use our gifts to serve God and others in our kingdom fellowship. It’s usually not too hard to figure out how we’ve been gifted. Start by looking at what you are good at or what gives you joy when you do it. What are some of those things for you? Are you using them to help build up God’s kingdom?

1 Corinthians 12:1-31 💚 Special Abilities

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-31

superman suit revealed underneath clothes

Isn’t it exciting to know that having the Holy Spirit take up residence in you has some added perks? This is the perfect reading to touch on some of the special abilities we have access to through the Holy Spirit. This doesn’t mean we’ll see all these things manifested in our lives. “God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” That’s the truth we need to hold on to.

When you read this list, did you recognize a Spiritual gift you may have been given? If not, no worries because there are other lists in the Bible. Each of our gifts and abilities may be different, but perfectly chosen by God for his purpose.

1 Kings 10:14-29 – Is It Too Much?

Read 1 Kings 10:14-29

a handful of gold stars all floating up in the air

King Solomon has quite the reputation. More and more wealth continues to flow his way. He is well-respected, helping many nations, not just his own, with the wisdom God gave him.

The lavish appearance of the palace as well as the multitude of horses, chariots, and such seems a bit like overkill to me. I started to ask myself, “is it too much?” Enough is enough. Aren’t there hungry people somewhere that could use support? Covering everything in gold seems a little excessive to me.

1 Kings 4:20-34 – Prosperity

Read 1 Kings 4:20-34

cartoon-bag of money with a bunch of gold coins in front

Prosperity often eludes us, but not so for Solomon and his court. I love how this section starts off with an answered promise. You may recall God promised Abraham in Genesis 22:17, “I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.” I love when the Bible points to itself. These people are those promised descendants!

A breath of fresh air! Solomon’s rule is peaceful, and there is harmony. I can’t help but remember how much fighting we read about during David’s reign. But then his gift was to be a warrior. His son is taking a different route. Could you even fathom the daily allowance of food and supplies for Solomon’s household?

2 Samuel 21:1-14 – Pleasing God

Read 2 Samuel 21:1-14

Little girl looking up smiling with golden stars illuminated behind her

Are we like David seeking to please God? The famine is not pleasant, and it is good to see David seeking God’s counsel in the midst of it. Imagine how surprised David was when he heard God’s explanation. “The famine has come because Saul and his family are guilty of murdering the Gibeonites.”

We are not told when this famine takes place other than it’s during David’s reign. We have just entered the final chapters of 2 Samuel that begin with this narrative. However, it’s a random story, and where it fits into the scheme of David’s reign is not clear. We’ll need to read 1 Kings 1 to take up where our last chapter left us.