Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether preaches, let us preach according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching; Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
(Rom 12:6-8)
REFLECT
I love the way Paul states verse 6. (my paraphrase) “As Christ divinely works in our lives by Grace thru faith we are to let Christ through for the whole world to see! Jesus tells us (Mat 5:14-15)
(sermon on the mount) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Our focus this week is on the movie Frozen which Queen Elsa fears the power with in and attempts to conceal who she truly is. I look back on my life and how many times I have in advertently quenched the Spirit of God and attempted to hide the works of the Holy Spirit. Paul reveals to us this today that Christ works through many manifestations in our lives: preaching, teaching, serving, exhorting, giving, leadership, and mercy. LET IT GO! Cast of the fear of rejection. We all need each other to share the works of Christ in our lives.
Imagine next Sunday what Cypress would look like if we all let the Grace of God flow through us in this list of wonderful works. Imagine the impact we would see in a single week.
RESPOND Let Go! Let God!
Paul list a number of actions the Holy Spirit uses in out lives. Choose three from the list that you would say “that motivates me!”
- Now pray for the Holy Spirit to draw someone into your life to minister to. All but two are one-on-one encounters with another person. Preaching and leadership are group ministry. Pray for wisdom in all these wonderful works. Then give thanks for the great things He has done!
gracegifted 