Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 15, 2025
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
4 There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 and there are different ministries and the same Lord; 6 and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good. 8 A word of wisdom is given by the Spirit to one person, a word of knowledge to another according to the same Spirit, 9 faith to still another by the same Spirit, gifts of healing to another in the one Spirit, 10 performance of miracles to another, prophecy to another, the ability to tell spirits apart to another, different kinds of tongues to another, and the interpretation of the tongues to another. 11 All these things are produced by the one and same Spirit who gives what he wants to each person.
Good Morning. Step out and share God’s love with others!
Have you ever been given a gift that you didn’t want, or worse a gift that you didn’t know what it was? I remember an episode of The Big Bang Theory when Sheldon and Amy received a wedding gift that they didn’t know what it was. The giver of the gift gave it as a joke, but they chose to figure it out.
Sheldon and Amy decided it was a clue, which became their scavenger hunt's starting point. Along the way of this contrived scavenger hunt, they found “treasures” that produced memories of their time together. Because they were earnestly looking for wonderful things, that is what they found amid a lost and found box and other obscure places.
God gives us a gift. We might not recognize our gift until God reveals it to us. Some gifts will be used immediately, while others might sit in reserve until the time is right. What about those gifts we didn’t ask for or honestly don’t want? These are not sweaters that we return for a different style or size. These are our gifts of service.
Many a person called to preach has run from their calling, but eventually, by God’s grace, they accept their gift with the love it was given. It is important to take time to discern and accept your gifts from God. Even when we are not sure “what it is” or “what to do with it,” we will be blessed on our journey of discovery if we enter it with a perspective of love.
Sometimes, our answers lie hidden in obscure places or among the mess and broken pieces of a lost and found box. God leaves clues to be found by those who seek joy, love, and peace.
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! You give us choices. We are scared to receive some gifts. Give us the faith to believe in your purpose in our lives. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Follow the clues and discern your gifts!
Embrace the potential of your gifts! Pastor Liz
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