By His Grace

Some of the biggest questions we ask ourselves are, "why was I created, what is my purpose, what does God expect from me".  We often find ourselves searching and seeking to answer these questions by trial and error.  Sometimes we hit the jackpot and become successful right off the bat.  One of my favorite stories to tell is the journey of the Monarch Butterfly.  

These tiny insects never got the message that it was too small to accomplish a 3,000-mile journey.  It is challenged by obstacles that should make the trip sudden death at any point of the trip.  They have a navigation system that kicks in and directs every mile of the journey.  Their GPS includes rest time, what direction the wind blows to its advantage and even when to catch free rides.

The Bible – God's word is the best GPS system known to man. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps 119:105 (KJV) His word will direct our path, strengthen our wings, and restore our soul.  Everything we need to be successful is packed in these pages.  When we invite God into our heart, the spirit of man and the Holy Spirit will work together to lead you to purpose.  The Holy Spirit will lead you to all truth.  God will protect your heart and never leave or forsake you.  Even when it looks hopeless, you feel helpless, or defeated.  How AWESOME is that?

Trust God!  Do not give up.  Keep a Bible nearby.  Make reading and studying the Bible a part of your daily plan.  God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. What a Team - You can do this with this leadership.  This team is known as the Trinity will  be forever.  

"Researching and searching for a list of spiritual gifts may take time and effort. Some notes include only part of the lists, while other notes provide a detailed list. Scripture shares the lists of gifts in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, and 1 Peter. 

• Discernment: being able to recognize the truth about a situation
• Exhortation: people with this gift are enthusiastic about the Lord and they can motivate others
• Shepherding: looking out for the spiritual welfare of others
• Faith: trusting God to fulfill His plan. People with this gift are encouragers
• Evangelism: the building up of the church so others will be led to Christ
• Apostleship: motivators, church planters, missionaries: people who look beyond the walls
• Service/Helps: helping those in need of practical assistance (Romans 12:7 NIV)
• Mercy: The person with this gift shows acts of compassion
• Giving: People with this gift will give freely and with joy to further His kingdom
• Hospitality: Making people feel welcome, appreciated, and wanted (1 Peter 4:9 NIV)

Do you recognize your gift? Do you see more than one area where you feel gifted? Are you a Sunday School teacher, an Elder or Deacon in your church, a volunteer in the church office, or do you serve on the church prayer committee? Do you pray for others? These are different ways spiritual gifts are used to show His love and to bring people closer to Him.

Pray about your own spiritual gift. Ask God to help you recognize the special gift He has given you. Ask God to help you use your spiritual gifts to lead others to Him."

 A Comprehensive Spiritual Gifts List from the Bible (biblestudytools.com)