"Are our Spiritual Gifts given for use outside the church?"

I Corinthians 8-10


The Gifts, given by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit upon confession, are for building a consistency in the church that supports its belief in Jesus, unity, and glorifies the Kingdom. (The Church should be looked at as all believers in Christ in the local church and all Christian denominations.) Jesus wanted His Church unified in all ways,becoming one body. The lists contained in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 27-30; Ephesians 4:11 give a non-exhaustive set of examples of the 'parts' of the Body.


Although the gifts are given for use in the Church some will naturally be used in the Believers walk in the world. We must be very careful in creating an argument that this is the ultimate purpose for the Gifts. As I said above the Gifts are given by God to support and bind together all the parts of the the Body of Christ.

Walking By Faith W-3 D-2

At a recent conference 2 Cor. 3:16 came alive for me. I have always been under the assumption that I would see God's Glory in heaven when I would "see Him as He is" (1 John 3:2). Using the verse above the speaker explained that when we come to know Jesus He lifts the veil over God's Glory and allows us to see it...In the one who has lost a child and is able to "show" God through the pain...In the one who has survived a life threatening illness and is able to tell others that God kept the fear away and allowed her to rejoice in His Power and Provision...In the parent whose child has made poor choices and as in Luke 15:11-31 waits with open arms to welcome them home...The Glory of our Lord is all around us. We need only look and listen to the stories of the People.

A Steady Pace (Walking By Faith W-1, D-1)

It's good to be studying with you again. Monday's discussion of Life is hard -- God is good, was inspiring and refreshing. I really enjoy hearing what you think. Now let's dig in.

Reading Hebrews 11 and discovering new truths about faith led me to these thoughts. First, because of my faith God is not ashamed to be my God. This thoughtful jewel is found within vs. 16. There are other verses in the Bible that talk about me not being ashamed of Him or the Word (Romans 1:16-17, Psalm 25:2-3)but this is the only one I could find that outright says God is not ashamed to call me His own. That's an absolutely profound thought. All it takes is faith in Him. Nothing more, nothing less.

Secondly, earlier on in the chapter in vs. 6 it says 'He rewards those who seek Him'. How do we seek Him? In the same way we experience Him, through prayer, the Word, worship, and other Christians. What is the reward? The promise of eternal life because we have faith.

The whole chapter is many examples that reinforce vs. 1. My paraphrase - - "My faith gives me the conviction that what I hope for, heaven and eternal life with my Savior, even though I cannot see it, is really there."

Are you aware of something God wants you to do to further the Kingdom? What in your life is keeping you from taking the first step out of the darkness and into the light?

Spirit Sisters - His Presence - Week 6 Day 2

Creating a list of scriptures that I have ready in troubling times was a delightful time of remembering some of my favorite verses. Some of these I memorized as child, some more recently, but all have had a place and will continue to have purpose in my life experience.
I pray Isaiah 54:17 when I have been wrongly accused, 'stabbed in the back', or blind-sided.
I meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6 when life's challenges become unfathomable or I need help in decision making.
When I'm questioning if I can be forgiven John 3:17 helps me remember Jesus came to save (me) not condemn (me).
If I have a case of the 'why me's' I contemplate Esther 7:13b.
When I need to watch my words Psalm 19:14 is often my prayer.

What an awesome God who loves us so much He wants us to have the answers readily at hand..in and through His Word.

(I didn't write out these scriptures because I want you to spend some time in the Word discovering them for yourselves. Enjoy!!!)

Spirit Sisters - His Presence - Week 6 Day 1

We often become frightened by the unknowns around us. Things like what will happen tomorrow, health issues, age issues, family issues, world issues...All of these and more cause us to fear the unknown. What are we to do?

When the disciples feared what they thought was a ghost walking toward them on the water He (Jesus) said to them, "Take courage, it is I". (See Matt. 14:25-32) When Joshua was appointed to take Moses' place (after his death) and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land God said to him, "Be strong and courageous". (See Joshua 1:6-9) So why should we not become frightened in any of life's challenges? When Jesus said 'it is I' he meant that He is there for us, have faith in His presence. To Joshua God went on to say, "Don't be frightened. I AM with you". Embedded in both the Father and the Son's response is trust Me. I AM. I will. I can.

Spirit Sisters - Satisfaction - Week 5 Day 5

What does work when we've managed, once again, to jump into the 'sin-pit'? Certainly nothing we can do ourselves. We can be the most disciplined believer on the face of the earth, we can have had enough life experiences that we should have seen it coming, we can know our Bible so well that good choices are second nature to us, BUT when the perfect personal sin is dangled in front of us and looks like the best apple on the tree... So what is our protection? Being totally, completely covered in His blanket of loving forgiveness (Song of Songs 2:4). Taking refuge in the shadow of His loving and merciful wings (Psalms 17:8). The best answer to the question...prayer (constant prayer if you will) is the key to protection and peace.

Spirit Sisters - Peace - Week 5 Day 4

Throughout this study we have been practicing praying God's Word. Have you noticed there's a real sense of peace imbedded in this process? Psalm 86 is sub-titled 'A Prayer of David' in my Bible. Through prayer and focusing on God's love David could put those who were tormenting him in the right perspective. Praying this psalm in my own words was very enlightening. Enjoy!



Oh, LORD, bend your ear down to earth so I can speak my needs directly into it.

I trust you to keep me safe because You are my God.

I send prayers to You 24/7. Hear and grant them.

Help me find gladness in serving You.

Many call upon You and depend on Your goodness, forgiveness and constant love.

Hear my prayer and plea for mercy.

When I am in trouble I come to You for the answer.

Your works stand out, You are unique.

Your creation worships You.

You are the One and Only.

Instruct me in Your ways. I am in awe of You.

Thank You for being my God. I give You all the glory.

Your great love sustains me. You are my Deliverer.

Those who do not follow You have risen against me.

Show Your mercy and grace, Your 'always there' love and faithfulness.

Give me strength and keep me safe.

Let those who hate You be shamed because You are my Helper and Comforter.