Daily Devotional for Tuesday, July 29

The Source of the Gifts

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord,” 1 Corinthians 12:4, 5.

Everything God has set in order has a special place and purpose. We see this in nature all around us. The sun has been placed perfectly to give heat and light to the earth without burning it up. The moon is in the exact position to control the tides of the ocean and give us light by night. And even the annoying bees with their painful stingers play a very important role to human life. Creation works together flawlessly to maintain life on earth. But none of it would be possible without the Creator, Almighty God.

The Lord has order in everything He established. This is also true within His churches. As a church, we are called to make disciples, uphold the truth of God’s Word, teach, help the poor, comfort the brokenhearted, pray for the sick and so much more. To do this work, the Lord gives various abilities and gifts to the members of the churches. The gifts were different in biblical times than they are today, but the concept is the same. The abilities we receive come from God and are to be used for His glory and honor to help prosper His church.

There are gifts the Lord has given you. He wants to use you, but are you willing? We tend to notice the more obvious gifts such as teaching, singing or playing an instrument. But some of the greatest gifts have to do with ministering to others. You may have a special gift of encouragement or be an excellent prayer warrior. Or maybe you have gone through trials in your own life and are able to relate and give comfort to others in difficult times (2 Corinthians 1:4). Seek how you can use your gifts and thank the Lord for the gifts He gives.

REFLECTION

Be careful not to envy the gifts of others. Follow God.

Darla Goodrum