God gives us a basket of ingredients…
God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel [wisdom], clear understanding [knowledge], simple trust [faith], healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation [prophecy], distinguishing between spirits [discernement], tongues, interpretation of tongues. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 The Message (MSG)
A Bag of Tools
by R.L. Sharpe (1870-1950)
Isn’t it strange that princes and kings,
And clowns that caper in sawdust rings,
And common people like you and me
Are builders for eternity?
Each is given a bag of tools,
a shapeless mass, a book of rules;
And each must make — ere life is flown —
A stumbling block or a stepping-stone.
“Are you ready for the best day of your life? ‘Cause it’s here.
Yesterdays gone… a cancelled check.
Tomorrow may never come… a promissory note.
Today is CASH… spend it wisely.”
God’s purpose is not to “chop” us down but to build us up, to encourage us, to help and strengthen us.
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
What’s in your basket?
What are you going to do with it?
YOU ARE NOT GOING TO GET CHOPPED!