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Things I Think I Know About Spiritual Gifts

Isaiah 41-44, 1 Cor 12

It’s easier to recognize someone else’s gift than it is to see my own

I’m often more envious of others’ gifts than I am thankful for my own

I’m disappointed when someone out-gifts me

People with developed spiritual gifts make it look easy

Discovering our spiritual gifts is incredibly exciting and simultaneously terrifying

Spiritual gifts are planned to meet a need in the world, somewhere

Spiritual gifts need to be developed

Developing one gift might reveal a new one

If your gift feels like a burden, you’re not using it appropriately

Using your gifts is worship.  It’s also pleasurable.

Spiritual gifts are designed to be used in conjunction with others

Spiritual gifts don’t retire, only people do

Sometimes, I want the gift someone else has

What am I missing?

 

 

Because of Christ

Today’s readings are 2 Kings 20, Isaiah 38-40, Psalm 68, and 1 Corinthians 11.

In 2 Kings 20 and Isaiah 38-39 we read about God healing King Hezekiah, king of the southern kingdom of Judah, from an illness which would have led to his death. Shortly thereafter Babylon sent envoys to see him because they heard of his healing. Hezekiah himself says he showed them all that was in his house (2 Kings 20:15 and Isaiah 39:4). God was upset about this and said as a result his lineage would be taken captive by the Babylonian empire which we know did later occur. Why was God displeased?

King Hezekiah did not glorify God through his healing and give credit to God. He missed his opportunity to tell these pagan visitors about the one and only true God of the Universe who saved him. Instead, he showed them his “stuff.” And on top of that, he did not give God credit for providing that either.

How often do we just show people who don’t know Jesus our “stuff,” instead of showing them Him? How often do we not give him credit for all He’s brought us through..most importantly saving us from our sins on the cross and giving us eternal life with Him in Heaven as a result?

In 2018, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis which would have eventually led to paralysis in my legs and loss of the use of both hands. By the grace of God, 5 surgeries between 2019 and 2021 stopped the progression. Not only that, but through a connection from my sister-in-law, Kim, to her sister, Diane, I was able to find a surgeon in Pittsburgh who fixed my condition without a fusion of my spine which is the only common treatment and what Mayo even recommend. A fusion in my late 30s would have not only led to loss of range of motion, but almost certainly more complications and fusions if I live to anywhere near life expectancy. While I still have some symptoms, most noticeable atrophy, and some minor loss of motor functions in my hand, I was told by a physician friend how blessed I am to even be able to type this right now, let alone throw a ball and play catch with my kids. Born at a different time, I would have been just like the paralyzed man at the pool of Bethesda (John 5) or the man with withered hand Jesus healed (Mark 3:1-6). This is not to even mention yet that my dream was to be an orthodontist, but at the very last minute something (I know now it was God) caused me to change my major to finance when completing my application to the University of Illinois and led me to my career today. If not for God’s provision to lead me on a different career path, I could be wondering right now what to do for a career, not to mention possibly experiencing major financial hardship or at a minimum financial change for my family. God has truly blessed me and my family.

In reflecting, I realized recently when sharing my story when someone notices I have trouble opening something or I struggle doing something else requiring a find motor skill, I don’t always share as much of my story or always give as much glory to God in my shortened and rushed version as I should. I need to be reminded to show people Jesus and how He’s healed and me through my story and weakness (and most importantly saved me from my sins)..not just my “stuff” like Hezekiah.

2 Corinthians 12:9

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Because of Christ…

https://youtu.be/xcE5TiZwANM?si=NdLBjtLZOegNBBKm

Spiritual Revival

Today’s Readings:  2 Chronicles 29-31 and 1 Corinthians 8

2 Chronicles 29–31 and 1 Corinthians 8 both provide spiritual lessons that can be applied to our lives today.

2 Chronicles 29–31 (Hezekiah’s Reforms)

These chapters detail the reforms of King Hezekiah, focusing on his efforts to restore true worship in Judah after a period of spiritual decline. Hezekiah cleanses the temple, reinstates proper worship practices, and encourages the people to turn back to God with renewed devotion.

Here are some key themes and thoughts on how we can apply these verses.

  1. Spiritual Renewal and Repentance:

– Application: Hezekiah’s efforts remind us of the need for personal and communal spiritual renewal. We can apply this by regularly evaluating our own spiritual lives, confessing our sins, and seeking to realign ourselves with God’s will. Just as Hezekiah sought to cleanse the temple, we can strive to remove anything in our lives that hinders our relationship with God.

  1. Restoration of Worship:

– Application: Worship was central to Hezekiah’s reforms. This encourages us to make worship—both private and corporate—an important part of our lives. We can ask ourselves if we are worshiping God in spirit and truth, or if there are distractions or idols that need to be addressed.

  1. Community and Leadership:

– Application: Hezekiah led the people in turning back to God, showing how spiritual leaders play a role in guiding communities toward righteousness. If you are in a leadership position, this is a reminder to lead others with integrity and devotion. If not, it highlights the importance of supporting leaders who seek God’s will.

  1. Obedience and Trust in God’s Timing:

– Application: The people of Judah responded to Hezekiah’s call with obedience. This teaches us to respond to God’s call with trust, even when it involves making changes or sacrifices in our lives.

In summary, how can we apply these scriptures to our lives?

– Examine your spiritual life regularly for areas that need renewal or reform, like Hezekiah’s reforms.

– Be mindful of your actions—whether in worship, personal decisions, or lifestyle—ensuring they are guided by love and Biblcal guidance and not just knowledge or freedom.

– Seek unity in the church by being sensitive to the spiritual needs and convictions of others, even when you have the freedom to act differently. With that said, follow scripture no matter how difficult the situation may be to influence or witness a believer or non-believer.

– Lead and serve others with a heart that is committed to helping them grow closer to God.

Be Like Mike?

In the 1990s there was an advertising series for Gatorade with the theme “Be Like Mike”. This “Mike” is the world-famous Michael Jordan, typically referred to as the greatest basketball player of all time. Michael Jordan was and is a global cultural icon.

When I’ve been to faraway lands and people ask me where I am from in the USA, instead of saying Michigan I say “near Chicago”. And when they stare blankly as if they do not know where Chicago is, I say “Chicago Bulls” and then they say “oh, Michael Jordan!”. This actually happens quite often!

The intent of “Be Like Mike” was to convince people that if they drank Gatorade, they would be like Michael Jordan. In case you weren’t aware, drinking Gatorade does not by any means make you or anyone else even remotely similar to Michael Jordan.

Just as Michael Jordan is unique, so are you. You are loved by God more than you may know. And when we try to be something we are not, we become just a cheap imitation. Our value to God does not change based on how good (or bad) we are, the results we achieve, or even if we choose not to follow him – he loves us nonetheless.

The concept of “cheap imitation” can also be compared to our objects of worship. Surely none of us bow down and worship our phones, calendars, homes, cars, or children however these things can become idols if we are not careful. Our worship is only as valuable as what or whom we worship.

They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them. (2 Kings 17:15 NLT)

Being like Mike might have sold sports drinks, but in reality, being like anyone else just sells us short. God’s love for you isn’t based on performance or perfection—it’s based on who you are, His beloved child. Don’t settle for imitations. Live in the truth that your worth comes from a God who loves you deeply and desires our worship, not of the world’s idols, but of Christ alone.

This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12)

Today’s reading: 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 17; Psalm 66; 1 Corinthians 7

Why Wait?

Isaiah 30-35, 1 Corinthians 5-6

I grow weary of waiting. To be honest, I’m not even sure what I’m waiting for. God promises a life “to the full,” but I’m not feeling it. Worse yet, I see trouble on the horizon. The economy is unstable, health issues arise, relationships are strained, and I can’t sleep anymore. What do I do? I rush ahead, just like the Israelites.

The Israelites had their struggles. Constantly threatened by invasion, they were a small nation, vulnerable to being overpowered by neighboring armies. Exhausted from living in fear, they turned to Egypt for a solution. Egypt was powerful, with a vast army and a mighty Pharaoh. So, Israel sought an alliance.

They believed this alliance would protect them. Once the threat from their neighbors was gone, they could live freely. Better yet, they thought they’d thrive. After all, a good alliance brings new opportunities. But this wasn’t true. The Israelites had forgotten what happened before. Their previous alliance with Egypt didn’t bring protection and provision; it led to oppression and slavery. This is the prophet Isaiah’s warning: if they proceed with this alliance, they will face shame and humiliation (Isaiah 30:3).

Thankfully, Isaiah doesn’t leave Israel without a solution. He reminds them of the grace that awaits them—grace that is freely given and abundantly provided by God. This grace, Isaiah says, is beyond what they can imagine. It dispels darkness, heals wounds, and binds brokenness (Isaiah 30:26). More than that, it fills hearts with gladness and strikes fear into their enemies (Isaiah 30:29-31).

Isaiah’s words are just as relevant today. We see all kinds of alliances and quick fixes to our problems—money, medicine, and more. But none of them truly work. It is only through the love and grace of Jesus Christ that we find what we’re searching for if we remember Isaiah’s precious words:

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,
and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
blessed are all those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 30:18)

Perfect Peace Day

Today’s Readings: Isaiah 26-29, Psalm 65, 1 Corinthians 4

Jennifer and I are sitting outside enjoying the nice weather we have been having recently.  As we discuss schedules for the week, things going on at work, how our parenting skills are paying off, and medical issues we are facing, I can start feeling a little overwhelmed. My brain can start racing as to what I need to do or what I need to do to conquer it all.  Pause – It’s not going to be me.

You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. 

Isaiah 26:3-4

Isaiah provided me with the reminder that I needed.  Even though I will try to stay diligent in my words and actions, I must turn my heart and mind to our Lord.  I need to pray for more steadfastness in the Lord when I feel I need to have all the answers.

18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.

1 Corinthians 3:18

He is our Rock, the one who provides peace in the moments when the world wants to direct our steps and mind space. Do you need perfect peace? I know I would love this. The only place I feel this is when I’m genuinely trusting His perfect plans, which are not found in our planner or in earthly circumstances.

Praying for Perfect Peace Today

 

Who is the Gardener?

Today’s Reading: Isaiah:23-25 ; I Corinthians 3

Over the last couple weeks, the season has been transitioned from summer to fall. There are days when we have extreme heat and the next day is extremely cool. This is a great time of year.  All of creation is starting to slow down and starting to get ready for the winter. Today, as I was driving to a pumpkin patch, I saw several furry caterpillars crossing the street. This is nature alerting us, they are getting ready for the winter to come. 

As part of the preparations for fall or autumn, we have started to harvest garden items and the big crop items: corn and soybeans.  One part of fall gardening that is not known as much is the closing or renovating the garden.  This consists of pulling up the expired crops and preparing the garden for the spring or for a fall crop. This process is not easy. It’s the same process that is performed in the spring.  In this process you have to remove the roots and the stems of the previous plants. Then turn the soil and give it more nutrients to prepare for the next harvest. If you are producing a fall crop, you need to plant the seeds before the frost comes. This is a very strategic and a meaningful process that has to take time and effort to execute to ensure that you are a proper steward to the garden. 

“I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In the third chapter of First Corinthians, Paul is using the garden as a metaphor. He uses himself as a sower of seeds. Then he uses Apollos as the waterer of the seeds. He uses God as the gardener. Paul has a great understanding of his assignment or appointment in the grand scheme of the garden of God’s people.  Paul is sent to give the seeds of compassion and love that God has for us. Then Apollos was used to water and cultivate immature the seeds, that planet by Paul. But the true gardener of the seeds is God. Nothing can be done without God‘s intervention into the garden. 

Sometimes we can lose focus on our assignment and what we are here to produce, sometimes we believe that we are the gardeners. Sometimes we believe that we will see the fulfillment of all the things that we do.  We try to own everything that we are given to manage or be stewards over. We forget that this assignment is temporary and that God is the only one that owns the garden and has the full picture of the garden.  

God is graciously giving us an opportunity to see that we may sow seeds and not see the fulfillment or the fruit of those seeds.  Each time we give a smile or a kind word, we  are sowing into people.  I admit that I get in a place that I want to “own” so many things and want to see the results of the seeds that God has allowed me to plant.  Many times I want to see the end result. As I grow,  I know that the good that I give will be rewarded. 

Let us not get caught up in the end result. Let us not get caught up in who is watering or  who is sowing seeds.  Let us not get caught up in thinking about only us. Let us ask God to give us the ability to be the best steward.  

When we need reassurance let’s remember Isaiah 25:

“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall,”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭25‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Mind Of Christ

Isaiah 20-22, 1 Corinthians 2

Today promised to be a great day.  I had fun meetings scheduled with plenty of time in between to accomplish some much needed paperwork.  I was looking forward to it, until I opened my email.  There, I was greeted by two tough conversations.  My day was quickly derailed.  That’s when I heard the honking of a car alarm down the street.  ‘Someone,’ I thought ‘set off their alarm.’  I gave it a passing thought and soon enough, it disappeared.

I set out, as I always do, walking the dog ready to enjoy the sunrise.  Down the street, I saw the car with the hood up.  Standing close by was a young woman in tears.  It was her alarm.  “I was just trying to go to work,” she said innocently, “but I don’t have my fob and tried to unlock the door with my key and now the whole neighborhood is awake.”  She had to disconnect the battery.  Now, she is stranded.  Helpless.

Once I satisfied myself that she was safe and had a plan, I set back out for my walk.  But, my heart was not satisfied.  With tears filling my eyes I couldn’t shake the feeling that I could have – should have – done more.  ‘What, on earth, is going on?’ I asked silently.  Why is this bothering me so much?

Fredrich Buechner explains it.  He says that “Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears, it is well to pay the closest attention. They are not only telling you something about the secret of who you are, but more often than not God is speaking to you through them of the mystery of where you have come from and is summoning you to where, if your soul is to be saved, you should go to next.”

In that moment I understood the love of Jesus just a little bit better.  He did the unthinkable, for me.  He gave it all.  He held nothing back, so that I could have could have life. He did it not because I deserve it, but because he loves me.

What if God was giving me an opportunity to think like him?  To have, as 1 Corinthians 1:16 says, “the mind of Christ.”  That means that these tears, this pain in my heart, may well be Him calling me to do the unthinkable.  To serve my neighbor in a ridiculous way and to respond to my horrible emails the same way Christ responds to my irreverent and rebellious behavior.  With ridiculous love.

It’s odd that when I adopt His mindset, I am filled with peace, compassion and love.  It makes sense to me now why Buechner uses the words, “if your soul is to be saved.”  And I was clear on where I should go next. He is calling me to become more like Him.

“We understand these things, because we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16

Buechner, Frederick. Listening to Your Life: Daily Meditations with Frederick Buechner (p. 237). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

 

Who Gets the Glory?

Today’s readings are Isaiah 17-19, Psalm 62, and 1 Corinthians 1.

From a very young age we seem to all have a need for attention. We want to be noticed. You might even call it human nature. Just this past holiday weekend I heard my young kids say in the pool many times, “Dad..look at me!” Is wanting to be noticed, seen, or heard wrong or a sin? I would probably say it is not, but there is a very fine line. We live in a world today where it is very easy to cross that line. We constantly post pictures of our latest vacations, sports games and concerts we are attending, dinner at fancy restaurants, ours or our kids’ achievements, and we can’t forget that selfie’s seem to be the norm these days. Yes…we have to admit that our “look at me” world has become a little excessive. And I’m not just pointing fingers at others.

Merriam-Webster defines boast as “to praise oneself extravagantly with speech: speak of oneself with pride.”

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:31, “so that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Paul leads by example in this chapter starting in verse 1 where he gives credit to God saying he’s called by God’s will to be an apostle of Jesus. In verse 4 he gives thanks to God and in verse 9 he again gives credit to God saying it was God’s faithfulness that they were called into fellowship with Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians 1:26-30, Paul discusses how many whom he is writing to were not wise or noble by worldly standards. He says God chose what is weak, despised, and low in the world to shame the strong so that He would get the glory, and they could only boast in Him.

Some of us may have come from really tough and humble backgrounds that is easier to realize we would not have gotten to where we are today without Him. Some of us may have been more fortunate in our background that it is easier to take what we have for granted or even if we came from a tough background we could say we worked hard and made it for ourselves. That is the “American Way” right?

But, we must all realize we were born into this world naked with nothing (so whatever we have/had has come from Him), and we all will die and leave this world taking nothing with us. And we are all dead in our sin without His saving grace which gives us who are believers eternal life found only in Him.

So, the next time we talk to others about what is going well in our lives, or we post that picture on Facebook or Instagram, let us remember to give Him the glory and praise He deserves knowing that we should only boast in Him (1 Corinthians 1:31).

Prophesy of a Messiah and Suffering

Today’s readings:  Isaiah 7-10; Psalm 22; Matthew 26

Isaiah 7–10, Psalm 22, and Matthew 26 are significant passages in the Bible, and they share thematic connections, especially around the themes of suffering, messianic prophecy, and deliverance. Here’s how they interrelate:

Isaiah 7–10: Prophecy of Immanuel and the Messiah

These chapters contain prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 7:14 famously predicts the birth of a child, referred to as “Immanuel” (meaning “God with us”), which is later interpreted as a prophecy of the birth of Jesus. Isaiah 9 also speaks of a future child who will establish peace and righteousness—a reference often tied to Jesus Christ in Christian tradition.

Psalm 22: The Suffering Servant

Psalm 22 is often called a “messianic psalm” because of its vivid descriptions of suffering, many of which are seen as prefiguring the crucifixion of Jesus. It opens with the line, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” which are the words Jesus speaks on the cross (as recorded in Matthew 27:46). The Psalm describes intense suffering, mockery, and physical pain, and we have traditionally seen this as a prophetic anticipation of Jesus’ passion and death.

Matthew 26: Jesus’ Suffering and Betrayal

Matthew 26 recounts key events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, including the Last Supper, His betrayal by Judas, His arrest, and the beginning of His trial. These events fulfill the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s suffering and rejection. The agony that Jesus experiences in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His later betrayal and arrest, reflect the suffering prophesied in both Psalm 22 and Isaiah.

How They Relate

-Messianic Prophecy: Isaiah 7–10 predicts the coming of a child who will be called Immanuel and who will bring salvation to Israel. We interpret these prophecies as referring to Jesus, whose birth, life, and mission are detailed in the Gospels, including Matthew 26.

-Suffering and Redemption: Psalm 22 paints a picture of a suffering servant who is mocked, pierced, and afflicted—images that we connect to Jesus’ crucifixion. In Matthew 26, Jesus begins the path to His ultimate suffering, fulfilling the prophetic imagery found in Isaiah and Psalm 22.

– Fulfillment in the Gospels: Matthew 26 portrays events in Jesus’ life that are often seen as direct fulfillments of these Old Testament prophecies, such as His rejection by the people, His suffering, and His eventual crucifixion.

Together, these passages contribute to the overarching narrative that Jesus is the promised Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection were foretold in the Old Testament.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT