ROAD JOURNAL

Read - 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 "Now there are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit, and there are varieties of service but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Observe - Paul tells us the church functions best: first of all by the power, presence, and empowering of the Holy Spirit; secondly by being many and still one. In other words, the church requires the Holy Spirit's gifts as distributed to everyone and, in the same way God is three whats and one who, the church requires many parts enacting many activities for the benefit of each other and for all.

Apply - When have I most felt like I used by gift to contribute to the accomplishment of a mission? The first experience that stands out most brilliantly in my head is when I was "cast" to deliver a gospel message to a large crowd on the beach in Virginia. I directed and choreographed a battle scene that took place publicly on the beach, in order to draw a large crowd and illustrate the truth the Jesus conquers all of his enemies and brings the dead back to life. At the completion of the battle, I shared the gospel with a script from the Spirit as loudly and lovingly as I could. I wonder if that is a revelation of my spiritual gift and how I may use it more regularly for God's glory (and not my own). Reading this passage has rekindled a curiosity for me nail down my spiritual gifts and my place in the God's church. The chapter mentions helpers and administrators alongside healers and miracle workers. It seems to imply a top down org-chart of apostles, prophets, and teachers. Which of any of these am I? I don't speak in tongues nor interpret, and I haven't healed anyone or conducted any miracles. I seem to have rubbed shoulders with stuff that resembles the other gifts; however, I do not want to misappropriate my gifting and I am still young. God is refining me and He will unveil his role for me when he list.

Depend - "Holy Spirit, my Lord, my God: of all the various ways that you can use me, please use me. You have given me a desire to serve you, to be active for you among your children, your bride. Shield me from over-zealousness, from over-ambitiousness, from and over-sized desire for something good. You alone are worthy of sizable desire. You deserve the position of glory, honor, and praise in my life. You promise to distribute gifts of your Spirit and you command us to earnestly desire the higher gifts in and with love. Well up within me a love, as is described in your Word. And from that place, that love, may I be used by you and for you. Amen."