Darlene Cunningham

God the Father is the composer, and the Holy Spirit is the conductor, giving each of us the music to play as we keep our eyes on Jesus. Maybe I have a tiny little piccolo flute, which has a small but distinct sound. But what if I get jealous of the drummer because he has such a loud, emphatic sound to his drums? If I begin to focus on him, I will mess up the part I’m supposed to play. When the conductor gives me the cue to play my piccolo, I will miss my notes because I’m focusing on someone else’s instrument. I cause disharmony in the orchestra and the music isn’t what it is intended to be because my part is missing. Every contribution is important. God designed you to play a special part. Just use whatever gifts He gives you for His glory. You can’t create orchestra music alone. We need each other. And when we play in a beautiful spirit of unity, people will surely see and glorify Jesus.

Kris Vallotton

Even very gifted people are not necessarily mature Christians. They may not even have good character. Therefore, it is important for us to recognize that the gifts of the Spirit do not validate our walk with God. They can never serve as the measuring stick for spiritual maturity. Rather, it is the fruit of the Spirit that is developed as a person matures in Christ. The Greek word for gift is charis or charisma, which means favor that one receives without any merit of his or her own. The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of maturity in our lives. This fruit grows in our lives as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us—not just through us.

 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts. We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward eagerly for the highest good. Then we deplore the fact that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experience that God has given to others, and we consider this lament to be pious. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts. How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive from Him the little things?

Author Unknown

Learn to appreciate the call of God on your life. He has a different call for everyone. None of us are called to do all the work that needs to be done, but we can each enjoy the assignments that we are given. We can also enjoy the work God does through others. Today holds the opportunity to mature in the knowledge of God and to enjoy whatever God has called you today. Your part is needed. Ask God early in the day to show you where to use your gifts to help others.

 

Francis Frangipane

January 25, 2020

In exercising your spiritual discernment, remember: the word “devil” means “slanderer.” To slander is to do more than to accuse or speak evil of one to another. Literally, the word devil means “one who puts himself or something between two in order to divide them.” Satan’s goal is not just to speak evil but divide us. He seeks to divide spouse from spouse, children from parents, race from race, and church from church, and he will use unresolved issues from the past. The antidote is to restore and then magnify Christ’s love; love covers a multitude of sins.

Blake Healy

Your inner healing and spiritual growth are secondary to your relationship with God. It’s easy to get so caught up with trying to heal your internal wounds that you forget to build your relationship with the healer. It is also easy to get so ambitious in the pursuit of gifts and anointing that you forget that your father is the giver. More often than not, getting rid of demonic influence is as simple as hearing what God has to say about your life.

Todd White

So many times I hear people say they are waiting for God to tell them where and when to minister.

You were already commissioned over 2000 years ago to share the good news. You don’t need to wait for God to audibly speak to you to do what He already told you to do.

So many times we pass by people. Simply open your lips, begin sharing the good news of the Gospel. You will be amazed how God shows up.

Peggy Hoppes

Some people are so cynical about free gifts that they refuse to visit stores that offer such extras. Many in our world reject the free gift from God and they refuse the good things He has to offer. God will provide for your every need, and as you grow in faith and trust, He will fill your heart with the desire for the good things in life. Jesus Christ is the bread of life. He is the Word made flesh. He was sent from heaven to live, die and rise again to new life so we can freely live in the love and glory of the Most High God. It costs us nothing. Eat and drink the gift of eternal life. Partake in the bread and living water that is Christ Jesus, and be satisfied. Thanks be to God.

Alice Briggs

You are qualified to write, to paint, to create wealth, to do that crazy thing that stirs in your heart and ignites your dreams. You are worthy to do this thing. God did not make a mistake in choosing you. He knew exactly what He was doing, and He chose you for this task on purpose. This is the real you – it is your task. No one else can do it better than you.