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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 13, 2007 Gifts…Service…Works |
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Frontline Devotion for Saturday, January 13, 2007 by Brenda Kessler
1 Corinthians 12: 4-6
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are
varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but
it is the same God who inspires them all in every one.” (RSV)
Gifts…service…works. All are mentioned in these three short scripture verses from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Biblical scholars suggest that these verses show the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts.
My study bible says that the Greek word for service “in its various forms is used to indicate service to the Christian community” and the Greek word for working “indicates power that is in operation. Spiritual gifts produce results that are obvious.”
Is there any occasion that matches these definitions better than a meaningful worship experience? Various servants of God use many different kinds of gifts to praise God and serve the worshipping community in a spirit of unity. What a powerful experience that is. The results are obvious. All glory, laud and honor are given to our Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Note: Spirit…Lord…God, a reflection of the Trinity, are also mentioned in these three short verses.)
Take a moment to give thanks for the various people who share their gifts in Christian community each week to support and inspire you. Take a moment to give thanks for the various people who share their gifts in Christian community each week to give glory to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Take a moment to give thanks for the gifts God has given to you. Take a moment to reflect on how God might want you to use those gifts in service to the Christian community and to others. Those gifts will produce results that are obvious!
Gifts…service…works. God works all of them in everyone!
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the many gifts you give to your people. Thank you for the many servants who so willingly share their gifts in so many different ways and who are all united in giving glory to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Use all of our gifts to serve others and to bring glory to your name. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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