God Favors Us, but Plays No Favorites!

Before I knew that I knew that God was not dead, but alive, and that He was calling me out of the darkness of not knowing, into the light of His love, I held some misconceptions. Here are just a few examples of a “faulty understanding” (which is the definition of a misconception) of what it means to be a Christ-follower: that a dedicated life is a charmed life; that we can bargain with God; that we can interfere with God’s purposes by the things we do; that we can figure God out.

It can take time for our misconceptions--or myths--about God to be busted.

One that wreaks a devastating impact on faith, witness, love of self and others, and a trusting relationship in our Creator, is: “What we do, or how we do it reveals how God feels about us.”  Ouch. So much bad theology lies in that statement. It flies in the face of a Biblical understanding of a grace-based salvation, for one thing.

Yet, some of us--both Catholic and Protestant--are taught from a very young age (those of us who attended church and/or Sunday School) that how we live may affect God’s love for us. In some Christian circles, children and adults are instructed that makeup, short hair, tattoos, and certain styles of clothing are not allowed. In others, dancing, smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited.

But perhaps more insidious is the subtle messages believers give one another about our standing as disciples based on our works. In my early days of faith, I was part of a ministry that had a wonderful impact on my growth as a believer. But this group also taught that if a member did not have certain spiritual gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12), they could not assume a leadership role. This misinterpretation of scripture caused some deep hurt among sincere, dedicated people. Those who did not demonstrate a certain spiritual gift felt less than in God’s eyes and in one another’s.

My husband was part of a incredible ministry that offered pastoral care in secular settings. It made a direct impact on the lives of many people who had never set foot inside a church. But every month, reports were to be submitted listing the number of “souls saved” and there was pressure--and maybe competition--to see those numbers rise. The level of success in ministry was based on a number, rather than the personal aspects of discipleship, which are far more difficult to measure. If one’s gifting is not evangelism, it would be easy in that context to think you are failing God.

Studying the Word and living out my faith, has helped in my own version of myth-busters. God is not listing my failures and successes as a measure of my worth ("Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1). 

Every gift is from God and does not indicate any special standing except His incredible forgiveness and grace extended to me and everyone else!

Peter fairly exploded with his good news: “It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he’s doing it everywhere, among everyone. Acts 10:34, The Message.

Sunday School Take-Over by Jenna Vick Silliman

I was raised in a Catholic family that went to mass on Easter and Christmas, so Sunday school was not part of my life. I became a Christian when I was 16 through the youth group called Young Life. Though I have attended church all these years, I never experienced Sunday school very much. However, around 1989 I my husband Cliff and I visited a little church that had a Sunday school class with a book study going on about living life full of the Holy Spirit. The chapter mentioned speaking in tongues. The teacher asked if anyone in the class spoke in tongues. Cliff and I raised our hands. The teacher asked Cliff to tell the class about it. Cliff spoke for the whole hour with a full discourse with Scriptures from the book of Acts on being baptized in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues and he shared his Jesus People days story and what happened to him. At one point Cliff asked me to share how I received the gift of tongues, so I gave my testimony as a part of the class too. (Note: For my testimony on receiving the gift of tongues, here is the link:  http://thedanceoflifewithjenna.blogspot.com/2012/09/more-of-holy-spirit-filled-life.html  ) We didn’t plan on a Sunday School Take-over—it just happened. Hahaha! 

My husband and I both enjoyed remembering that day over twenty years ago. That is our favorite Sunday school class memory, but a runner up would be another week in the same class when the pastor’s wife shared about speaking in tongues while she was in Israel and someone recognized the language she was speaking and wrote down the interpretation for her. She still had the ragged scrap of paper and read it to us. It was a beautiful prayer and it was also speaking of our glorious love relationship with the Lord Jesus.

To me the best part of any class, book, or lecture is the stories people tell about what happened to them. I have found that testimonies, or stories of real lives, are extremely powerful, moving, and life giving. They are also memorable!

Gifts for the Common Good

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit...Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:1, 12).

Every believer is the recipient of at least one spiritual gift freely given by God. A gift can’t be conjured up, or willed or merited: it is by His wonderful grace that we receive these good gifts to serve Him and the Church.

I have taken more than one spiritual gift inventory, but, as Nora Ephron famously wrote, “I remember nothing.” I honestly don’t remember what these inventories revealed, probably because after reading the results, I was busy chasing after toddlers. What became a more effective method of determining how God gifted me to participate in His kingdom was trial and error over time.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7).

Our spiritual gifts may be deeply entwined with our natural strengths, but when we are empowered to follow God, our natural gifts take on a whole new dimension and meaning. I have found that to be the case for me.  I have been singing and writing since I was a small child--I was no prodigy and didn’t have much guidance or know-how for expanding those gifts beyond the usual, but they were definite areas of interest and strength.

As I grew as a believer, my natural gifts took on a new dimension. For instance, I discovered I could not only enjoy worship (which I did not early on, because I was reserved and too embarrassed to show my joy) but I could also lead worship effectively. Through being mentored and encouraged by more experienced worship leaders who saw in me what I could not, I was able to step out in faith and discover how God could use me to help the Church to worship. Taking risks is an important part of growing in the gifts God gives.

My ability to write is intertwined with gifts of teaching and guidance.  I want to encourage and help others to grow in the Word, in their faith and in individual growth and empowerment.  The trial and error method continues, as I seek God’s guidance for specifics on how I am to use these gifts.

Last year I created a weekly summer Bible study that combines my love to write, to teach and to serve/be hospitable: I host “Stories on the Porch” at my home, complete with a front porch, an original Bible study, scones and tea.  Those attending asked me all year if we could do it again, and now it is an annual event.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10).

For those who struggle in identifying the spiritual gifts God has given them, I suggest seeking the insight of a trusted, mature believer. Inventories are also a good tool, but so is listing one's passions and interests, and the gifts/talents inherent in those areas. No one is left out from participating and expanding God's kingdom--and as long as we grow our gifts in love and service to others, we bring glory to our generous Creator.

Encouragment by Amanda Elder Silvers

An online search of the word "encourage" yielded these results-

en·cour·age/enˈkərij/

Verb:	Give support, confidence, or hope to (someone): "encouraging results"; "I feel encouraged". Give support and advice to (someone) to do or continue something: "pupils are encouraged to be creative".
Synonyms:	embolden - hearten - support - promote - stimulate

My spiritual gift from day one has been the gift of encouragment.  For as far back as I can recall I am usually the person in my circle whom the others come to for guidance and advice.  I've always been hardwired that way.  I believe I'm a good listener and truly want to hear what is happening in the lives of others.  It's a very social responsibility, however it's not a responsibility I take lightly.  Frankly it is one which comes with a great deal of pressure.  It's necessary that we hold that mirror up to ourselves when we are offering advice and support to others. 

Scripture instructs us throughout to be encouragers.

Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."

Proverbs 27:17
"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

It is our responsibility as believers in Christ to love, encourage, listen, and to hold one another's feet to the fire when necessary.  It's not always an easy task, but it is the one to which I was called.  Life can be challenging at times and sometimes we all just need to hear a kind word from another human who can show us a glimpse into the pure love of Christ.  I try to be that person for my family, my friends, and even strangers.  If I'm being honest there are times I fail miserably, but it's comforting to know that when I, "the encourager", need support I can always to to a Holy God Who will never keep His love from me. 

My prayer for each person reading this is that God has blessed you with a person (or several people) who are encouragers to you on a daily basis.  I have my support.  They are often times what keeps me sane!  In a world which can be so cruel at times I personally find it of foremost importance to know that there are people who will listen and help steer when I feel I'm drifting off road.  I'm honored to be able to return the favor.

Have a blessed weekend!

"You don't write because you want to say something, you write because you've got something to say." F. Scott Fitzgerald

I'd love the opportunity to describe a Saul/Paul-like moment if my life's journey that lead me to blogging...but unfortunately...there just isn't one.

Blogging is my form of stress relief. I love to write, and since I love the Lord, the two just fell hand-in-hand for me. But, I've been told I have a talent when it comes to communicating in the verbal and written word. IF that is indeed true, I accept that premise only as a spiritual gift from God to be used for His glory.

Talents are a result of genetics and/or training. Anyone can have talent. Spiritual gifts come only to the Believer and only through the Holy Spirit...with a humble responsibility:


 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.  Romans 12:3 (NIV)

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  Romans 12:6 (NIV)

I guess I've used my supposed talent in communications to cruise through academic and professional task with a certain degree of ease. But I chose to look at the skill, right or wrong, as a gift from God, and that compels me to use that gift for His benefit. Not just my own.

Maybe writing is a talent, maybe a gift. I'm not leaving the decision to chance, so I blog for Him. I share what He has done and is doing in my life for His glory. I never take the ability for granted and fellowship with others who also share His blessings through their written words. I write for the Kingdom.

None of those statements negate in any manner that blogging is still a pressure release for me. Serving God doesn't have to be stressful...it's a privilege...and an honor. Sure. The Kingdom is always under attack, but Christians have a distinct advantage over every and all adversaries that help us deal with that seemingly never ending battle.

 We know how the story ends...

God said to...that's all I need to know.

My wife often accuses me of being full of useless information. There are nights we watch Jeopardy together, and I breeze through certain categories (although struggle in others).  But what good does all that knowledge really do without the wisdom to apply it in practical matters?

The same can be said about Biblical knowledge. I know many very smart people who can quote Scripture with amazing recall. But without the wisdom to give that knowledge direction, or put it into action, God can't really use the effort in the Kingdom.

Of course, a message of knowledge comes directly from the Holy Spirit, a spiritual gift from God. I believe when God provides a message of knowledge, He most always includes a message of wisdom at some point too. The Bible is full of examples where God gives a message of wisdom: Noah, Abraham to leave Mesopotamia, Moses, and Joshua to cross the Jordan River to name but a few.

But we see more often God giving a message of knowledge (information) combined with a message of wisdom (direction): Moses told to speak to Pharaoh on the banks of the Nile River in Exodus 7:14-15 is a great example of this, or Peter being told by the Spirit three men were looking for him (information) and for him to go to them and go with them (direction) in Acts 10:19-20.

I literally crave such gifts from God.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 (NIV)

As a husband, father and teacher at church, I pray regularly for the type of wisdom James speaks of in his Epistle. I need God's daily guidance and direction to better perform my responsibilities in a manner pleasing to Him, and I know He blesses me with that guidance because I take the time to listen after the request.

But the spiritual gift of a message of wisdom is on a completely different level. I find it intriguing that in most every case mentioned in the Bible where God provides a message of knowledge and/or a message of wisdom,  the recipient is initially shocked, denies or even rebukes the message. Hopefully, the hesitation comes from a state of humility and being overcome by the awe of God speaking directly to the person through the Spirit.

I know without doubt such a spiritual gift would bring me to my knees in complete humiliation...yet further evidence my prayer request for wisdom are being answered.






 

What'd He do that for?!

Amazement. That's what I feel whenever I think about all God does for all of humanity; does for me. I am so unworthy yet He chose to save me, give me His Holy Spirit to live inside of me, and then He even gives me gifts so that I can take part in His work. Unbelievable.

When we talk about spiritual gifts, it's ALL about God. It's not to any of our credit what gifting God has given us, but is all to His glory. It's GOD who GAVE us these gifts, it's all about His supreme goodness to us, and though us.

Repeatedly in my life God has chosen to gift and use me in the areas of Mercy, Encouragement, and Leadership. Always He has used these gifts through me to shower His love on the people in my life; at home, at church, at work, and everywhere else that I go.

Routinely I'm drawn to what some people may call "down and outers". Unshowered, "rag tag" type folks on the street will almost always stop and talk to me. I get to tell them how God loves them and wants to bring them to Himself and bless them. I get to give them food and/or money. I get to show them respect and listen to what they have to say. I know that some people struggle with feeling judgmental toward these type of people, or even feeling just plain uncomfortable. But God in me doesn't leave room for those type feelings. In my jobs I've almost always worked in settings that served the disenfranchised (mentally ill, developmentally disabled, severely chemically addicted, etc.); I think that's because God's made me motivated by mercy.

On a regular basis clerks in stores, or at my yearly work physical location, or bank tellers, etc. will just start telling me their woes and I get to love on them. Speak words of encouragement over their troubles. Often this is only for a few brief moments, and then I'll go on my way praying for them silently. Every great once in a while I get to actually pray God's blessing over them.

Throughout my life God has given me opportunities at my school, work, or church to have a special word of hope and encouragement for someone. Often I'll write it down on a card and mail it to them. I never cease to be amazed at how blessed people are by these cards (although why I'm amazed is rather silly since it's God who is leading me and it is He who is giving me the words of encouragement to speak to their hearts).

I can remember one really cool work experience where God blessed both myself and others by letting me use these words of encouragement that He speaks to my heart for others. It was when I was an administrator of a secured psychiatric facility and I'd been there less than 8 months. That particular facility had struggled keeping a director of nursing, and in the entire nursing department, for the prior several years. We were having a luncheon to honor the licensed nurses, there were only perhaps 9 of them. I felt impressed to set it up so that as we finished the dinner I called them each up one at a time. When they came up I gave each of them a specific word that characterized them, written on a piece of paper. Then I spoke about that nurse in relation to that word. The Lord gave me those words, even though I did not say that at work. He loved those nurses through me, and boy did they respond. Their hearts were open and they ate it up! Our world is tough and people respond to mercy that chooses to not focus on their faults and to words of encouragement.

Frequently through the years God's blessed me with opportunities through the church or in the community to facilitate small groups. Some of these groups have been Bible study oriented, some recovery oriented, some of a purely social nature. It seems like during those groups He's almost always using my mouth to speak words of mercy and encouragement to the participants.

It's been said that one simple way to tell what gifts God has given to you, is to look at what He's doing though you. From as early on as elementary school, I've routinely ended up in charge of things. Now this would seem normal if I was outgoing and driven, but I'm not. I'm what Meyer Friedman and his colleagues would have classified as a Type B Personality; laid back, wants things to be so that "everybody can win", not particularly motivated by the classic signs of success. I'm even on the shy side. But, even when I try to stay back and let other people be in charge, I almost always end up in the driver's seat of things.

I believe that's because there are few people who are willing to step forward and lead. I also believe that it's because God's given me the gift of leadership. So in our local church I get to serve by joining together with a few other women who, together, we seek God for what He wants to do through and for the women in our local congregation. Together by God's leading this team makes the decisions about what directions women's ministry is going to take, what we're going to be doing, what needs to be going on. Then each of us steps out in various areas to make that vision real on the nuts and bolts level.

In my work, repeatedly through the years God's given me a vision of ways to accomplish the mission of the business, and I've been able to implement methods that bring both monetary and service success. Repeatedly through the years I've been blessed to invest in the leaders that report to me and help them develop their skills and gifts and provide them with opportunities to grow and gain recognition.

One of my all time most encouraging experiences with regard to leadership was something my oldest son, who graduated this past spring from USMA WestPoint, told me. He said that God has blessed him many times in many situations with opportunities to learn about leadership but that no one has ever taught him more about leadership than I have. That's a God thing!

You may notice as you're reading this that as I'm talking about spiritual gifts I'm not just talking about formal ministry in the church. I'm talking about day to day life at work and where ever I go. That's because I don't think life can be divided up; God works in my life where ever I am. Certainly the Bible indicates that spiritual gifts are given by God to be used in the body of Christ, which also means in the local gathering of that body. But because He's gifted us, those gifts are used wherever we are at if we will be open. Sometimes in the past I've missed out on using the gifts He's given me because I've been looking for formal "ministry" opportunities. But I've learned that all of life is the "opportunity".

Today I'm just trying to learn to be open and hear His voice and step out as He brings opportunities my way.

My Desire

When I started seminary in South Dakota they made us pay money to take a whole battery of tests, including a spiritual gifts inventory.  I’ve taken them before.  Often these tests determine that I am “pastoral.”  I also found out that I was an INFP on the Myers-Briggs.  However, last summer when I took it again, I was an ESTJ.  Go figure? 

I like taking these types of tests.  I don’t treat them as the end all clue to my uniqueness but they are fun to take.  I wish sometimes though that the Holy Spirit would administer a test and tell you the results.  Surely, that test would be accurate.  Surely, you could plan your life’s work and mission around such a test. 

If you read my blogs at all, you’ve probably picked up that I have a fair amount of frustration.  I am an excellent teacher, love to teach, but have no class to teach.  The spiritual gift test is right, I am pastoral, but I have no sheep to pastor.  I am an excellent preacher, but I have no place to preach.  I am a good writer – for that at least I have the blogs.  I am an excellent administrator but I have no place to administrate.  I’m frustrated.

I’ve been told to be patient.  I’ve been told to wait on God.  I’ve been told God’s timing is perfect.  All those wonderful things I’ve been told are true and correct.  But like the woman who desperately wants a child and her biological clock is ticking, remembering my age is like a blaring alarm going off in my head.  I am getting old.  As I woke up this a.m. I had aches and pains.  How much longer can I wait? 

My husband has said to me several times in the last few days, I don’t know whether to pray for a job for you or not.  Sometimes I think you want one and other times I’m not sure.  I replied with no one will hire me because I’m too old.  If my experience is truth, I’m right about this.  I then said to him, I just want to feel like I matter.  I want to feel like the gifts that I have and the intelligence God gave me, are useful.  In other words, I want to take this love I have for people, this pastoral gift and use it to bless people. 

A few months ago I had the opportunity to minister to a wonderful group of women.  I told my story and shared my life with them.  Then I prayed with them.  For 3 more hours, one after another they came to me one by one.  I prayed, I prophesied, I gave them the jewelry off my neck, I cried, we hugged.  It was a wonderful evening.  I said to a friend that I loved each one of those women as they came for prayer.  God gave me gentle and affirming words.  Even when there was a correction in the word, I delivered it as gently and affirming as possible.  My friend, said: “That’s the pastoral gift in you.” 

I think my greatest gift, if you want to call it a gift, is to be real.  I take it as a great compliment when people say to me “your real.”  I’m being real on Kingdom Bloggers today.  I’m frustrated.  I think of a song I heard as a kid:

"I've a yearning in my heart that cannot be denied, It's a longing that has never yet been satisfied.  I want the world to know the One who loves them so, Like a flame it's burning deep inside.  To be used of God, to sing, to speak, to pray; to be used of God to show someone the way.  I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire; to be used of God is my desire." 

Loving Others With Our Gifts

I have been teaching a class about the gifts that God gives us to be more effective in ministry. The Bible has all sorts of lists and mentions a number of gifts singly as well. The most well known lists are 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, Romans 12:6-8 and Ephesians 4:11. If you were to read 1 Corinthians chapter 12, 13 and 14 as though they were one long chapter (which it is), you 'd begin to see why we need these gifts, and the love of Christ to encourage others.

This week your faithful Kingdom Bloggers are going to talk about the gifts they desire (or use) to love others. The gifts are one of the many evidences of a living God - which is what makes Christianity greater than any other religion.

1 Corinthians 14 Intelligibility in Worship1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.

I got saved many years ago, and I didn't have any church or Christian friends to fellowship with until five years later. I was just saved, and spent my time hoping that God would fill my requests as they floated up to Heaven. Church was pretty much a spectator sport. You listened to the pastor teach and pray, sang a few songs and went home; hopefully feeling uplifted.

One day I had quite an encounter with Jesus (Act 19:3-7). I was on fire for God and I wanted to do something for God - well except preach sermons. My evangelical friends did some street witnessing, and that didn't really grab me either. I was glad there were lists of other things to do. So I chose a few to desire. I like teaching (I was a high school teacher at the time), worship because I had a degree i music, and prophecy.

I was at a meeting and met a guy named Denny Cramer. Here is what he spoke over me that January day back in 1998. I share this because the gifts changed my Christian walk from spectatating to doing. I am also sharing it because for those that either know me personally, or through the hundreds of blogs I have written, know that every thing spoken here has come to pass.

Son, there was a day when I would have called you a reluctant leader. But God would say I have removed all the reluctance from you and I've set you afire recently. I've stirred you and I've stimulated you. And from within your belly says God truths are going to begin to come forth [prophesy]. I have made you a man of the Word, open it my son and I will begin to speak to you out of it. And the prophets says God, the prophets in my Word will become of special importance to you.

I will give you a heart for nations as well, says the Lord. And you will travel from coast to coast. And you will learn what I am doing upon the earth. You’ll pick up this truth and that truth. I see you going to several major conferences. I see several air tickets being purchased. I see you getting on a plane-- flying here, flying there, flying here, flying there.

God says I’m going to equip you. Many men will speak into your life. No longer will you be reluctant in the things of God, no longer will you be conservative. You've  said "Lord I want to stay out of the limelight." God says "sorry I disagree." Get into it, get into it, get into it! I’m going to make you a leader - listen to this - God says "there’s teaching all over you." You can teach and train, teach and train, teach and train. 

God says you need to have a little refocusing done. You've got to much activity going on, you've been out of focus this last year. '97 was a year that you were scattered, and you weren't focused quite like you need to be. God's going to focus you for 1998. YOU’RE NOT GOING TO WASTE TIME OR ENERGY! And God says resources will be no problem. I’m going to touch your finances. God says I’ve a got a financial package for you son - benefits you wouldn't believe. There’s even some writing in you. Writing, writing, writing, writing. And God says I’m going to increase his authority. Says the Lord.

(You understand that reluctance is not disobedience. It has nothing to do with him making a mistake. Some of us a reluctant. Amen.) And God is going to remove that from you and use you in a mighty way, a mighty way, a mighty way, a mighty way.

You’re going through a transition and God is with you. Oh son of God such as I have [prophecy] I give to you in Jesus name. Amen.

Lord it's hard to be humble...when you made me such a great dancer.

I missed my Friday rotation due to the death of a close family friend to both Candice and I. Thanks David for letting me post on your day instead. I love you brother.

The below YouTube video has been used by a number of people to illustrate a plethora of different points. Not long ago, I did a little editing on the video for our church's Youth Pastor, so he could make a point with our teenagers. Good stuff.

Let me follow suit...



Last week, your Kingdom Bloggers were discussing being a part of the Body of Christ, using a spiritual gift while working with others who have different spiritual gifts. Immediately, this video came to mind.

I personally have absolutely no problem being that first guy up. Good, bad or even ugly...God made me fearless when it comes to being a trailblazer. New music, new ministries or even new theological ideas (gasp) are no obstacle for yours truly. The problem with that gift is the potential of God not being a part of the new movement, and the motivation for the movement is all self-driven. Ouch. Now we have a problem.

But what if the idea or movement is from God, yet so different in scope it may intimidate others. That's where the spiritual gift I'm not blessed with comes to play...and that's the second guy up who joins in and starts dancing. Without him, you have a single nut out there on an island of what has become humility. First dude absolutely needs second dude to get his movement started. I'm thankful to God for the brave souls who believe in a new idea enough to stand up in support...stepping out on faith most of the time because they don't fully realize the scope of the movement or plan.

Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

God often breaks me with this verse. He blessed me with the gall to often be the first, but in that blessing comes a tightrope walk between confidence/arrogance and humility on my part. Praise often comes to the entrepreneur that succeeds in our society. Often that praise is followed by pride on the part of the succeeding. The very same thing happens in our churches. Those who stand up as a show of support and go storming into a new venture, knowing full well the credit for success will fall elsewhere, exercise a lesson in humility that is very much Christ-like.

Yes, Jesus was the first up in the greatest movement in all human history...but He did it with the humility of the second guy up.

Lord, help me be humble, please break me down, while giving me strength to be brave in Your name. May I never forget it's ALL about You. Amen.

Surprise Me!

Many years ago when I lived in Connecticut, a woman in the church I attended came to me and said I had a dream about you. I thought oh, really? I was all ears.

I don't remember exactly how the dream went but I do remember that it had to do with me having lots and lots of presents. She said that I had lots of presents and all of them were mine. They were beautifully wrapped gifts. She said "I think God is going to give you lots of gifts. They were there for the picking."

I thought WOW! That's cool! I said something spiritual like MORE LORD! We said that a lot in those days. I can remember some really neat times where declaring "more Lord" meant some amazing experiences in God.

I like gifts. I have some definite feelings about gifts. First, they should be from the heart. To me that means that the giver knows me well enough to know what I might like. They know my favorite color, favorite flower, favorite food, or something.

Cost doesn't matter. A gift of the right type of chocolate covered cherries - Cella with 100% liquid centers absolutely delights me. The ones with cream centers will not make me happy. An inexpensive box of the right kind, tells me you know me well enough to buy the right kind. It is the knowing me that is much more important than the gift itself.

I also like to be surprised. My husband is not good at surprise or even picking gifts. One Christmas, I agreed to go shopping with him. I picked out my presents and he picked out his. We wrapped them and put them under the tree. I hated it. The gifts had no meaning. There was nothing special about them at all.

Maybe I'm just too hard to please. Nevertheless, I still like to be surprised with a gift from the heart. I want a gift that meets my criteria of a true gift.

It's the same way with God's gifts. I want all the gifts that the woman saw - I want to be showered with gifts from God. I want to open those beautifully packaged gifts and delight in each one. I know God knows my heart and I know His heart for me is what is best. I imagine any gift God gives me with be perfect.

That's why I can't chose today a gift to write about today. I can think of lots of areas that I'm deficient. I have lots of things that need fixing. I have lots of things I want to do better. There are lots of gifts I'd love to have to not just benefit myself but to give back to the body of Christ. I'd like to lay hands on every person with cancer and see them miraculously healed. I'd like to multiply fish and bread and feed thousands of hungry people. I have a holy greed, I want it all.

I'm not going to chose. I'm going to let God chose what gifts He has for me. I want Him to not only send it from His heart, but also to surprise me.

What I Want - Desire the Spiritual Gifts

10 years ago I was in Brazil for the first time. It was a three week, whirlwind tour of church after church. I was with a team of four; two Brazilians, myself and a friend who is a Korean. It was an amazing time, and God did amazing things. (HERE is the complete rundown.)

A prophetic minister once called me a reluctant leader.I am very content to take the back seat to anyone, especially if they aremore gifted than I am.I have done lots fo blogs about gifting HERE is on.

This week your Kingdom Bloggers are writing about what it means to be part of the Body of Christ - to be gifted in one area, and work with those gifted in another area.

Our little team was diverse in gifting. Lessak was a seminary trained preacher - and a fiery one at that. Carlos, also a seminary trained minister; very pastoral, and had the gift of evangelism like I have never seen it. He would preach on a street corner, and 50 people would come to the Lord. He had success on cruise ships, tour buses and one-on-one. From the pulpit he get more hands per service that anyone I have ever seen in even the most evangelical of churches.My background is much more about prophetic ministry than anything else, although I have been to cemetery. Hyangnan, she had some seminar training, but her gift was healing.

On November 19, 1999 we were at a meeting at Igreja Evangelica Luz do Mundo in Londrina, BZ.It was strange, but the pastor left the meeting early; another commitment I guess. We just started to pray for people and Nan laid hands on a woman who had a severe car accident nearly a year before and was in wheelchair. She got up and started to walk around that sanctuary - healed! Another woman who was about 60 with leg braces on, received prayer. She took them off and was running about the sanctuary, shouting "Gloria Deus!" For she had been crippled since birth!

What I love about the body of Christ, is that I just have t do my part - to be the gifting or talent that I am . I don't have to bring thousands to Christ like Billy Graham, or preach a sermon like Charles Stanley. What I have to do is see what the Father is doing and do it.

1 Corinthians 14 1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit 3 But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.

How about you, do you desire the spiritual gifts?