A SPECIAL GIFT FROM GOD

A GIFT FROM GOD- What are SPIRITUAL GIFTS and how we are to use them.

I’ve always been a natural born teacher as well as a lifelong learner. When I learn something new I’m almost compelled to share it with someone else. I get so excited and feel that someone would love to know this too! It has always been easy for me to disseminate information so others understand it. No wonder I became a teacher. I would have to say that teaching is a “natural talent” of mine! Some people are natural born athletes or singers or writers or artists. Some of us are amazing communicators or are great and deep thinkers.  You may have a gift with numbers and others may be able to write a novel. Everyone has an area in our lives that we shine! 

These are called “natural” abilities. We are just naturally good at them! They seem to be a part of us.  You could say we are born with them! While I can’t sing at all, I can speak to big crowds and for me, it’s like talking to my best friend! Only I have 300 best friends. I am very creative yet don’t give me the home finances because math is lost on me!

I am very creative yet don’t hand home finances over to me because math is lost on me! At this stage in my life I know what I am good at and what I have no talent for. I know I can make almost anything look pretty and I also know I’ll never sing O, HOLY NIGHT in a church Christmas cantata no matter how hard I practice.

Do you know your natural gifts? We all have them because God has wired all of us with things we excel in. It’s part of our job in life to know and cultivate them. Ultimately, using our natural giftedness to glorify God is the best use of our natural giftings. These natural abilities also bring joy and richness to our lives!

There is another kind of giftedness we all have. It’s “learned ability”.  Often times these learned abilities overlap with our natural abilities. Learned abilities are things we are good at because we have studied, either formally or informally. 

I am a pretty good photographer but it’s taken years and years to be able to take a great picture! Just look at the first couple years of my blog and you can see that creating beautiful photos was definitely a learned ability. Helped by my artistic eye and creativity, the more I read about taking gorgeous pictures and practicing the better and better I got.

I could probably learn to be good at math (never great) if I took math classes and did lots of work, but because math is not a natural gift it would not be an easy road!  I could probably learn to sing too, but I can’t even imagine who would want to teach me! 

 Even learned abilities are a gift from God.

There is another kind of gifted ability some of us have that is not natural or learned. These are spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts differ from natural or learned gifts because they are given to us at the point of our conversion. When we accept Jesus Christ as our LORD and Savior we are giving at least one amazing gift! 

Because we are born again I like to think of  these as a birthday gift, of sorts! Everyone gets at least one. EVERYONE! 

Do you know your spiritual gift(s)? And just as importantly… are you using them. 

Our spiritual gifts can often overlap with our natural and learned giftedness. But then they may be totally different from other abilities we have.

Like I said earlier, I am a naturally born and learned teacher. I was born with this innate ability to teach. I also went to college and beyond to hone my skill.

When I accepted the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ I was given the “gift” of teaching. Did I know it right away? No. But the more I studied God’s word the more compelled I was to teach it. It was not long before God put me in a position to use my spiritual gift.

I could see God working powerfully in my life and through my life to use the gift of teaching. Far above and beyond my natural gifting.

One drawback of my natural inclination to teach is my memory. I have a horrid memory. Always have! I may be a naturally born teacher, but I’m also a naturally born forgetter! My memory could be a real stumbling block to teaching! But when I teach God’s word I have an excellent memory. I retain almost all of what I study in God’s word. And I retain it for years! God has enabled my horrid memory to retain and remember what I learn! And I have the ability to recall concepts and Scripture when I need them.

Believe me… THIS IS NOT ME! IT’S GOD! 

You are no different than I am. If you are a child of God you too have at least one pretty amazing gift! It’s our job to find those gifts and use them.

When my son was a little boy he so wanted to have the gifts of tongues because he thought it would be cool (Now, I’m not going to get into the discussion if tongues are still given and in use in the church today). He decided for himself that that was his gift. And he waited for it to come. But it never did. Here’s the thing… we don’t pick our spiritual gifts, God chooses them for us.

He gives them liberally and it is our responsibility to find these special gifts in our lives.  Just think what the church would look like if every Christian would know their spiritual gifts and be actively using them. We would be an amazing force in this dark world for good!

There are three references in the bible that show us spiritual gifts God bestows on believers…

ROMANS 12:6-8  

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;  if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;  the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness

  • prophesy
  • serving
  • teaching
  • encouraging
  • leadership
  • giving
  • mercy

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

  •  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 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.  For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,  to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.  All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
  • wisdom
  • word of knowledge
  • faith
  • healing
  • miraculous powers
  • prophesy
  • distinguishing between spirits
  • speaking in tongues
  • interpretation of tongues

1 Corinthians 12:28  

And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.

  • healing 
  • helps
  • government
  • diversity of tongues

Our spiritual gifts are to be used to GLORIFY GOD and to EDIFY THE CHURCH.  God says nothing about our needs or how they are to benefit us except in the context of the church at large. They are gifts we are to use in the most amazing, eternal ways!  These holy, God-given gifts manifest the Holy Spirit and His power in the church.

Can you imagine what the body of Christ would look like if we all used our spiritual gifts? This is not biblical, but I think there would be no lacking in our churches! And the outside world would be knocking down the doors of our church buildings to get in! 

Finding and using our spiritual gifts is of such GREAT IMPORTANCE. We, believers in Jesus, are accountable for them. God expects us to be using them.

If you belong to a church it is important to talk to your leaders and have them come along side of you to prayerfully and humbly seek your spiritual gifts. And once we have found a gift or two or even more we need to use them!

Why is finding and using our gifts so so important? Because they are like being given an extravagant, great treasure! If we never know what our spiritual gifts are it is like never opening the treasure. All that wealth for naught!

If we don’t use our spiritual gifts it is like squandering this extravagant, great treasure! 

If we are a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ we have been given natural, learned and spiritual gifts. Treasures beyond measure, for sure! Let’s liberally use them! Glorify God with them! Edify others! And in doing so we and others will be richly blessed!

This week’s memorization verse:

NEVER BE LAZY BUT WORK AND SERVE THE LORD, ENTHUSIASTICALLY. Romans 12:11 (New Living Bible Translation)

 

pin-it-and-save-the-inspiration

 

A GIFT FROM GOD- What are SPIRITUAL GIFTS and how we are to use them.

 

 

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68 Comments

  1. Anne Marie says:

    You are a beautiful writer – wonderful post.

  2. Lynn Schwarzkopf says:

    Thank you. I needed this reminder. No gift from Him is small. It can be used for His glory in big ways.

  3. I am also a teacher and a Christian who loves to study God’s word. I can relate to your post! Keep writing encouraging words.

  4. I was once called “Mrs. Barnabas” by a man at a church we attended. He explained he called me that because I was always sending people encouraging notes! As a retired teacher, encouraging and teaching are two ways I continue to interact in the lives of others.

  5. Wanted to share with you a special gift God gave to me
    At Birth.And thru experiences with him recognized for the gift it is.As a baby they would call me morning glory as I always woke with a smile on my face.Through my many years of Gods gift of life.I have recognized my gift
    Is my smile,where ever I am I look people in the eye and smile.Am blessed watching Thier expression change as
    I gift them with my smile And within bless them.God is good

    1. What a beautiful Gift Bet! I have to say that just hearing about your smile brought a smile to me ?
      Thank you Yvonne for a very special post !

    2. Audrey Goatley says:

      Wow you have the gift that is of the healing nature!!!! What a glorious God!

  6. Karen VanLoo says:

    Just what I needed to read this morning, thank you! We all have special gifts from God. I am always grateful for what I am given from Him.

  7. Thank you for using and sharing the gifts God has given you!

  8. Thank you for “unwrapping” these scripture references of spiritual gifts for us! And bless you for sharing your gifts with us!

  9. How timely your message as I make decisions on how to spend time for the best outcome for my family and myself

  10. Thank you, Yvonne! Very inspirational. You do have gifts and you are generous that you want to share! This year we are hosting Thanksgiving and I’m very excited

    1. Oh, I am excited for you! Nothing like having a house full of friends and family!

  11. Marilyn Gillis says:

    Thank you for sharing… Need still step up my game and use my God given gifts?

  12. Thank you for this spiritual uplift today. May God bless you and your family.

  13. Theresa Winterberry Lane says:

    Yvonne, thank you for such a lovely uplifting post this morning. How wonderful it is to be bestowed such marvelous gifts and being able to share those gifts with others.

  14. Keep pouring out your natural and God given gifts! I always love to open them every day when I visit your blog!

  15. Inspirational thoughts….to discover the spiritual gift God intended for us.. that is a journey in itself. I believe we all possess these gifts, we just need to open ourselves to receive them.

  16. Thank you fellow believer for these words of wisdom and encouragement today.
    My spiritual gifts are encouragement and leadership. God has richly blessed me with them,and I pray that He will allow me to use them for HIS glory,as you are using yours.
    I do sing,first soprano in our choir. ?

  17. Carmen Wiker says:

    What a wonderful reminder that God truly has a plan for us. The Church was meant to work together using
    each of us and our gifts. What wonderful thoughts to carry me through my day today. Thank you!

  18. Avril Crundwell says:

    I’m glad I read this today. I know this and I’ve even taught it myself, but it was good for me ti ponder this truth today. Timing… it’s what I needed. Thank you.

  19. Carol Elkins says:

    Very inspirational! I really needed this today. Thank you!

  20. well said. This is one of my favorite posts.

  21. Maggie Nelson says:

    Thank you for the inspirational thoughts. I have 2 Pastors in my family : my brother and my 3rd sister and her husband( they live in Argentina) but God gave me others gifts and talents that I can use them at my church. I attend a 4000 plus members church so pretty soon we will have to decorate the church for Christmas and we need a lot of people to help but I love love to do it. An also at summer time I’ m in the Craft Department for Vacation Bible Study this year we had over 2300 children. Thank you for your encouragement words. Still early here in California but have a blessed Sunday !

  22. Yvonne, you remind me of my sister, she spoke and wrote of the Lord so beautifully. We always say she has a direct line to God. We all miss that now that she has dementia and cannot communicate. Thank you for sharing your faith in such a beautiful way, you are an inspiration!

  23. Yvonne, this is a post that touches home with me this morning. I am also a natural born teacher; however, I chose the field of medicine and spent a lifetime there. Now, as a retiree, I have been tutoring and I love it. Not only do the kids’ eyes light up when they learn, mine do to, and do we have fun. There’s a lot of smiling going on with the learning! I also find that I don’t get as physically tired, but energized. Truly, a gift from God and one that I thank Him for handing to me.

  24. I love this post, sometimes we forget the simple things of God’s great word. Thanks for the reminder!

  25. My spiritual gift it be an encourager. I love to see people smile. I have sung in church choir for 50 years, play piano and directed handbell choir. I love music. My reason is from Steve Green’s song: “How can I keep silent still and not burst into song in praise of my Redeemer who has loved me all along.”

  26. Beautiful. All for the honor and glory of God.
    Sunday blessings to you and yours.

  27. I have been a ” flower lover” for a very long time. Our church front needed help really bad and I told my husband I knew I could help. I have been planting flowers in spring and fall for several seasons. The results and compliments touch my heart so much, I know this is what I am supposed to do. It is a lot of work, but our pastors tell me strangers stop to take photos and this blesses me! I wish you could see the pansies now! They’re a sweet faced gift from God!

  28. The most precious give that God gave us all was His life, and the stripes that He bore for our healing….I think one of our gifts would be to tell others about Him..He is my everything and Iam looking forward to seeing Him, which i think won’t be to long for all of us.

  29. A wonderful simple reminder of why we celebrate Christmas!

  30. Colleen Henderson says:

    Too often we get caught up in the frenzy of the holidays and forget the reason we celebrate Christmas. Because of Christ. I am here to shout out, “I Believe in Christ”!

  31. I had a very wise pastor explain that my love of teaching was my gift from God. It was my calling. When I was younger I almost spurred this calling for a profession that would earn me more money. But I knew in my heart (or soul) that I wouldn’t be happy or following God’s wish for me if I wasn’t teaching. I also have no trouble talking in front of a crowd and love to sing. All great gifts. Thanks for this thoughtful post to remind me of all my blessings.

  32. Stella Arellano says:

    Thank you for not holding back on what you believe!, so many are afraid to write the truth, and the word of God. We need more women like you to preach what they believe, God bless you. Stella

  33. I’m so happy to know you are a Christian! I am new to your blog and this makes it so much more special for me. I’m the wife of a pastor and have a corporate career. I am always happy when I find other Christians!
    I’m really enjoying your blog.
    Thank you for the inspiration!!
    Happy Thanksgiving

  34. Hm…we just studied some of this in church today. God has a place and purpose for each and every one of us in His plan.

  35. Cheryll Hvidsten says:

    Well said! Truth taught.

  36. Sherry Pelle says:

    Such a wonderful post Yvonne! This one went straight to my heart and soul. Thank You!

  37. darla coffman says:

    Thank you for your inspirational words. God has definitely given you a gift of teaching about His love for us and how we should seek to use our spiritual gifts for His glory. There is nothing I want more than to live my life for God. I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior too.Thank you for not being afraid to say these words!

  38. Teresa Alexander says:

    Thank you for sharing about Spiritual Gifts! God does amazing things through us when we use the gifts He has so lovingly given us! To Him be all the Glory!
    As a child I was very shy. When I became saved, He blessed me with the gift of encouragement. Such a loving gift from Him!

  39. The Bible tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. It does not say, fortunately, that one has to be in tune ( i, too, am always off key 🙂 ! I believe He finds pleasure in every way we praise Him. Thanks for another thoughtful post. I do look forward to your Sunday posts.

  40. Sheila Gunderson says:

    Thank you Child of God!

  41. Sylvia Pelekane says:

    Simply and eloquently said. Thank you for sharing

  42. Yvonne,

    Your are an inspiration. I want to thank you for your Sunday posts and let you know the impact they have had on my life. I reached out to you a year or so ago to ask how you go about finding a church. My husband and I had been searching for quite some time. At the beginning of this year we put our search in the Lord’s hands and began a journey of attending different churches every Sunday, praying the Holy Spirit would work in us and lead us to the church the Lord wanted us to serve. Through prayer and perseverance we have found a church community that we absolutely love. We truly feel called to this community and feel blessed every day. I wanted to let you know the impact your messages had on me and on “feeding” my soul and keeping me focused on the Lord our God.

    Happy Thanbksgiving

  43. Nancy Loyd says:

    Love your thoughts on this… focused on the Lord

  44. Good to be reminded to use our God given gifts!!!

  45. Thank you Yvonne for the beautiful gift today. I’ve not had a very good day today, and your words just made me cry. Sometimes we need the reminder. (Love your name too, lol. Not many of us around)

  46. Great blog! You’re bringing glory to Him… everyday!

  47. Yvonne, thank you for this post! I love hearing about your gift ( I think hospitality – or serving – may be one of yours too!). It’s wonderful to see everyone sharing their spiritual gifts in the comments too (mine is discernment) and I totally agree that if we all used our gifts to the glory of God the world would look much different! Can’t wait to meet you in heaven, Yvonne!

    Kristen 🙂

  48. Catherine Litterell says:

    I truly appreciate the way you described the three areas of gifts. Thank you.

  49. Paula Hill says:

    I always enjoy seeing beautiful DIY decorated homes, but then when I learn more about the blogger and find out she is a born again Christian..as you are Yvonne… WOW!!! It’s like cherries on top of my ice cream? It just makes it that much more wonderful. This is my first time responding to a blog and I have to say you truly are an inspiration to me and many, many more women around the globe. Thank you for your spiritual insight on spiritual gifts Yvonne. May God continue to bless you.

    1. Hi Paula, Thanks so much for your sweet comment! God is so amazing! He has given me this wonderful platform. I am so thankful every day!

  50. Thank you for your insight. Love reading your Sunday post!

  51. Well said, Be Blessed!

  52. This is well said and wonderfully written. Thank you for sharing.

  53. Enjoyed every word,,,well written & said !! Thanks

  54. Thanks so much. You really provided good, practical information about spiritual gifts along with encouragement to use them for God’s glory.

  55. Yep teaching is your gift, you teach so clearly i have no problem understanding! You remind me of how my daddy used to share the Lord! He was so generous to everyone & no matter what the topic of conversation was he could always & i do mean always bring it back to God! He lead more strangers to Christ! I know my talents are speaking in public, writing, playing the guitar & encouragement! Im better at helping others than helping myself! Thank you for stirring something inside me that will have me asking the Lord to show me what my gifts are! My mother uses to say “work as unto the Lord” & ive kept that attitude whether im volunteering or no matter what my wage per hour may be! Im so glad i stumbled across your blog last year! I especially love how you share your love of God with your blog by sharing verses of scripture or your experiences you just never know how God will use that to reach someone! I believe thats storing up your treasures in heaven! God Bless you sister and i hope you have the most wonderful and happy thanksgiving

  56. I always wondered what my spiritual gift was. I was saved when I was 12 and I’m 42 now! I always knew I just didn’t know I knew. The first Bible verse I memorized and was always my favorite was Hebrews 11:1 but I didn’t know why that was. It’s funny because when I decided to comment here the captcha was to select the pictures with mountains or hills! I had to smile and give God praise for that one 🙂 what an honor to be given the kind of faith to face the lions in the den! The way I view it now is that a “loss” in the worlds mind is the greater victory anyway!

  57. Thank you!!
    I have entered the what’s my special gift (1 Peter 4:10) investigation. I started a journal today. Much of what you shared is helping to add to my journal.
    Peace & blessings
    John