As you go - how to use the gifts of Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of everyday

As you go- how to use the gifts of Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of everyday. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the subtle ways the Holy Spirit equips us. Whether it’s a word of wisdom during a conversation with a friend, an act of kindness to a stranger, or a moment of patience in a stressful situation, these are all manifestations of the Spirit's work within us. We need to remember If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him. Learn this and more in As you go - how to use the gifts of Holy Spirit in the day-to-day of everyday

Trevor Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca/ and the Content Creator at https://revtrev.com Check out https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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I want to start with a story today that many of you witnessed yourself. I’ll share the story a little differently, because Paul did the same when he didn’t want to boast.

Now I’m not boasting with this story, but I don’t know who’s listening to this now or later and I don’t want to not honour someone I should be honouring.

But it’s a good story.

So I’ll tell it like Paul did…in the second person.

The Story

There was a man who was in a church that had experts come in to tell the church how to do church better. By better, it was to do things the way the “experts” thought they should be done. Specifically it was so that evangelism would be done following the experts program.

By the way, this man had been heard saying. “An expert is a former drip under pressure.”

The man had, in the past, bought and read every book he could with the word “Evangelism” in the title, such as:

Books with Evangelism in the Title - some as gifts

• Prayer Evangelism,
• Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God,
• Evangelism by Fire,
• Power Evangelism,
• Honest Evangelism,
• Servant Evangelism,
• God-Centred Evangelism,
• New and Ancient Evangelism,
• The Lazy Way of Evangelism,
• Conversational Evangelism,
• Worship Evangelism,
• Evangelism Made Easy,
• Evangelism Explosion,
• Biblical Evangelism,
• Mere Evangelism,
• The Celtic Way of Evangelism,
• Effective Intercultural Evangelism,
• Questioning Evangelism,
• Recapturing Evangelism,
• Evangelism: A Way of Life,
• Evangelism for the Faint Hearted,
• Evangelism in the Early Church,
• Evangelism: Learning from the Past
• Evangelism: For the Care of Souls
• Evangelism: Doing Justice and Preaching Grace,
• Evangelism through the local church,
• The Master’s Way of Evangelism.

You get the idea.

It was a running gag.

Friends would call the man if they found a book with evangelism in the title and if he didn’t have it, they’d often buy it for him.

Guilt never did anybody any good

The man realized almost every book on evangelism—with a few notable exceptions—talked away, ignored or ridiculed the supernatural in the day-to-day-of-everyday. And he realized that Jesus taught his disciples to move in the supernatural so any method that ignored or ridiculed doing that was not something worth the time to listen to. All it could do would be to guilt people into doing evangelism and motivating with guilt never did anybody any good.

Bring Jesus wherever you go

And the man had practical experience in bringing Jesus wherever he went. In coffee shops when he’d meet with people, he had prophetic words that often had people in tears or laughing in tears because they knew God saw them. As the man walked down the street, God would point people out to him and the man—with permission—prayed and commanded healing and some of them were healed and all the people he prayed for knew God really loved them. On occasion in lines at stores the man would start up conversation with someone around him, and he’d give a word of knowledge and the one who he was talking to knew God knew them.

All those things came together…

1. thinking an expert was former drip under pressure, and

2. having the experts teach on a topic he knew a lot of different approaches and programs on, and

3. actively practicing how he knew Jesus taught his disciples to show the kingdom before you proclaim the kingdom, and

3. having the expert push an approach that put all the pressure on the person to feel guilty and ignore the supernatural, and…

…it led to a bit of sarcasm.

What happened on the day

The man was listening to message that he first heard and taught 20 years before. He knew the punchline. He could tell that—while the first time he heard it, and every time he personally used it, it was used to edify others—this expert was going to use make his listeners feel guilty.

Remember - motivating by guilt never did anybody any good.

So when the man heard the set up “What’s the one thing you’re not able to do to serve God in heaven?” The man decided to answer: “Heal the sick? Cleanse the lepers? Cast out demons? Raise the dead? Sounds like how Jesus expects us to do evangelism.”

The expert didn’t appreciate the input.

It didn’t fit his program.

But you see, when Jesus sent his disciples out to the towns of Judah, he told them… In the day-to-day of your everyday. …heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead and proclaim the Kingdom of God is near.

Why can you declare the kingdom of God is near?

Because as you go, you heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead.

You show the kingdom, so you can declare the kingdom is near.

That’s what evangelistic training gets wrong 99% of the time—it’s about the program, not the Kingdom.

In case if you’re wondering I’m not going to have the word “Evangelism” in my book about evangelism. I’m pretty sure my book and course on Evangelism will be called Live Light:Shine Bright…you’ve heard most of those messages.

The man had found that if he could get people excited about Jesus, they couldn’t stop talking about Jesus. If he could get people into God’s presence, they’d take His presence with them. If he taught them about compassion; they’d move in compassion. If he could show them what wisdom was; they chose to walk in wisdom. Motivating by guilt never did anybody any good.

What the man didn’t have time to say, is what I’m going to give you today as we look at Partnering with Holy Spirit: As you go - Using the Gifts in Daily Life

Can I pray?

Jesus told his disciples when he sent them out to the towns of Judah, As you go…heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 10:8).

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the day-to-day of everyday.

Yes, the gifts of Holy Spirit are given for the common good of the gathered church. We talk about practicing them in the gathered church. They should be operating whenever we gather. They are for the edification, exhortation and comfort of each other (1 Corinthians 14:3).

How many know, it’s wonderful when we don’t leave the gathered church the same way we came?

That’s often because of the work of Holy Spirit through willing participants.

The gifts of Holy Spirit are for US when we’re together.

Because...

1. We know we’re to test everything and hold to the good (1 Thessalonians 5:21), together is a good place to practice and grow in the gifts.
2. Everything is for the edification, exhortation and comfort of others (1 Corinthians 14:3), together is a great way to bless each other with the gifts.
3. Often times we become more aware of His presence together, it’s easier to operate in the gifts because His presence facilitates the gifts

The gifts of Holy Spirit are for US when we’re together. But… I have 3 buts…

1. You’ve got to be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have.  (1 Peter 3:15-16) People will see your hope, when you more and more naturally operate in the gifts.
2. Jesus taught “ As you go…heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons, raise the dead proclaim the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 10:8)…AND He told his disciples to teach others everything He taught them. (Mathew 28:19) Which includes, as you go - show God’s Kingdom, proclaim His Kingdom.
3. And His presence is always with you. (Matthew 28:20) Remember…  If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him. Worship makes to more aware of His presence.

Problem

Life happens. We got things to do and places to be. We get notifications and emails and texts and video calls ad nauseam. Who’s got time to add more things to an already busy scheduled?

And people are messy. It’s not a predicable environment like we have most times we’re together.

And in the busy-ness of the day-to-day of our everyday - our problems seem bigger than our God.

He is always with us, but are we with Him?

Does this really matter?

Janine“Not that my voice needs to be heard, but it’s that my God needs to be seen.”

This happens when people see something in you that can’t be explained away by your personality or temperament or the way your family raised you.

• What about a word of knowledge that shows the person you’re talking to God knows and loves them?
• What if they knew they could come to you for wisdom?
• What about a prophetic word that speaks life and hope to their situation?
• What if they see faith arise in you see you change before their eyes?
• What about an instant healing when doctors say it will take time or there is no hope?
• What if they saw undeniable miracles in their situation?
• What if you would discern spirits and a new reality became open to them?

These gifts are for us as believers. They are for unbelievers so that they can proclaim, “God is really among you!”

We live in a world that doesn’t have time for pretty programs, but they are desperate for real love. Paul makes it clear, the most excellent way to use these gifts is with love.

You may be the only Jesus someone sees today. Wouldn’t you like to show them a glimpse of his love for them?

How Holy Spirit taught me gifts out in public

Often God grabbed my attention when I was out for coffee with someone and all the hairs on my arms and neck would stand up. I’d check to see if a door was open or if I was sitting under an air conditioner, and if not I’d assume God had something great to give. I’d ask God what He loved about them and wait for the opportunity to share it. It was always a God-encounter moment.

After a while, I learned I could look for what God loved about people and share it with them and the profundity would be there just as if I sensed his presence and responded. I asked God why I didn’t get the tingling feeling too much and I felt him respond that He trusted me to do it .

Imagine

Imagine keeping in step with Holy Spirit and feeling the presence of God in the day-to-day of your everyday. Remember what it feels like to feel his presence so close that whether you turn to the right or to the left you’ll know what way you need to go.

You’ve been in that place. You’ve known His presence.

What if you could more and more feel His presence in the day-to-day-of your everyday?

You can. Jesus has a solution. It’s to ABIDE in Christ.

Read John 15:1-17

Read John 15:1-17 NKJV “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.  No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.  These things I command you, that you love one another.

ABIDE in Christ Tool

A - Always Stay Connected
B - Bear Fruit
I - Integrate With His Love
D - Decide to Obey His Leading
E - Enjoy Loving Each Other

Let’s unpack this…

A - Always Stay Connected

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

V. 7 - my words abide in you

The Bible encourages believers to stay connected with God through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7), reading the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17), worship (John 4:23-24), fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25), and by living a life that aligns with God's teachings and commandments (James 1:22).

Gratitude opens the gates of worship (Psalm 100:4). Worship leads to a greater awareness of his Presence. (Psalm 22:3) His Presence facilitates His gifts. (2 Kings 3:15).

Did you know that? Elisha called for a harpist so he could prophecy.

The presence of God sets us apart from all the people of the earth (Exodus 33:16). His presence provides counsel and guidance (Psalm 16:8) and brings comfort and protection (Psalm 23:4). Times of refreshing come from the presence of God (Acts 3:19) In His presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Where two are gathered Christ there (Matthew 18:20). His presence changes everything. If you want to operate in the gifts, become aware of Him.

Gratitude opens the gates of worship (Psalm 100:4). Worship leads to a greater awareness of his Presence. (Psalm 22:3) His Presence facilitates His gifts. (2 Kings 3:15).

Tip: If you’re feeling disconnected, repent and return to the things you did at first with thanksgiving

Am I staying connected?

B - Bear Fruit

"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (John 15:8)

The growth of fruit is more God working in you and Holy Spirit finishing the good work He’s started in you, than it is about you having a checklist or gauging if you have 12% more patience than you had last year.

When you are part of him, and his word is part of you, you can’t help but become more and more and more like him. Holy Spirit grow the love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and self control in you. This draws people to you and allows you to use the gifts Holy Spirit has given you to your level of faith, and personality you have. Most people who are terrified at talking to strangers, are really good friends to a small number of people.

If they can see the fruit in you, they’ll be open to gifts through you.

Let your light shine before people so that they’ll see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Tip: Don’t ignore OR downplay the fruit in your life - grow it to show it, but don’t point it out.

What would others say is the fruit I’m growing?

I - Integrate With His Love

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." (John 15:9)

How do you remain in His love? Perfect love comes from God and is shared through you to others. Everything we do needs to be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). Paul prayed “may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3: 18-19).

Do you remain in His love? You are loved. Live loved. Be led by your compassion.

Compassion is something you can tune into or tune off.

Tip..Jesus was moved by compassion…be led by your compassion. Don’t turn off your compassion.

Do I do everything in love?

D - Decide to Obey His Leading

"If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love." (John 15:10)

If we could get this, the world would be changed. If we believed that we live by the spirit, so we should keep in the spirit, our lives would be fun. The problem is most times most of us have seen someone say, “The Holy Spirit told me to do something”, that something never looked like wisdom.

Remember, James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.

That is wisdom and that is how Jesus will lead you.

Tip: Remember to obey His leading is to be led by wisdom.

In my heart, have I set apart Christ as Lord?

E - Enjoy Loving Each Other

I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:11-13)

If you want to stay connected to God, you need to stay connected with his people. I’m not suggesting you need to be best friends with everyone, I am agreeing with the proverb that says "Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble." Proverbs 13:20. There is so much blessing that God has for us as we gather and walk with each other. We miss out when we live like “it’s Jesus and me”.

Tip: If you love the bridegroom you need to learn to love the bride. Learn to love each other.

Am I using my gifts in the church?

ABIDE

Presence of God + Fruit of Holy Spirit + Being led by compassion and wisdom + Walking with others = “these sign will follow those who believe”

The supernatural becomes natural as you ABIDE in Christ.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7

The supernatural becomes natural as you ABIDE in Christ.

When you ABIDE in Christ As you go… in the day-to-day of everyday… heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons and raised the dead. Show the Kingdom, proclaim the Kingdom.

Become aware of his presence, follow his compassion, are led by wisdom use the gifts and others exclaim “God is really among you.” You don’t have to point it out. You do have in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord and always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have, but do this with gentleness and respect.

Can you do this?

The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead is alive in you. He empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. It’s not you, it’s Christ in you, you ABIDE in Christ with Holy Spirit’s help.

A - Always Stay Connected (15:5)
B - Bear Fruit (15:8)
I - Integrate With His Love (15:9)
D - Decide to Obey His Leading (15:10)
E - Enjoy Loving Each Other (15:11-13)

Challenge

Will you ABIDE in Christ?

His presence is always with you. Will you be with Him?

As you go, will you show God’s Kingdom then proclaim His Kingdom?

Can I pray for you?

Next Steps..

Check out the Live LIGHT - Shine Bright course on Live LIGHT Academy.

Move from guilt about not actively sharing your faith to effortlessly sharing Jesus' grace always Do you feel guilty when someone mentions evangelism? You may feel guilty for not doing enough. Maybe you've been taught you need notches in your belt. You might even be angry someone expects you to share your faith.

But what if what Jesus said was true? That you are the salt and you are the light and that you are His witness in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and the ends of the earth. What if living all that out was effortless and natural? Notice I didn't say "easy". Jesus died for us and told us to take up the cross and follow Him. I can't promise easy. I can promise trouble, because Jesus promised that to us as well.  But it's effortless and naturally trouble... the kind of trouble that you rejoice in and count all of it as joy. Learn more and sign up https://revtrev.link/bright

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What I’ve Taught on Holy Spirit

Check out my messages and blog posts on Holy Spirit.

• How to know and experience more of our triune God today https://revtrev.com/living-light/trinity-essential/
• Is Spiritual Growth is on your vision board? https://revtrev.com/living-light/is-spiritual-growth-on-your-vision-board/
• How to be confident you’re being led from Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/living-light/be-confident-led-holy-spirit/
• God is with us will I be with Him? https://revtrev.com/living-light/god-is-always-with-us-will-i-be-with-him/
• How to understand and and enjoy the Gifts God has for you Today https://revtrev.com/message/how-to-understand-and-enjoy-the-gifts-god-has-for-you-today/
• Buying the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/buying-holy-spirit/
• How to Release the gift of words of wisdom https://revtrev.com/livecasts/how-to-release-the-gift-of-words-of-wisdom/
• 70 Functions of the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-light/70-functions-of-the-holy-spirit/
• How can I Receive the Holy Spirit https://revtrev.com/live-today/how-can-i-receive-the-holy-spirit/
• 3 ways to know it’s the Holy Spirit Speaking https://revtrev.com/live-hopeful/3-ways-to-know-its-the-spirit-speaking/
• How to let the Fruit of Holy Spirit Transform you https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-let-the-fruit-of-holy-spirit-transform-you/
• 5 things to know about Spiritual Growth https://revtrev.com/livecasts/5-things-to-never-forget-about-spiritual-growth/
• 11 ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to you https://revtrev.com/live-today/11-ways-the-spirit-speaks-to-you/
• Do Spirit-Filled Believers Leak the Spirit? https://revtrev.com/live-today/do-spirit-filled-believers-leak-the-spirit/
• How to use God’s Gifts for Another https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-use-gods-gifts-for-one-another/
• I build myself up reflection https://revtrev.com/livecasts/day-42-i-build-myself-up-reflection-livecast/
• 4 Tips I’ve learned To Hear the Spirit Speak https://revtrev.com/live-intentional/4-tips-ive-learned-to-hear-the-spirit-speak/

Read more at >>> http://revtrev.com/live-hopeful/learn-and-experience-all-you-can-about-holy-spirit/

How to Release the Gift of Words of Wisdom

Learn how to access the valuable gift of words of wisdom Λόγος Σοφία by aligning spiritually and building trust in God. Allow Holy Spirit to guide you towards better judgment and understanding. Embrace this life-changing opportunity by watching now and welcoming the wisdom of God that is ready to be revealed. Learn more with How to Release the Gift of Words of Wisdom

Trevor H Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com Subscribe and set notifications on https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

Listen to How to Release the Gift of Words of Wisdom

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TL/DL/DW How to Release the Gift of Words of Wisdom

All the gifts are for the benefit of all of us - not just me

1 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.

Over the years I’ve found it easy to teach all the gifts with how they are for the common good of all of us. I can even show that with the gift of tongues- that is the only gift for the individual. The stronger you are, the more it helps me. The stronger I am, the more it helps you. So even that gift - which is the least of all the gifts when we gather together- still ultimately is for the betterment of us all.

But as I’ve reflected on this message I realized every time I’ve taught on Wisdom it’s for me, how I can get the wisdom I need. I find that strange, because it’s easy to see how words of wisdom are for all us together. I’ll get back to that in a bit.

Wisdom is for us - Not just for me. Together we need the gift of the words of wisdom.

Wisdom is a gift that grows when it’s given.

Can I Pray?

What is Wisdom?

7 Ways the Bible Describes Wisdom

1. The beginning of Wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10
2. Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge Proverbs 3:13-17
3. Wisdom is moral integrity. Proverbs 2:6-9
4. Wisdom is foundational to Creation. Proverbs 8:22-31
5. Wisdom is with God. Job 12:13
6. Wisdom comes from God James 1:5
7. Wisdom that is perfect and complete only comes from God Romans 16:27

And I need to remember wisdom is what we need, not just what I need, not just what you need. It’s something we together need.

The Problem

We live in a world is drowning in information but starving for wisdom.

Does this really matter?

It is only going to matter more and more and more. With AI being able to produce images and videos that look more and more like people we trust, lack of trust will only increase. It will only be when we’re face-to-face that we’ll be more sure we know who we’re talking to. And that’s when the gift of Λόγος Σοφία - Words of Wisdom - will be more and more powerful for all of us.

The Story

2 Chronicles 1:1-13 Solomon asking for Wisdom Solomon son of David took firm control of his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him very powerful. Solomon called together all the leaders of Israel—the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders. Then he led the entire assembly to the place of worship in Gibeon, for God’s Tabernacle was located there. (This was the Tabernacle that Moses, the Lord’s servant, had made in the wilderness.) David had already moved the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the tent he had prepared for it in Jerusalem. But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri and grandson of Hur was there at Gibeon in front of the Tabernacle of the Lord. So Solomon and the people gathered in front of it to consult the Lord. There in front of the Tabernacle, Solomon went up to the bronze altar in the Lord’s presence and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on it. That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” Solomon replied to God, “You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place. O Lord God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people— I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!” Then Solomon returned to Jerusalem from the Tabernacle at the place of worship in Gibeon, and he reigned over Israel.

You see wisdom and the gift of the word of wisdom Λόγος Σοφία is for all of us.

Wisdom is a gift that grows when it’s given.

What if?

What if the we in the church cared more about God’s wisdom than we do about our own opinions? That would be good. What if people in the world saw us as people of wisdom and not people to be avoided or ignored? That would be great.

I was hearing stories from my Father-in-law’s past and something caught my attention. He’s Armenian and grew up in Iran. And I pay attention when he tells his stories. When he did his military service, he seemed to be favoured and was given his choice of assignments. It wasn’t until one day—when there was trouble in the camp—his commander brought his commander brought him into a room full of officers and sergeants that he understood why. His commander pointed to him and said “He will tell you what is going on. He will not tell any lies.” Iranian Muslims believe Armenian Christians can be trusted because they won’t tell any lies.

This is what I want us to think about. What would it be like if Canadians of all other faiths or no faith were so convinced they could access real wisdom from us?

Isaiah 60:1-3 (GW) Arise! Shine! Your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has dawned. Darkness now covers the earth, and thick darkness covers the nations. But the Lord dawns, and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings will come to the brightness of your dawn.

These verses are part of a passage where the prophet Isaiah describes the future glory of Zion, envisioned as a beacon to which nations will be drawn.

But darkness covers our land and politicians who messed it up are not the ones who will fix. The darker the night, the brighter your light.

It is the wisdom of God’s that lights the darkness of dark places.

Imagine

Imagine if people looked to us for God’s wisdom? We know they don’t care about our opinions, and that’s fine. They shouldn’t care about our opinions and neither should we.

We need to know God’s ways. We want His wisdom. Anyone can know about the deeds of God, but Moses knew His ways (Psalm 103:7). We should know His ways too.

There were a people from a tribe in ancient Israel that there where 200 men of Issachar who understood the times and knew what to do (1 Chronicles 12:32)

Imagine if we in the church were known by people in world as those who understood the times and knew what to do?

Our light would be shining in the darkness and they would be coming to the brightness of our dawn.

How do we make this happen?

That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked. Let’s start with how to activate any and all of the gifts. When you get this, you’ll understand why I share the framework I’ll give you after.

How to Activate the Gifts of the Spirit Tool

SEEK

S - Seriously Desire

E - Embrace Activating by Faith

E - Experiment Inside the Church

K - Keep in Step with Holy Spirit

Let’s unpack this...

S - Seriously Desire

(1 Corinthians 12:31(be eager), 14:1(be eager), 14:12 (since you are eager), 14:39 (be eager))

Holy Spirit responds to our desires Psalm 37:4, Mark 11:24

Am I eagerly desiring the gifts of the Spirit?

E - Enjoy activating by faith

(Luke 11:5-13, Romans 14:23)

Faith is understanding what the Word of God says and applying it to our lives in the spirit in which it was said. It’s my response to His revelation.

Am I using the faith God provides?

E - Experiment Inside the Church

(1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Corinthians 14:31-32 )

For example We’re told in the Old Testament to stone a prophet who speaks incorrectly. (Deuteronomy 18:22) But after the Spirit is given we’re told to test everything and hold to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)

Am I willing to risk using the gifts of Holy Spirit?

K - Keep in Step with Holy Spirit

(Galatians 5:25)

We keep in step with Holy Spirit by doing what He wants us to do. Jesus sent out his disciples and said “As you go, proclaim the kingdom and prove the kingdom is here.” (Matthew 10:7-8)

As I go—in the day-to-day of everyday—do I rely on Holy Spirit?

This is how we can activate ANY Gift of Holy Spirit

SEEK

S - Seriously Desire

E - Embrace Activating by Faith

E - Experiment Inside the Church

K - Keep in Step with Holy Spirit

Got it? Great. So…

How does this tool help us with the Λόγος Σοφία - words of wisdom ?

That’s another great question, I’m so glad you asked.

Remember - Wisdom is a gift that grows when it’s given. Wisdom is for us, not just for me.

How to Activate Λόγος Σοφία Tool

S - Seriously Desire

Do you think we need to seriously desire wisdom if we want to operate in words of wisdom?

Look at what it says in Proverbs 2.

Proverbs 2:1-22 NLT My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. They take pleasure in doing wrong, and they enjoy the twisted ways of evil. Their actions are crooked, and their ways are wrong. Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman. She has abandoned her husband and ignores the covenant she made before God. Entering her house leads to death; it is the road to the grave. The man who visits her is doomed. He will never reach the paths of life. So follow the steps of the good, and stay on the paths of the righteous. For only the godly will live in the land, and those with integrity will remain in it. But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the treacherous will be uprooted.

Am I seriously desiring the gifts of words of wisdom?

E - Enjoy Activating by Faith

Wisdom is activated by faith..

James 1:5-7 (HCSB) Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Like wisdom and like all Spiritual Gifts, Λόγος Σοφία are activated by faith. If you don’t believe God will give you the wisdom you need when you need it, you won’t get it. If you don’t doubt, but move on the wisdom He’s given you, you’ll find out it’s Wisdom.

Have I asked for wisdom and used the wisdom God has given?

E - Experiment inside the church

Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements:

Wisdom takes agreement. Don’t think you have Words of Wisdom if no one you know who has wisdom doesn’t agree. You learn what wisdom is together.

What does wisdom look like?

You are full of great questions today! James tells us what God’s wisdom looks like. This is something we should all have memorized.

James 3:17 NLT But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.

That sounds like the template for smelling out wisdom we have together.

If someone asks you if what they’re sharing with you is wisdom - Run it through James 3:17. If it passes - Does it seem good to you and Holy Spirit?

Do I run what I think could be wisdom by people I know who have wisdom?

K - Keep in Step with Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

What does God want you to do?

“As you go, proclaim the kingdom and prove the kingdom is here.” (Matthew 10:7-8)

I already know people come to you for advice. Some of you have learned that your opinion is no where near as valuable as God’s.

How do you bring God’s wisdom into the moment?

Another great question.

Bring Wisdom into The Moment - PRAY

P - Present the present need to God

Do a breath prayer “Lord, what word of wisdom do they need.”

R - Remember what wisdom from above is…

Wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.

A - Always be in the moment

Sometimes wisdom comes from clarifying questions. It might be a Word of knowledge or other gift activated. It might be sitting in silence and letting them share.

Y- Yield to Holy Spirit

Obey the wisdom God provides. You’ve asked for wisdom, know He’ll give you the wisdom you need. “But I didn’t say anything!” Maybe that’s wisdom today.

Will I step out with words of wisdom as opportunity arises?

Challenge

Will you SEEK the gift of Λόγος Σοφία - words of wisdom? Will you seriously desire it? Will you embrace activating it by faith? Will you experiment with it inside the church? Will you keep in step with Holy Spirit as you go?

It is not just for you, it is for us.

Wisdom is a gift that grows when it’s given.

Can I pray for you?

Ephesians 1:16-19 (NIV) I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe….

May you know

May you grow

May you give

May you live

Λόγος Σοφία (words of Wisdom)

Live LIGHT LOOP for Friday, May 3, 2024

The Live LIGHT LOOP for Friday, May 3, 2024 celebrates all things Live LIGHT - including the books, and courses, and resources, and community and coaching that can be found on https://livelight.ca/

Trevor H Lund is the founder of Live LIGHT Academy at https://livelight.ca and the Chief Storyteller at https://revtrev.com. Subscribe and set notifications on https://revtrev.com/tv for past videos and live casts and https://revtrev.com/radio to subscribe to his podcast wherever you listen.

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This is the Live LIGHT Loop for Friday, May 3, 2024.

I’m Trevor Lund the Content Creator at https://RevTrev.com and the Founder of Live LIGHT Academy on https://LiveLIGHT.ca.

What about you?

You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take His yoke that is easy and burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living light. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace and joy and hope at all times and in every situation.

How Can I HELP?

Live LIGHT Academy has books and courses and resources and community and coaching to help you not conform but be transformed so you can have peace and hope and joy at all times and in every situation. What I create always needs to HELP - Honour, Empower, be Life-giving and Pleasing to God

How do I self-identify?

I am a wisdom loving, knowledge sharing, God marvelling, life celebrating, kingdom living, soul healing, Lord seeking, gift imparting, Spirit flowing, grace knowing, irenic follower of the Way. I hold you capable and Holy Spirit trustable to finish the good work He's started in you.

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Working on a message for Sunday - Releasing the gift of Words of Wisdom,
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How to understand and enjoy the Gifts God has for you Today

As Christians, we have all been blessed with an abundance of spiritual gifts from Holy Spirit, Christ and Our Father. These gifts are meant to serve each other and empower us in our day-today of everyday. Learn more in the message: How to Understand and Enjoy the Gifts of the Spirit, the Gifts Christ gave the Church and the Gifts God has given us Today

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I’m going to sharing with you something I’ve been contemplating and researching for quite some time. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it taught and that excites me, because it may be new revelation. It troubles me because I was taught “The church has a word for new doctrine - that word is HERESY!”

I don’t think what I’m about to say is heresy. I also don’t know if there is transformational value in understanding this the way I’m going present it. However I am convinced it may show us a little more of our absolutely mind boggling God who loves us and gives us gifts.

Read Ephesians 1:3-23 NLT

Can I pray?

We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

• Gifts from the Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12;14
• Gifts Christ gave the Church - Ephesians 4:11-16
• Gifts God has given Romans 12:6-13

Two Options understanding God’s Gifts

While there is duplication, none of these lists are the same. We have two options to understand this in two ways. Both could be correct at the same time.

First, it could mean there is no limit to gifts God can give. I believe that’s true. I’ve learned the hard way not to put God into any box. Don’t put God in a box. He’s too big.

Another option - and this is just me - I’ve never heard anyone else teach it this way. But this has been a nugget that caught my attention.

It’s clear the gifts the Spirit’s give us. and it’s clear the gifts Christ gave the church.

What if Paul used “God” as a stand in for the term Father?

What difference would that mean for us in the day-to-day of everyday?

That’s what I want to explore today. I will share with you how to eagerly desire and activate the gifts of the Spirit, How to know when you’ve been called a gift to the church, and what it means to have gifts from God to be commands and invitations for all of us.

So, let’s understand these gifts with this perspective.

Gifts God - Spirit - 1 Corinthians 12;14

Given for building up of each other 1 Corinthians 12:7

Χάρισμα - charisma - gifts

We can understand them in 3 categories…

• Knowledge - wisdom, knowledge, distinguishing spirits
• Speech - tongues, interpretation, prophecy
• Power - faith, healing, miracles

All of these are given by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4) . He gives them out just as he wants. ( 1Corinthians 12:18) But remember we are told to eagerly desire them. (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1, 14:12, 14:39)

We can be trained to move in these gifts more naturally, but people who have been given these gifts move in them naturally.

How do we activate the gifts of the Spirit? That’s a great question.

How to activate the gifts of the spirit tool

EAT

Eagerly Desire (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1, 14:12, 14:39)

Holy Spirit responds to our desires Psalm 37:4, Mark 11:24

Am I eagerly desiring the gifts of the Spirit?

Activate by Faith (Luke 11:5-13)

Faith is understanding what the Word of God says and applying it to our lives in the spirit in which it was said

Am I using the faith God provides?

Train to follow Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Corinthians 14:31-32 )

Experiment inside the church. We’re told in the Old Testament to stone a prophet who speaks incorrectly. (Deuteronomy 18:22) But after the Spirit is given we’re told to test everything and hold to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21) Am I willing to risk using the gifts of Holy Spirit?

Gifts God the Son - Ephesians 4

Given for the maturity of the individuals of the church (Ephesians 4:14)

Ephesians 4:11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.

These are gifts to the church, not positions in the church. They only have authority in relationship.

Gifts to the church - my call to be a pastor, how I learned it is what I do, not how I’m paid.

Only credible in Relationship - The most apostolic people I know, would never want to be called or thought of as an apostle. People who take the title apostle, only have credibility to people who see them as an apostle.

Let’s go through each of these quickly.

Apostles

ἀπόστολος - apostolos - Roman General sent to change a culture

Jesus named his 12 disciples apostles in Luke 6:13-16

Yes, ἀπόστολος means “sent”, but it’s sent with a purpose to change a culture to Kingdom culture

These people are Fathers and Mothers. They want their ceiling to be their children’s floor.

Apostles change the culture to a Kingdom culture.

Prophets

προφήτης - prophētēs interpreter of oracles, in Hebrew it’s the same word as “insane” or “fool” Jehu was “driving like a prophet (נבל)

Forth-telling (edification, exhortation and comfort - 1 Corinthians 14:3)

Calling into being that which is not. (Romans 4:17-18)

and Foretelling (Agabus - famine Acts 11:28, Paul’s future Acts 21:10-11)

Predicting the future.

Jesus told us that prophets are only without honour in their home town. (Mark 6:4) Remember we are told to test everything and hold to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21) Realize true prophets know God’s will and declare God’s will.

Prophets know God’s will and declare God’s will.

Evangelists

εὐαγγελιστής - euangelistēs - bringer of good tidings with signs and wonders

In Acts 21:8 Philip is named as an evangelist, and in 2 Timothy 4:5 Paul exhorts Timothy to do the work of an evangelist. These are the only three uses of the word evangelist in the entire Bible. Philip is the one person specifically called an evangelist in Scripture. Basically, it seems the were to bring the good news but they were not apostles.

Philip had been one of the seven deacons chosen so that the apostles could do their work of teaching and prayer (Acts 6:3). Philip’s evangelistic work was in Samaria (Acts 8:4–8). He “proclaimed the Messiah” to the Samaritans (verse 5) and performed miracles, including casting out demons and healing paralytics. It is noteworthy that Philip performed water baptism in the name of Jesus, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit did not occur until the apostles came to Samaria.

Jesus said in Mark 16:17 that signs and wonders would follow all who believe. And Philip performed signs and wonders. Interestingly it wasn’t until Peter and John the apostles came to Samaria and laid hands on them that Holy Spirit came upon them.

Evangelist proclaim with signs and wonders. Apostles change the culture to Kingdom culture. Transformation is the work of Holy Spirit.

Peter and John’s presence in Samaria and the Spirit’s indwelling of the believing Samaritans (Acts 8:17) confirmed Philip’s ministry there. As an evangelist, Philip had preached the gospel, and, when the Samaritans believed it and received the Spirit, they were welcomed into the church. Where there had previously been division and animosity between Jews and Samaritans, there now existed the spiritual bond of love (Colossians 3:14). Philip’s trailblazing efforts laid the foundation for his hearers to receive the Holy Spirit by faith. The evangelist’s pre-work unto salvation is what those called evangelists have done ever since.

Philip’s ministry as an evangelist continues in Acts 8 as he is led by an angel to go the desert road to Gaza. On the road he meets an Ethiopian eunuch—a court official to the queen of Ethiopia. Philip opens the man’s understanding of the Word of God, and the eunuch is saved. Philip baptizes the man, and the Holy Spirit snatches Philip away (Acts 8:39). Philip later “appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea” (verse 40). Everywhere he went, Philip shared the gospel. That’s what evangelists do.

The office of evangelist will be needed until the church reaches the maturity of Christ Himself (Ephesians 4:13).

Evangelists prepare the way for salvation with signs and wonders.

Pastor

ποιμήν - poimēn - lit. shepherd

A shepherd is someone who doesn’t mind the muck and the mire. Cares more about people than position. Wants everyone to come along together. Will wait for the young and old to catch up.

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

We’ve taken “Pastor” and made it a position. If you’re a pastor you need to have your full income come from a local church. It’s wrong. We need to repent of that thought.

As a pastor I’m telling you, the church and the world needs more pastors. We need more people gifted and trained to walk with people and stay at their pace. We need pastors outside the pulpit.

Shepherds nurture and protect.

Teacher

διδάσκαλος - didaskalos - teacher

James 3:1Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Teachers need to do two things. Teachers need to be able to understand and teachers need to know how to explain. We train teachers in our society. We had at least two graduate from teaching in last couple of weeks. You know a teacher who has a gift for teaching because they can explain things that you only marvelled at before.

• Teachers understand and explain.
• Apostles change the culture of an area to a Kingdom culture.
• Prophets know God’s will and declare God’s will.
• Evangelists prepare the way for salvation with signs and wonders.
• Shepherds nurture and protect.
• Teachers understand and explain.

Now if we can have positions of people with these gifts it’s awesome. It needs to be a goal for a local church to be in relationship with people who have these gifts, whatever that looks like. I’d like to have churches acknowledge and honour these people who are gifts, but I know from history that we lose their significance when they become positions and not relationships.

How do you know if you’ve been given as a gift to the church? That’s a great question. I’m so glad you asked. Here’s three questions you can ask.

How to discern if you should pursue a possible call Tool

Do you have the ILK?

Interest - Do I think I might be called to be gift to the church? If yes, then…

Love and learning - Do I have the heart and can I learn the skills I need? If yes, then…

Knowable agreement - Do others who know me well, agree I have the heart and can learn the skills I need?

Apostles help launch and affirm the other gifts Christ gave the church. Look for a father or mother to reaffirm your call.

Gifts God (Father) Romans 12

Given because we’re all different (Romans 12:4-5) but we still all need his Grace… In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. Romans 12:6

The strange thing about every one of these gifts, is that we are we’re all commanded or encouraged to do them…

Read Romans 12:6-8

Prophesy

So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

Encouragement - 1 Corinthians 14:5 I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.

Serving

If your gift is serving others, serve them well.

Command - Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Teaching

If you are a teacher, teach well.

Command - Colossians 3:16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Encouraging

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.

Command - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Giving

If it is giving, give generously.

Invitation - Luke 6:38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back

Leading

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.

Encouragement - Matthew 7:12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

Kindness

And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Command - Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

How to Understand Gifts God

So, if all of these are gifts of God, and all of these are commands and encouragement for all of us to live our life with way, what is going on?

Χάρισμα - charisma - gifts

Χάρις - charis - Grace

Romans 12:6 In his grace Χάρις , God has given us different Χάρισμα gifts for doing certain things well.

The word charisma (χάρισμα) comes from the word for grace (charis, χάρις). The suffix (-ma, -μα) indicates a result from grace. Charisma is something that is given as a result of the grace of the giver.

Paul is emphasizing the grace God has for us in this chapter. Remember, grace is his empowerment to do the things he wants us to do, that we can’t do ourselves.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

It’s not by our own will and personality that we can access the Gifts of the Spirit, or become one of the gifts of Christ or work out of the gifts God gives us. It’s only by the grace of God. Romans 12:6 In his Χάρις , God has given us Χάρισμα gifts for doing certain things well.

His grace gives us the ability to do the things we can’t do on our own.

How to we operate in the gifts God has for us? That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.

Let me remind you of the

Am I serving in the strength God provides Tool?

SERVE

S - Surrender your agenda.

Isaiah 64:8 Do I let him be the potter? Am I not eagerly desiring your gifts because I don’t want to be embarrassed?

E - Enjoy His light yoke.

Matthew 11:28-30 Am I carrying His light yoke? Am I being guilted into doing more?

R - Remember to work as unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:23-24 Am I working as unto the Lord with my whole heart? Am I wanting a gift to look good?

V - Verify you are seeking first His Kingdom.

Matthew 6:33 Am I seeking His Kingdom in this? Am I looking to make a name for myself or see Jesus glorified?

E - Encourage others and be encouraged.

Proverbs 11:25 Am I looking to bless or simply to be blessed? Who do you want me to bless today?

Emphasizing the grace of God for the gifts reminds me do much to honour Him on my own. I don’t have much to offer the creator of all.

To move in the gifts of the Spirit…

How to activate the gifts of the spirit tool

EAT

Eagerly Desire (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1, 14:12, 14:39)

Holy Spirit responds to our desires Psalm 37:4, Mark 11:24

Am I eagerly desiring the gifts of the Spirit?

Activate by Faith (Luke 11:5-13)

Faith is understanding what the Word of God says and applying it to our lives in the spirit in which it was said

Am I using the faith God provides?

Train to follow Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19, 1 Corinthians 14:31-32 )

Experiment inside the church. We’re told in the Old Testament to stone a prophet who speaks incorrectly. (Deuteronomy 18:22) But after the Spirit is given we’re told to test everything and hold to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21) Am I willing to risk using the gifts of Holy Spirit?

To be a gift of Jesus for the church…

How to discern if you should pursue a possible call Tool

Do you have the ILK?

Interest - Do I think I might be called to be gift to the church? If yes, then…

Love and learning - Do I have the heart and can I learn the skills I need? If yes, then…

Knowable agreement - Do others who know me well, agree I have the heart and can learn the skills I need?

To use the gifts God provides…

Am I serving in the strength God provides Tool?

SERVE

S - Surrender your agenda.

Isaiah 64:8 Do I let him be the potter? Am I not eagerly desiring your gifts because I don’t want to be embarrassed?

E - Enjoy His light yoke.

Matthew 11:28-30 Am I carrying His light yoke? Am I being guilted into doing more?

R - Remember to work as unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:23-24 Am I working as unto the Lord with my whole heart? Am I wanting a gift to look good?

V - Verify you are seeking first His Kingdom.

Matthew 6:33 Am I seeking His Kingdom in this? Am I looking to make a name for myself or see Jesus glorified?

E - Encourage others and be encouraged.

Proverbs 11:25 Am I looking to bless or simply to be blessed? Who do you want me to bless today?

Conclusion

Take the time to ask “Is there a gift I need to desire or a gift I need to become?”

How to use God’s Gifts for One Another

So often we find ourselves overwhelmed with stress and busyness. How is it possible that with the Holy Spirit's many gifts, we can still find ourselves unable to accomplish the good works faith has prompted us to do? In this message we remember how the Holy Spirit empowers us to complete every good work prompted by our faith. It’s not as difficult as we make it out to be. Learn how to use God’s gifts for one Another.

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Read How to use God’s Gifts for One Another

1 Peter 4:1-11 So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols. Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Can I pray?

Understanding God’s Gifts

There are 3 times where the gifts God gives are listed. None of these are exhaustive lists. God can give anything to anyone at anytime. He is God. But it’s interesting to me that each list credits a different person of the Godhead.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 tells us the gifts the Spirit gives.

Romans 12:6-8 lists gifts that God the Father gives.

Ephesians 4:11-16 tells us the gifts Christ gives the church.

Almost all of God’s gifts - whether they are from the Father or the Son or the Holy Spirit - are for us to serve one another, and build each other up. Tongues is the only gift for our own benefit, so that we can build ourselves up (1 Corinthians 14:4-5).

1 Peter 4:10-11 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

How do you know that when you speak you’re speaking God’s words?

How do you know when you help others, you’re doing it with the strength he provides?

Those are great questions I am so glad you asked.

We know when we’re not doing it, right?

We know when words we speak are agreeing with the enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy.

We know when we serve we can grow tired and weary and disappointed and unappreciated.

Consider Our tongues

Our tongue can bring life or it can bring death. It can bless or it can curse. It can tear down or it can build up. The choice, in the day-to-day of everyday - in the moments where miracles happen - is ours. When we choose to train our thoughts, we choose to train our tongue. But it’s not us doing it, it’s Holy Spirit at work in us making us more and more like Jesus.

Think about Our actions

We can’t do what we do for the show. We can’t do what we do because no one else will do it. But we can’t sustain that long term. Yes, there are things that need to get done. And we’re told that whatever we do we are to work with it with all our heart (Colossians 3:23-24). So we decide to do it, we do it and we feel good because we’ve done it. I’ll get into that more in a minute.

Jesus is our example

Jesus only said what He heard the Father say (John 12:49). He only did what he saw the Father do. (John 5:19-20) It’s interesting to me that Peter used what we say and what we do to illustrate how we are to use all the gifts that God gives us for one another.

So how do we speak the very words of God?

How do serve with the strength God provides?

I have a couple tools to give to you today. These tool will help you in any speaking or serving gifts. The gifts can readily be divided into three categories. There are eight speaking gifts, six serving gifts, and four sign gifts listed in the three different lists in Scripture

These tool will help with the speaking and serving gifts. They won’t hurt for the sign gifts either.

But what if I don’t have one of the gifts of speaking. What if my gift isn’t to serve?

We are all told to let nothing come out of our mouth that isn’t for the encouragement of others, so why shouldn’t we do what we can to speak the very words of God?

We are all told to use our freedom to serve one another in love; so why not learn to serve with the strength God provides?

These tools will help all of do what we’re commanded to do and help anyone will speaking or serving gifts keep aligned with the canon of the Word.

Let’s get into them. The first tool is…

Do I speak very words of God ? Tool

SPEAK

S - Stay in the Word - Colossians 3:16

P - Prepare to give a reason for the hope you have - 1 Peter 3:15

E - Expect His Flow - Luke 12:11-12

A - Always keep in step with the Spirit - Galatians 5:25

K - Know and fellowship with people who speak the truth in love - Ephesians 4:15

S - Stay in the Word

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ESV

We can’t have an “I learned that in Sunday School” mentality. We can’t think, “Well, I read through the Bible 20 years ago”. We can’t think “If I don’t know Greek or Hebrew so I’ll never understand.” We can’t think “I’m not a good reader, or English isn’t my first language, so how can I understand it?”

The word of God is the book; but the the word of God is the word he speaks through the book today. What’s he saying for today? We have more translations and transliterations at our fingertips, than at any point in human history. Pick a Bible in the language you understand best, in the version that’s easiest to understand, and be in it daily. If you can’t read, you can listen or watch. There are apps and YouTube videos. Learn to make better use of your time if that’s your excuse. We have no excuse not to be in the word everyday.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly and when you speak you’ll find you’re speaking the very words of God.

Tip: If you want to speak the very words of God, you need to be in the word and let the Word read you.

Am I in the Word? Do I let it read me?

P - Prepare to give a reason for the hope you have

1 Peter 3:15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. NLT

Are you ready to give a reason for the hope you have? When you’re in the word daily, that reason will expand, but if someone was to ask you why you’re a Christian, what would you say?

My job is faith-based, but we can’t bring faith in unless the person we’re talking to asks us about it. We need to be salt and light. And we need to slowly and carefully bring in spiritual things. I had a gentleman take me aside and quietly ask if I was a Christian. I told him I was and we are a faith-based company. He responded “In my country, everybody knows who the Christian are” I responded “In Canada, we have to be more sneaky.” I find the more I’m prepared to talk about Jesus, the more I find myself talking about Jesus.

Are you prepared to talk about the reason for the hope you have?

Tip: If you want to speak the very words of God, practice explaining what Jesus means to you. Write down your story.

Am I ready to give a reason for my hope?

E - Expect His Flow

Luke 12:11-12 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.” NLT

When was the last time you felt Holy Spirit’s nudge? Did it surprise you or was it natural? Sometimes I feel a wind and it grabs my attention and I start the look for what God wants to do. It’s always amazing. As you obey the nudges, they are easier to obey; but there comes a time when you’ve obeyed and you know what to do, so he only needs to nudge you when you are seriously not doing what you know you ought to do.

Tip: If you want to speak the very words of God, pay attention to Holy Spirit’s nudging.

Do I expect Holy Spirit to speak through me?

A - Always keep in step with the Spirit

Galatians 5:25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

In context verse 16 - So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves

Keeping in step with Holy Spirit meaning saying “yes” to the fruit He grows in our lives and “no” to the acts that come to steal, kill and destroy. We need His help - that He freely gives - to say no to sin.

Tip: If you want to speak the very words of God, keep short accounts with God.

Am I keeping in step with Holy Spirit?

K - Know people who speak the truth in love

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Who are you hanging out with? Who’s opinion do you value? Do they speak life or death? Do they encourage you or drag you down?

Tip: If you want to speak the very words of God, be a person who speaks the truth in love.

Do I speak the truth in love?

You can’t do this in your own strength or ability. It’s Holy Spirit who does it in us. We do our part, He does His.

1 Peter 4:11 goes on to say

Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

The next tool I have for you helps with all the serving gifts…

Am I serving in the strength God provides? Tool

S - Surrender your agenda. Isaiah 64:8

E - Enjoy His light yoke - Matthew 11:28-30

R - Remember to work as unto the Lord Colossians 3:23-24

V - Verify you are seeking first His Kingdom Matthew 6:33

E - Encourage others and be encouraged Proverbs 11:25

S - Surrender your agenda.

Isaiah 64:8 And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.

We can easily become tired and worn out when we try to work out our own plans. We can’t do what we do to look good. The feeling of busyness doesn’t come from what we have to do, but what we leave undone.

If you’re ever feel anxious about things left undone. Ask yourself:

Am I wanting to look good in front of others or please myself? If the answer is yes, “Is this really something God wants me to do?”

Do I let him be the potter?

E - Enjoy His light yoke

Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

How do you live with a light yoke? To summarize a lot of information, remember there is HELP.

HELP

H – Hear - Have I taken a burden on that you haven’t given me? Psalm 139:23-24

E – Examine - Am I not keeping pace you? Galatians 5:16-26

L – Look - How does this burden make me more like you? 2 Corinthians 3:18

P – Pause - What of this burden can I share? Galatians 6:2

Am I carrying His light yoke?

R - Remember to work as unto the Lord

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

When we work as unto to the Lord with our whole heart, it includes our decisions, our actions and our emotions.

Our decisions - When we work as unto the Lord with our whole heart we are honest in all our dealings (Prov. 11:1), we always speak words of grace (Eph. 4:29), we give thanks always (1 Thess. 5:18), and we work in love (1 Cor. 16:14).

Our actions - When we work as unto the Lord with our whole heart, we grow our skill set (Prov 22:29), focus on the work we’ve been given (Prov 28:19) work with excellence (Col. 2:23) and work enthusiastically (Rom 12:11).

Our emotions - When we work as unto the Lord with our whole heart, we will feel peace and share peace because we trust the Father who loves us, to take care of us. (Isaiah 26:3)

We are probably more patient and less entitled when we know we are carrying His burden and yoke and not one others or society or we ourselves have put on on us.

Am I working as unto the Lord with my whole heart?

V - Verify you are seeking first His Kingdom

Matthew 6:33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Motives matter in the Kingdom. Why we do what we do matters.

Am I working for the show? Matthew 6:2;16

Am I working for the dough? Matthew 6:24

Am I working because I worry? Matthew 6:25-32

Am I working always in a hurry? Matthew 6:34

We can’t. Jesus warned us against it in the sermon on the mount. His solution is to seek first the kingdom. God reigns wherever His will is done- on earth as it is in heaven. So to seek His Kingdom first means to seek His will and His glory and grace in every situation.

Have you been seeking His Kingdom first? When you serve with the strength he provides you have to.

Confession and repentance are the tools God has given us. Agree with Him it’s sin and that because it’s sin it hurts you, and turn - with Holy Spirit’s help - from doing it and thinking it’s ok to do it.

Am I seeking His Kingdom in this?

E - Encourage others and be encouraged

Proverbs 11:25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

I want to encourage you now.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Sometimes we can rise up. Sometimes we can run. Sometimes we can only walk. We do what we can with what God gives us. It’s not keeping up with the Jones or looking good in front of others. It’s realizing sometimes we soar, sometimes we run, sometimes the best we can do is walk.

God has grace for us. Do you have grace for yourself?

Do you have grace for others?

Whatever we do, whatever we say should be for the encouragement of others (Ephesians 4:29).

Am I looking to bless or simply to be blessed?

God’s gifts conclusion

How do you speak the very words of God?

S - Stay in the Word - Colossians 3:16 Am I in the Word?

P - Prepare to give a reason for the hope you have - 1 Peter 3:15 Am I ready to give a reason for my hope?

E - Expect His Flow - Luke 12:11-12 Do I expect Holy Spirit to speak through me?

A - Always keep in step with the Spirit - Am I keeping in step with Holy Spirit?

K - Know and fellowship with people who speak the truth in love - Ephesians 4:15 Do I speak the truth in love?

That’s how you SPEAK the very words of God.

How do you serve in the strength God provides?

S - Surrender your agenda. Isaiah 64:8

E - Enjoy His light yoke - Matthew 11:28-30

R - Remember to work as unto the Lord Colossians 3:23-24

V - Verify you are seeking first His Kingdom Matthew 6:33

E - Encourage others and be encouraged Proverbs 11:25

That’s how you SERVE with the strength God provides.

Good news about God’s Gifts

May God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11

That’s my encouragement for you. We all make mistakes as we speak and when we serve. But as we become more and more like Jesus, we can - more and more - only say what we hear the father say and only do what we see the father do.

Can I pray?