I have been rattled as of late about how a majority of my friends are so caught up on finding their specific spiritual gifts. Although I believe it is important to realize the gifts God has given you, I think it is more important to realize the giver above all things. As an American, I truly focus on what people have done for me and what I have been given instead of the person giving it to me. In the same way we tend to focus on the happiness and joy God has given us instead of actually focusing on knowing God in a real and personal way. I want to know God in a way that transform my every thought to be like His. My thoughts to be His thoughts. My wills and desires to be His glorification and fame.
I believe I have been given both the gifts of discernment and wisdom. These gifts were given to us as a means to make Gods name known among the nations. The thing I am getting strung up on is that these gifts are serving to validate our identity and strike up a great deal of pride in most people. Gods word says in John 14:6, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. I don't really see this statement saying, no one comes to the father except through me and knowing your spiritual gifts. When does Christ become lower than His gifts? Never.
What does this mean for me, as God has slowly revealed his aspirations and gifts in my life, I have no reason to do anything other than glorify Him. I do not want to be caught up more on His gifts than on Him. Without Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, none of us would be given the opportunity to have any gifts.
In 1 Corinthians 14:1, "Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy." Paul states this with the attention of pointing out three things.
1. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by God to help glorify His name.
2. Prophesy is viewed as one of the top spiritual gifts, if not the top.
3. Loving God and loving people are the highest glorification of God.
With all this in mind, I am going to be earnest about seeking out my spiritual gifts and that God would reveal them to me and teach me how to use them for His glory. Also, I have developed a sense of peace over the fact that God loves me and that love overflows into my worship for Him and the dedicated time and love I spend on other people.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
"I will never give up my God!"
"I will never give up my God"
One statement that has radically changed my view of devotion, surrendering, and relationship with God. Sunday evening I experienced one of the most radical quotes a man has ever said. Our service at church revolved around discussion with small groups and one of the members of our group had a profound belief God's ability to work through him in small areas of his life. He talked about how he ministered to people at his work (I believe McDonalds) and how he explains any difficulties or misunderstandings they have of God or Christianity and shows them how God has changed him from this inside out.
After a little more discussion about my experience in Paris, he continued talking about his experiences with co-workers and customers. He talked about how he ministers to this homeless man and gives him food. Then he is willing to answer any questions on Christianity. In conversation with this homeless man, he says, "God has done so much for me and I will never give up my God." This statement carries so much weight, but I could tell he meant every bit of it.
After further conversation, I realized he most likely had a mental disability or speech disorder. This didn't change anything about the weight of his belief and faith. He had so much purpose and dedication that I just aspire to have in my areas of influence. As I realize God's workmanship and love in my life, I start to feel disgusted by my sin and how I don't have this same faith.
Continuing through this long process of being "perfected by Gods love and mercy", I have come to realize that our callings are not all the same and that I have been gifted in different areas. This man was a wonderful inspiration to what faith, grace, and mercy can do to a person's heart. I got reminded of Gods workmanship and pursuit of me and absolutely got shaken by this realization.
Sin separates me from God and that is just something I can no longer put up with. I have a need in my soul to pursue God and the only way I can ever make this happen is to devote my life to being righteous and in perfect communion with Christ. My past has been riddled by defeat, lust, alcohol, and most importantly death (separation from God). I know my future is marked by victory over death and eternal life with Christ. Christ died so I could live in righteousness with no condemnation when I fail, but with the ability to lean on Gods grace and be identified and find hope in Him.
My prayer now is that I would be convicted of being in Gods word and in prayer more. Also, praying that God would make me more of a Godly man that is focused on serving and loving my community well.
-Walter Huffstutler
One statement that has radically changed my view of devotion, surrendering, and relationship with God. Sunday evening I experienced one of the most radical quotes a man has ever said. Our service at church revolved around discussion with small groups and one of the members of our group had a profound belief God's ability to work through him in small areas of his life. He talked about how he ministered to people at his work (I believe McDonalds) and how he explains any difficulties or misunderstandings they have of God or Christianity and shows them how God has changed him from this inside out.
After a little more discussion about my experience in Paris, he continued talking about his experiences with co-workers and customers. He talked about how he ministers to this homeless man and gives him food. Then he is willing to answer any questions on Christianity. In conversation with this homeless man, he says, "God has done so much for me and I will never give up my God." This statement carries so much weight, but I could tell he meant every bit of it.
After further conversation, I realized he most likely had a mental disability or speech disorder. This didn't change anything about the weight of his belief and faith. He had so much purpose and dedication that I just aspire to have in my areas of influence. As I realize God's workmanship and love in my life, I start to feel disgusted by my sin and how I don't have this same faith.
Continuing through this long process of being "perfected by Gods love and mercy", I have come to realize that our callings are not all the same and that I have been gifted in different areas. This man was a wonderful inspiration to what faith, grace, and mercy can do to a person's heart. I got reminded of Gods workmanship and pursuit of me and absolutely got shaken by this realization.
Sin separates me from God and that is just something I can no longer put up with. I have a need in my soul to pursue God and the only way I can ever make this happen is to devote my life to being righteous and in perfect communion with Christ. My past has been riddled by defeat, lust, alcohol, and most importantly death (separation from God). I know my future is marked by victory over death and eternal life with Christ. Christ died so I could live in righteousness with no condemnation when I fail, but with the ability to lean on Gods grace and be identified and find hope in Him.
My prayer now is that I would be convicted of being in Gods word and in prayer more. Also, praying that God would make me more of a Godly man that is focused on serving and loving my community well.
-Walter Huffstutler
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