Fred's Devo # 30 "The Motivational Gift of Serving"

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7

If (his or her gift) is service, let him serve. On yesterday, we focused on the motivational gift of prophecy. Today, we discuss the motivational gift of serving. Oh how this gift is needed in the body of Christ! When everyone else is focused on the task at hand, the server is looking at practical things that no one else is noticing. He sees the paper on the floor and picks it up. She sees that the speaker needs a glass of water and gets it. He notices that one of the lights is out in he bathroom and changes it. The person with the gift of service is motivated to meet unmet needs related to God's work and will make use of available resources to meet the needs.*

Prayer: Lord thank you for my brothers and sisters in the body with the gift of service. May we follow their example as they can show us how to love and serve the body in practical ways. Help us all be reminded that we are servants of the most high God. Whether we have the gift of service or not, we can humble ourselves and serve each other. Help us to look for opportunities to serve someone today to the glory of God and for the benefit of the body. In Jesus Name! Amen

For more information see:
http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Serving___Helps.pdf

Devo # 29 The Motivational Gift of Prophecy

"So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:5-7

The list of gifts in this passage is described as the Motivational Gifts or Operational gifts. These gifts describe how each person operates in the body. Every believer does not have the same gift(s). It is important to understand the characteristics of each gift, even if you don't have it so that you appreciate your brothers and sisters who do. The root word of prophecy is propheteia, which means inspired speaking forth or making known. Prophecy is "the special ability to perceive and communicate truth and divinely inspired utterances in a timely and relevant manner, for understanding, correction, repentance or edification." This gift is very much needed in the body of Christ. The person with this gift is quick to discern any dishonest motives and is passionate about speaking truth and helping people come out of sin.

I do not have this gift but my wife does. She is a great blessing to me and the body of Christ.

Questions for Reflection: Do I truly appreciate the diversity of gifts that God has placed within the body of Christ? Will I honor the gift of prophecy even when they are speaking something that makes me uncomfortable or challenged?

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for placing the motivational gift of prophecy within the body of Christ. Please continue to use those with this gift to speak forth your truth and to guide us away from sin and error and back to truth and righteousness.

*For more information and source sites go to: http://www.cotr.org/assets/pdf/The_Motivational_Gift_Survey.pdf

http://www.netbiblestudy.com/00_cartimages/Perception.pdf
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Fred's Devo #28 On Body: Many Functions part 2

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion" Romans 12:3-5

Just like the human body has many parts, God has created the body of Christ with many different Gifts. Some are up front gifts like preaching and teaching, others are less seen gifts like service and giving. Whatever our gift, we are to use it to the glory of God and in concert with the other gifts, not in competition with other members of the Body of Christ! Again, the gifts are for God's glory and completion of God's mission, not our glory or our agenda. If you don't yet know what your gift(s) is, begin to pray now that the Lord would reveal it to you. Then you will now your role in the body of Christ. In the meantime take advantage of every opportunity to serve him God and bless other members of the body of Christ.

Let's pray: Father, thank you that you have given each of us gifts. Help us to know what our gift(s) is and our role in the body of Christ. Help us to serve you with humility and sensitivity to other members of the body. Forgive me for the times when I am more concerned about how I look, or my chance to shine than giving you the glory or serving the body! I know that this is fleshly and self serving. Lord I commit my gifts to you again this morning. May they be used for your service and glory! May they also bless and serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus Name! Amen.

Fred's Devo # 27 One Body with Many Members

3"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)

Today, we will begin to discuss One Body: Many Members

"So in Christ, we who are many form one body,and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts according to the grace given us."

Christians should not see themsleves, just as individuals reconciled to God through salvation. Certainly we thank God for our salvation; but in addition to that, we are connected to each other. Just like the individual parts of our body are connected to and interdependent on each other; so we are connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need them to survive.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I have acted like an independent Christian and not appreciated how important the body of Christ is to my growth and survival. Thank you for the precious body of Christ! Help me to love and serve my brothers and sisters to your Glory! In Jesus Name! Amen!

Devo # 26 "Don't Think You're All That" part 2

God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one bod "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith y, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)

Yesterday, we discussed the fact that the writer, the Apostle Paul, though he was "top dog" over the church, recognized his dependence on God's grace! So we too need to remain humble, in recognition of God's unmerited favor towards us. Today we will examine the phrase, "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather with sober judgement in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."

Our gifts, talents resources and even our training and experiences are God given or God granted. If we are highly gifted, acknowledge that before God and give Him the glory. It is not necessary to pretend that we are not gifted and blessed. In fact many of us are gifted beyond measure! The purpose of those gifts is not for our own glory, but God's. These gifts, resources, talents, experiences and opportunities are to be used as a blessing to the body of Christ and to the world. If we do not yet recognize our gifts, we are nonetheless valuable before God and a precious member of the body of Christ. Everyone has something to give even the newest baby Christian!

Lord, thank you for the gifts and blessings you have given me. Help me to have a right assesment of my gifts, talents and resources and what I bring to you and to the body of Christ. Help me to serve the body, using these gifts and blessings with a spirit of service and humility. To Your Glory Lord!
In Jesus name Amen!

Devo # 25 "Don't Think You are all That!" part 1

3"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:3-6a NIV)

You've heard it before. "He thinks he's 'all that' "." Now that she's got that job, she don't speak to nobody!" These phrases describe people who have an have inflated opinion of themselves. In today's passage, Paul tells us that "by the grace given me, I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in according to the measure of faith given you." It is interesting that Paul begins his exhortation with "by the grace given me" Grace is God's unmerited favor. Paul clearly saw himself as one was a recipient of God's unmerited favor. He had previously persecuted the church. Although he was a church leader,over churches, he did not have an inflated view of himself.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says that: "by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast." No Christian has a reason to brag, boast or get the big head. We are all recipients of God's marvelous grace. So we should all walk in humility, not pride.

Father, thank you for your unbeleiveable grace in sending your son to die for me so that I could be made right with you! Help me to never forget what you have done for me and to maintain an attitude of gratefulness and humility. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Devo # 24 "Walking in the Will of God"

"1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Sooner or later, every believer will want to know "God's will" for this decision or that decision, especially when they come to a crossroads in life: Should I take this job? Should I accept this marriage proposal? Should I join this church? or Should I move to this city? or What should I major in or What type of job should I look for? What is God's will? We often ask these questions as if they exist in a vacuum apart from everything else in our lives.

Today's passage puts knowing God's will in some perspective. Paul tells us that if we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (die to our selfish ambitions and passions) and refuse to conform to the lifestyle, values and thinking patterns of this world, that we will actually flow into God's "good, perfect and pleasing will". I find that when I am not offering myself up to God as a sacrifice or when I am conforming to the world's values, it is hard for me to hear God! It is only when I get into the quiet place of submission and listening that I am able to hear his voice.

Lord, forgive me for the many times that I have gone my own way, refusing to place my life on the altar of sacrifice and failing to allow you to transform me by the renewal of my mind. I submit to you today afresh and anew so that I may flow into your good and perfect will. In Jesus Name, Amen!