"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 Motivational Gift of Leadership comes next in our list of gifts within the body of Christ. The passage says "if it (the gift) is leadership, let him govern diligently. The believer with this give has the God given ability to "understand clearly the immediate and long range goals of a particular unit of the Body of Christ and to devise and execute effective plans for the accomplishment of those goals. People with this gift tend to be thorough, goal oriented, objective, responsible and organized." *
This gift is critical to the progress of a local fellowship of believers. a leader, a local church or fellowship flounders around without direction. "Within a vision a people perish. (Proverbs 29:18) Leader give direction when direction is needed, they create order out of chaos, yet they know how to respect authority and give other people the credit. They get a big picture of what needs to be done and can organize others to get it done.
What we can learn from leaders and administrators; Keep your surroundings clean, study time management principles, finish what you start, prioritize your work.
Reflection Question: Do I recognize and honor the leaders in my midst? What can I learn from those with strong leadership skills?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the leaders and administrators in our churches and fellowships. Help us to support their gift by following their leadership for the sake of the kingdom. Help us not to worship them but to worship the Lord only, praying for them and supporting them. Give our leaders grace, wisdom and the diligence to make wise decisions.
gifthttp://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Administration_Leadership.pdf
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fred's Devo # 34 "The Motivational Gift of Giving"
"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.
After discussing Christ's mercy on yesterday, back to the motivational gifts. Today we will discuss the "Motivational Gift of Giving" The motivational gift of giving is the special ability God gives to certain people to contribute their material resources to the word of the Lord. Givers are often thrifty, generous, disciplined and resourceful. They make friends easily and motivate others to give.
They are important to the body of Christ not only because of their giving but also because of the fact that they motivate others to give.
Proverbs 19:17 tells us that "he who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord and He will pay back what was given."
My wife has the gift of giving and it has been infectious for me to see her buy and save items to give to people and the joy she has in giving. In the course of the last year or two, she has literally given thousands of dollars worth of items to meet the needs of others. God is often giving things to her to give away to others. I don not have the gift of giving but watching her has increased my sensitivity to the needs of others.
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for the gift of giving within the body of Christ and the needs that are met because of this gift. Help all of us to be more aware of we can serve other members of the body and advance the work of the Lord."
In Jesus Name! Amen!
After discussing Christ's mercy on yesterday, back to the motivational gifts. Today we will discuss the "Motivational Gift of Giving" The motivational gift of giving is the special ability God gives to certain people to contribute their material resources to the word of the Lord. Givers are often thrifty, generous, disciplined and resourceful. They make friends easily and motivate others to give.
They are important to the body of Christ not only because of their giving but also because of the fact that they motivate others to give.
Proverbs 19:17 tells us that "he who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord and He will pay back what was given."
My wife has the gift of giving and it has been infectious for me to see her buy and save items to give to people and the joy she has in giving. In the course of the last year or two, she has literally given thousands of dollars worth of items to meet the needs of others. God is often giving things to her to give away to others. I don not have the gift of giving but watching her has increased my sensitivity to the needs of others.
Prayer: "Lord, thank you for the gift of giving within the body of Christ and the needs that are met because of this gift. Help all of us to be more aware of we can serve other members of the body and advance the work of the Lord."
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Fred's Devo #33 "Jesus, Our Great and Merciful High Priest"
Today, We have a guest writer, Bill Bauerly. This is a powerful meditaiton about God's precious mercy as lavished on us by Jesus, Our Saviour! Enjoy! Brother Fred
Good morning friends,
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
These verses are so precious that there was no way that I could take them separately. The writer has been hammering on us to make sure we are not in unbelief and so as enter into God’s rest. We should almost have the sense that we should question our salvation at every turn. We should be weary of our utter sinfulness and moral failures. We should be aware that our secrets are not hidden before an all knowing and seeing God. But finally we are given a reprieve in that God’s precious mercy is poured out on us. The high priest is one that mediates between God and man. Pleading our cause before this righteous God, Jesus is there in heaven. Whereas we could never enter into God’s rest, Jesus is leading us. It is with a tenacity we are to grasp on to our confession that Christ’s blood has paid the price for our transgression and clothed in His righteousness we can enter into God’s rest. Consider for a moment, Jesus pleading our case before
God as one who was tempted in all areas, but did not sin. Yes we are guilty, but we have a mediator who can sympathize with our weakness. The picture we have here is the priest as he sprinkles the blood of the lamb on the Ark of the Covenant. Picture God looking down on the Ark with the law contained in it. The priest then brings the blood as an offering for a guilty people who have broken that law. Now picture the mercy seat that was between God and broken law. It is not that God winks at sin – heaven forbid - Christ paid the required payment for our sin with his own life, but at the same time he sympathizes with the fact of our weakens. We must always feel the shame and utter sinfulness of our sin, but we must always look to Christ for mercy. It is here that the writer wants us to feel the tension that exists. We are guilty and vile but on the other side we can draw near with confidence that we will receive mercy and grace.
“What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest Friend"
Good morning friends,
Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
These verses are so precious that there was no way that I could take them separately. The writer has been hammering on us to make sure we are not in unbelief and so as enter into God’s rest. We should almost have the sense that we should question our salvation at every turn. We should be weary of our utter sinfulness and moral failures. We should be aware that our secrets are not hidden before an all knowing and seeing God. But finally we are given a reprieve in that God’s precious mercy is poured out on us. The high priest is one that mediates between God and man. Pleading our cause before this righteous God, Jesus is there in heaven. Whereas we could never enter into God’s rest, Jesus is leading us. It is with a tenacity we are to grasp on to our confession that Christ’s blood has paid the price for our transgression and clothed in His righteousness we can enter into God’s rest. Consider for a moment, Jesus pleading our case before
God as one who was tempted in all areas, but did not sin. Yes we are guilty, but we have a mediator who can sympathize with our weakness. The picture we have here is the priest as he sprinkles the blood of the lamb on the Ark of the Covenant. Picture God looking down on the Ark with the law contained in it. The priest then brings the blood as an offering for a guilty people who have broken that law. Now picture the mercy seat that was between God and broken law. It is not that God winks at sin – heaven forbid - Christ paid the required payment for our sin with his own life, but at the same time he sympathizes with the fact of our weakens. We must always feel the shame and utter sinfulness of our sin, but we must always look to Christ for mercy. It is here that the writer wants us to feel the tension that exists. We are guilty and vile but on the other side we can draw near with confidence that we will receive mercy and grace.
“What language shall I borrow to thank thee dearest Friend"
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fred's Devo # 32 "The Gift of Encouragement or Exhortation"
"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.
Today we will discuss the motivational gift of encouragement or exhortation. The person who has the motivational gift of encouragement is a real blessing to the body of Christ. They have the God given ability to minister words of encouragement, consolation and comfort to members of the body in such a way that they feel encouraged and healed. They motivate others to their best effort" When necessary the exhorter will also admonish or challenge members of the body when needed. I cannot imagine a fellowship without exhorters! Barnabus was described as the "Soon of Consolation" in Acts 4:36. My wife is a exhorter or encourager. She has the ability to stand up in church, share a few words and lift the spirits of everyone in he room! I thank God for her blessing in my life and in he body of Christ.
In a general sense, all Christians are called to encourage and admonish each other.
The bible is a book of encouragement, instruction and admonition on how to follow God and his son Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord thank you for those with the gift of Encouragement in the body of Christ. Whether or not I have the gift, help me to look for opportunities to encourage and admonish my brothers and sisters today, for your Glory!
In Jesus Name. Amen
* For further reading,go to: http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Exhortation.pdf
Today we will discuss the motivational gift of encouragement or exhortation. The person who has the motivational gift of encouragement is a real blessing to the body of Christ. They have the God given ability to minister words of encouragement, consolation and comfort to members of the body in such a way that they feel encouraged and healed. They motivate others to their best effort" When necessary the exhorter will also admonish or challenge members of the body when needed. I cannot imagine a fellowship without exhorters! Barnabus was described as the "Soon of Consolation" in Acts 4:36. My wife is a exhorter or encourager. She has the ability to stand up in church, share a few words and lift the spirits of everyone in he room! I thank God for her blessing in my life and in he body of Christ.
In a general sense, all Christians are called to encourage and admonish each other.
The bible is a book of encouragement, instruction and admonition on how to follow God and his son Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord thank you for those with the gift of Encouragement in the body of Christ. Whether or not I have the gift, help me to look for opportunities to encourage and admonish my brothers and sisters today, for your Glory!
In Jesus Name. Amen
* For further reading,go to: http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/Motivational_Gift_of_Exhortation.pdf
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Fred's Devo #31 "The Motivational Gift of Teaching"
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
So far, we have touched on the motivational gifts of prophecy and service. Today, we will discuss the Motivational gift of Teaching. To teach is to give instruction. Teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body of Christ in such a way that others will learn. Teachers protect the body from false teaching and sinful life styles and give us spiritual food on which to grow and mature in our Christian walk. As one who has the gift of teaching,I receive great joy from sharing the Word of God!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving the gift of teaching to the body of Christ. Anoint our teachers to exhort, rebuke, correct and instruct in the ways of God according to II Timothy 3:16. Help me to receive what you have taught me and to walk it out in my daily lifestyle. In Jesus Name! Amen.
*For more information, go to: http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/motivational_gift_of_teaching.pdf
So far, we have touched on the motivational gifts of prophecy and service. Today, we will discuss the Motivational gift of Teaching. To teach is to give instruction. Teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the body of Christ in such a way that others will learn. Teachers protect the body from false teaching and sinful life styles and give us spiritual food on which to grow and mature in our Christian walk. As one who has the gift of teaching,I receive great joy from sharing the Word of God!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving the gift of teaching to the body of Christ. Anoint our teachers to exhort, rebuke, correct and instruct in the ways of God according to II Timothy 3:16. Help me to receive what you have taught me and to walk it out in my daily lifestyle. In Jesus Name! Amen.
*For more information, go to: http://www.victorylifechurch.org/pdf/motivational_gift_of_teaching.pdf
Monday, September 28, 2009
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
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
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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
for
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
for
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