Daily Devotions

Today’s Bible reading is I Corinthians chapter 12

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Two images of the church stand out to us in the New Testament. The church is the bride of Christ, and the body of Christ. As a bride the church is to be pure and fully devoted to its Master. As the body of Christ we learn that Christ is the Head of the church, and each member has a function to fulfill. God gifts and equips each member to fulfill their role in the body. That means that every believer possess at least one spiritual gift. Most believers have more than one spiritual gift, but every believer has at least one. Spiritual gifts are given to us by the will of God. Warren Wiersbe said, “Spiritual gifts are not given for our enjoyment, but for our employment.” There are a variety of spiritual gifts in the church and every member doesn’t possess the same gift, but each member benefits from the gifts. We must discover and develop our spiritual gifts so as to serve Christ effectively. It is pointless to desire a spiritual gift that belongs to someone else. Every member is significant and needful in the body. The exercise of gifts leads to growth and unity. Gifts do not bring us glory, but bless the body and point others to Jesus Christ. Empowerment to effectively use our spiritual gifts comes from the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, help us to discover our spiritual gifts and to develop those gifts in the power of Your Spirit. Use us for Your glory. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron