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- Apr 25, 2006
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9 July 2007
Ephesians 4 v 11-12
And Christ gave gifts to people - he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God's people. Christ gave those gifts to prepare God's holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.
The story so far . . . in the previous verses we have just been reminded that Jesus ascended in order to fill everything with his presence, or in the NIV version, to "fill the whole universe." Wow! Think of pictures of space, galaxies, solar systems . . . Jesus fills that whole universe! And it is that same Jesus who wants to give you and me gifts, not scattered carelessly as if they didn't matter, but personally chosen and delivered to each one of us. Jesus who fills the universe has a personal gift for you and for me. So just maybe we should note why he does this? In order that we may serve and make the body of Christ stronger.
How are you treating your gift, the one that Jesus values so highly? Not quite sure you've actually been given one? (Ask a friend or leader to help you discern your gifting). Sitting on the shelf where you can look at it from a safe distance? (Pray for courage and opportunity to use it). Showing signs of wear and tear? (Pray for strength as you continue to serve God through the gifting he has given you).
Lord Jesus, who fills the universe, thank you for your personal love for me. I pray that you will help me to continually seek to recognise what you are calling me to do in helping to strengthen your people, and that you will give me the strength to serve you in this by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Written by Rosemary Thomson
Ephesians 4 v 11-12
And Christ gave gifts to people - he made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God's people. Christ gave those gifts to prepare God's holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.
The story so far . . . in the previous verses we have just been reminded that Jesus ascended in order to fill everything with his presence, or in the NIV version, to "fill the whole universe." Wow! Think of pictures of space, galaxies, solar systems . . . Jesus fills that whole universe! And it is that same Jesus who wants to give you and me gifts, not scattered carelessly as if they didn't matter, but personally chosen and delivered to each one of us. Jesus who fills the universe has a personal gift for you and for me. So just maybe we should note why he does this? In order that we may serve and make the body of Christ stronger.
How are you treating your gift, the one that Jesus values so highly? Not quite sure you've actually been given one? (Ask a friend or leader to help you discern your gifting). Sitting on the shelf where you can look at it from a safe distance? (Pray for courage and opportunity to use it). Showing signs of wear and tear? (Pray for strength as you continue to serve God through the gifting he has given you).
Lord Jesus, who fills the universe, thank you for your personal love for me. I pray that you will help me to continually seek to recognise what you are calling me to do in helping to strengthen your people, and that you will give me the strength to serve you in this by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Written by Rosemary Thomson
