How an armful of yard clean-up became a new creation
As I wondered how to dispose of dead vines I’d gathered in autumn from the trees in our backyard, I wrapped an extra long one around my arm to carry it to the fire pit. I had a thick circle of dried vine by the time I got there.
I thought it looked like the base for a lovely Christmas wreath!
The dead and withered vine, choking our trees and therefore destined for the fire, suddenly had a new life and a more beautiful purpose. I made three wreaths that year. One for myself and one each for my two daughters.
They looked delightful, wrapped in tartan ribbon and tied in a bow with leaves from our evergreen trees.
In 2 Corinthians, God tells us that He reconciled Himself to the world through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. God no longer counts our sins against us.
If we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old person is dead to sin, and the new person is alive in Christ. We, too, have a new life and a more beautiful purpose.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Do you feel like a new creation? If not, ask God to reveal Himself as you walk with Him today. What old things do you see that are made new? Perhaps a lovely garden container from found evergreen branches and pine cones. Or a treasured old piece of furniture painted and made into garden art?
If we can transform old things which seem of little worth, how much more can our loving God transform us?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, transform me into the image of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Your Son. Show me that I am a new person because of Him.
Continued reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 11-21.
’Til next time —thank you for reading, and remember you are loved by the One who created you in His image. Merry Christmas, everyone! 💜🎂🩷
~ Lynne
*This devotion was initially posted in Koinonia on my Medium profile.
Terrance Hayes introduced this poetry style based on a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks. I read about it in Robert Lee Brewer’s Smash Poetry Journal. I like it when Lee challenges his readers to try new poetic styles and encourages them to create something different.
The rules of this style of poetry are simple:
· Take a line from a poem you wrote or read
· Use each word in the line as the end word in your new poem
· Keep the end words in order
I’d read a stirring poem by David Hollis on Medium that morning, so I chose this line from the poem as my new poem —
“Imagine if we swam against the tide of popular culture.”
Using each word as an end word, I wrote this new poem.
I hope you enjoyed reading this poetic form. I enjoyed writing it and intend to write more in this style. Have you heard of this style before? I hope you’ll try it out if it’s new to you.
’Til next time — remember you are loved by the One who created you in His image.
~ Lynne
This poem was originally published on Medium in the publication Koinonia
The nations have fallen into the pit they dug for others. Their own feet have been caught in the trap they set. The Lord is known for justice. The wicked are trapped by their own deeds.
(Psalm 9:15-16. NLT)
Things are getting expensive, aren’t they? I’ve found that I have to go without some things I used to buy at the grocery store—the little treats or the specialty items that are not necessary for survival but things I wanted.
I often feel that life is unfair when I have to pass them by. Like a child, I think, “I’ve been a good girl. I deserve this.”
Reflecting on where this selfish way of thinking comes from, I realize I’m not thinking as a child of God at that moment but as someone who’s fallen into a commercial trap. What sparked those selfish thoughts?
A new lifestyle
When my husband retired, he had a good pension from working for the same company. We weren’t rich, but we had what we needed with some to spare for simple pleasures like a day trip, a celebratory dinner in a nice restaurant, or a donation to a worthy cause.
Now, we find that monthly income doesn’t stretch as far, and we must be careful of extraneous spending. But I need to keep in mind that I still have riches.
As my grandad said in his later years–
“We don’t have much, but we have more than most.”
He and my grandma were living on government assistance at the time. But he didn’t compare his life to those around him who had bigger houses and fancy cars and vacationed in Majorca. He saw the people on the news who were displaced by war or homeless because of natural disasters.
He had the love of his family, a roof over his head and fish and chips every Friday. He considered himself rich in blessings. And always found a few pennies to treat his grandkids to a bag of sweeties.
Now it’s my turn
Will I be remembered as an older woman who groaned about not having money for fancy restaurants and two cars in the garage, or will I be the one who sets an example to my grandkids that it’s ok not to have all the things the television and social media tells us we should have?
Will I fall into the trap I’ve allowed around me or follow my grandad’s example and the God he trusted in for all his needs?
Lord, help me to choose the best—the path you have for me and your provisions to help me walk it well and not stumble.
Til next time–remember you are loved by the One who created you in His image.
On the following pages, you’ll find the Spiritual Gifts Evaluation. Complete it to discover which Spiritual Gifts God may have given you.
As you willingly accept your gifts from God, ask Him to reveal how He wants to use them to accomplish the special assignments He has for you to fulfill your purpose for His Kingdom on Earth.
Copyright Legal Stuff You Need to Know
You may print out this evaluation for your own personal use or in a group setting but the evaluation is copyrighted as it’s been published in a book, so please don’t use it for any monetary gain such as asking a fee from others to use it or copying it into another book for publishing purposes. If you’re unsure if you can use it for a purpose other than those, please send me a short comment on my website and I’ll be happy to help. Helps – one of my gifts! 🙂
Are you ready to unwrap your Spiritual Gifts?
Let’s begin!
How much do you agree with each statement? Be totally honest as you are right now, not as you want to be. God can use you right now for His Kingdom, so start where you are now in your life, warts and all!
Hold on to the person you want to be – that person will emerge as you seek God with all your heart and trust His leadership. You may see other gifts unwrap as you grow in your faith. Put your answer beside each statement. And don’t be shy – if you know you fit the statement, say it confidently in the realization that it’s not anything you’ve done but what God has done through you. Give Him all the glory!
Score as 0 = Not at all. 1 = Sometimes. 2 = Often. 3 = Usually. 4 = Almost always.
__ Q1. I effectively organize people and projects to reach goals in ministry and work.
__ Q2. I have specific plans in place to achieve defined goals.
__ Q3. I easily delegate tasks to make things run more smoothly.
__ Q4. I seek out opportunities to make decisions.
__ Q5. I understand what must be done to accomplish a goal.
__ Q6. I feel driven to start new projects for God.
__ Q7. I enjoy new challenges and taking risks.
__ Q8. I enjoy making a difference in other people’s lives.
__ Q9. I would like to work as Christ’s ambassador.
__ Q10. I am committed to working hard to help churches reach their full potential.
__ Q11. I can usually tell immediately what a person’s character and abilities are.
__ Q12. I usually know if something is from God, Satan or a human.
__ Q13. I recognize inconsistencies in people.
__ Q14. I realize people’s true motives for doing something.
__ Q15. I perceive when something is twisted in communication.
__ Q16. I am driven to impact other people’s lives for Christ.
__ Q17. I rejoice with people who have put their trust in the Lord in difficult times.
__ Q18. I seek out opportunities to help people reach their full potential for Christ.
__ Q19. I enjoy inspiring and encouraging others.
__ Q20. I take joy in others’ successes.
__ Q21. I seek out opportunities to bridge the gap between myself and people of different faiths.
__ Q22. I sense when a person is open to the message of salvation.
__ Q23. I have helped many people come to faith in Christ.
__ Q24. I believe love, not logic, wins people to Christ.
__ Q25. I’m deeply burdened for those who don’t know Christ.
__ Q26. I welcome taking risks for God.
__ Q27. I get excited by overcoming obstacles with faith.
__ Q28. I readily accept a challenge that seems like a ‘mission impossible.’
__ Q29. I have a passionate prayer life.
__ Q30. I have a great sense that God is in control of all things.
__ Q31. I eagerly give more than the ten percent tithe in my offering.
__ Q32. I usually give anonymously when I can.
__ Q33. I look for ways to increase my income so I can give more to the church.
__ Q34. I see my resources as belonging to God, so I give beyond what is asked of me.
__ Q35. I know everything belongs to God, and I am a steward of His bounty.
__ Q36. I firmly believe that people can be healed supernaturally.
__ Q37. I pray specifically to be used by God to heal people.
__ Q38. I believe healing occurs only by God’s will.
__ Q39. I view medical science as a means God sometimes uses to heal people.
__ Q40. I give God all the glory when He uses me to bring healing to someone.
__ Q41. I enjoy serving behind the scenes.
__ Q42. I rejoice in the success of others.
__ Q43. I like attention to detail.
__ Q44. I strive to find ways to support others in their tasks.
__ Q45. I don’t need recognition for the work I do.
__ Q46. I’m known for making people feel welcome and comfortable.
__ Q47. I seek out people who are alone in a crowd.
__ Q48. I have a strong desire to make people feel loved and accepted.
__ Q49. I see my home as belonging to God and welcome visitors in His name.
__ Q50. I strive to promote fellowship among believers whenever possible.
__ Q51. I clearly understand what the speaker is saying, even if the language is unknown to me.
__ Q52. I can translate messages in a way that edifies and exhorts believers.
__Q53. I can convey the meaning of words spoken by other believers to glorify God.
__ Q54. I can interpret messages when given by a speaker in a language unknown to the audience.
__ Q55. I am eager to interpret when someone starts speaking in an unknown language.
__ Q56. I devote a significant amount of my time to reading scripture.
__ Q57. I love to share biblical insights.
__ Q58. I enjoy helping others understand God’s Word.
__ Q59. I feel strong benefits from studying the Bible.
__ Q60. I delight in answering difficult questions about scripture to glorify God.
__ Q61. I motivate others to work towards accomplishing visions for the future of the church.
__ Q62. I am naturally drawn to leadership roles.
__ Q63. I find it easy to inspire people to work together for the benefit of God’s kingdom.
__ Q64. I easily see the vision for the church.
__ Q65. I am happy to release responsibility to others who are qualified.
__ Q66. I am drawn to meeting the practical needs of others.
__ Q67. I devote a significant amount of prayer time to the benefit of others.
__ Q68. I grieve with those who grieve.
__ Q69. I generally prioritize the needs of others over my own.
__ Q70. I feel fulfilled when I visit the sick, the homeless, orphans or those in nursing homes.
__ Q71. I recognize prayer as a supernatural means by which God acts in the lives of people.
__ Q72. I give credit to God alone for supernatural works.
__ Q73. I fully understand that miracles happen only by God’s will.
__ Q74. I believe I am an instrument for God’s work on Earth.
__ Q75. I pray and look to God for His will when I encounter an impossible situation.
__ Q76. I feel driven to help others reach their full potential in Christ.
__ Q77. I look for opportunities to serve others.
__ Q78. I enjoy developing a trusting relationship with a small group of people.
__ Q79. I am happy to give my time to help people with their spiritual needs.
__ Q80. I believe people take precedence over projects.
__ Q81. I am known for communicating God’s Word.
__ Q82. I enjoy sharing my strong biblical convictions with others.
__ Q83. I view myself as an instrument to be used by the Holy Spirit to change lives.
__ Q84. I find it easy to confront others’ motives if they don’t live up to biblical standards.
__ Q85. I frequently receive and share messages from God that comfort and challenge His people.
__ Q86. I spend many hours studying scripture to apply the truth.
__ Q87. I enjoy explaining God’s Word to others.
__ Q88. I seek out opportunities to speak biblical truth and principles in situations.
__ Q89. I enjoy helping people learn to study scripture.
__ Q90. I believe God’s Word can be effectively taught by several means.
__ Q91. I believe God prompts me to convey His messages through a language I don’t know.
__ Q92. I often pray for others in utterances using an unknown language.
__ Q93. I desire opportunities to pray for the church in an unknown language that glorifies God.
__ Q94. I share the words and messages God gives me, which are often expressed in an unknown language.
__ Q95. I often comfort or encourage others using a language inspired by God that I don’t fully understand.
__ Q96. I enjoy speaking biblical insights into life situations.
__ Q97. I am often sought out by others for advice or wisdom.
__ Q98. I take great pleasure in counselling others.
__ Q99. I am known for making correct decisions and judgments.
__ Q100. I recognize God as the primary source of all wisdom.
Now Tally Your Results
Qs 1-5 =
Qs 6-10 =
Qs 11-15 =
Qs 16-20 =
Qs 21-25 =
Qs 26-30 =
Qs 31-35 =
Qs 36-40 =
Qs 41-45 =
Qs 46-50 =
Qs 51-55 =
Qs 56-60 =
Qs 61-65 =
Qs 66-70 =
Qs 71-75 =
Qs 76-80 =
Qs 81-85 =
Qs 86-90 =
Qs 91-95 =
Qs 96-100 =
Now record your highest marks and discover which Gifts God may have blessed you with.
Record your highest three scores. Your supportive scores are listed as your fourth, fifth and sixth.
If you score the same on more than one Gift, write them on the same line, then go to the next score.
If you scored the highest on Qs 1-5, it means you likely have the Spiritual Gift of Administration, and so on.
Administration is the Gift that serves and strengthens the body of Christ by effectively organizing resources and people to reach ministry goals efficiently.
Apostleship is the Gift God uses to launch and lead new ministries to expand His kingdom.
Discernment recognizes truth or error within a message, person or event.
Encouragement helps others live a godly life through inspiration, counselling, and empowerment.
Evangelism is the Gift that enables believers who are blessed to share Christ’s love in a way that draws people to accept the gift of salvation.
Faith helps those who have this Gift to see God’s purposes accomplished, trusting God to overcome all obstacles.
Giving encourages people to joyfully offer more than the usual tithe to further God’s kingdom.
Healing restores health beyond traditional and natural means to those sick and suffering.
Helping offers assistance to others in reaching their goals that glorify God without thought for their own gratification.
Hospitality provides others with a welcoming environment for fellowship and comfort.
Interpretation is the Gift of understanding a message from God spoken in a language unknown to them or others in attendance.
Knowledge is the ability to communicate God’s truth to others to promote justice, honesty, and understanding.
Leadership is given to believers to relay visions of God’s will for spiritual growth and achieving specific goals.
Mercy is the ability to minister to those who suffer physically, emotionally, spiritually, or relationally. Their acts are characterized by their love, compassion, and kindness.
Miracles are supernatural acts that attest to God’s existence and His power.
Pastoring is the responsibility of a group of believers to equip them in Christ-centred living.
Prophecy offers messages from God that comfort, encourage, warn, and reveal truths that lead to repentance and spiritual growth.
Teaching is imparting sound doctrine in relevant ways, empowering people to grow in their faith.
Tongues communicate God’s message in a special language unknown to the speaker.
Wisdom is making wise decisions and counselling others with sound advice in accordance with God’s will.
Now that you have an idea of the Spiritual Gifts God may have given you, pray for His will and guidance to use your gifts for His glory and to serve others in love, which flows from Christ.
How Do We Use Our Spiritual Gifts?
If you try out a gift that doesn’t fit, go on to your next Gift and pray for clarity.
It will help you most if you have, or can find, a local church or one online which preaches the full gospel of our Lord Jesus. Together, we build each other up, love and care for one another with the love of Jesus, and minister to the local and global community in His name. If you can’t find a local church, please leave a comment, and I’ll send you the link to an online church.
My book, THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING, provides a more comprehensive look at Spiritual Gifts and how we can use them to further God’s kingdom. The book also contains this Spiritual Gifts evaluation.
Before you begin the Spiritual Gifts evaluation, you’ll need to understand what Spiritual Gifts are. These passages from scripture help us see how wonderful our Heavenly Father is, that He would give all His children such special gifts!
What Spiritual Gifts Are
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 New International Version (NIV)
4.” There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity.
What Spiritual Gifts Are Not
Because Spiritual Gifts are freely given by God, they cannot be earned or merited. Though working through individuals, they operate and are manifestations of the Holy Spirit, not of the gifted person. They are to be used for the benefit of others and are given to the church as a whole not given solely to individuals. There is diversity in their distribution because the purpose of a Spiritual Gift is to edify (build up), exhort (encourage), and comfort the church by each person using their gifts to glorify God and further His work on earth.
The Difference Between Spiritual Gifts, Natural Gifts and Acquired Talents
Natural gifts (abilities) are innately given by God to all mankind at birth through creation. Everyone has natural gifts even if they don’t recognize them or use them.
Acquired gifts are talents learned through education, training and experience. Most people have access to these at some point in their life.
Spiritual Gifts are given by God through His Spirit and are for the purpose of ministry. They can be developed over time to enable believers to make a unique contribution to the kingdom of God.
Who Gets Spiritual Gifts?
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 New International Version (NIV)
8 “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”
Every believer, at the moment they accept Christ into their heart, receives at least one Spiritual Gift.
Do We All Get The Same Spiritual Gifts?
Romans 12:6-8 New International Version (NIV)
6 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
Why Do We Get Spiritual Gifts?
Ephesians 4:11-13 New International Version (NIV)
11 “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Do We Get More Than One Spiritual Gift?
Everyone receives at least one Spiritual Gift at the moment they receive Christ. Some may receive more than one. In this evaluation, we look at receiving multiple gifts and how they may be used together for God’s glory. If you think you only received one gift, ask other believers who know you what they’ve seen in your life since you met Christ. Be patient. You may only need one gift right now and possibly others will follow later.
What Do We Use Spiritual Gifts For?
1 Peter 4:9-11 New International Version (NIV)
9 “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
How Do Spiritual Gifts Differ From The Fruit Of The Spirit?
All believers are called to bear the ‘fruit’ of the Holy Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22).
Spiritual Gifts are about ‘doing’ while the ‘fruit’ of the Holy Spirit are about our character.
How Do We Unwrap Our Spiritual Gifts?
In my next blog post, you’ll find the Spiritual Gifts Evaluation. Complete it to find out which Spiritual Gifts God may have given to you.
As you willingly accept your gifts from God, ask Him to reveal to you how He wants to use them to accomplish the special assignments He has for you to fulfil your purpose for His Kingdom on Earth.
A more comprehensive look at Spiritual Gifts and how we can use them to further God’s kingdom can be found in my book THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE KING –
Lynne Collier 