1 Cor. 12:7 “Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits.“
What were you given? Wouldn’t it be fun to have your family and friends tell you what gifts they see working in you? I had that unique experience yesterday at a meeting of our church’s elder board (The Session).
The “gift” I most align myself with is: “Intercessor.” My daily prayer time and the lists of people I pray for daily are an integral part of my life. I am grateful God gave me the gift of praying for others.
In today’s devotional by Bob Goff, he dealt with this subject. Quoting 1Cor. 12:7, he went on to say,
” God has created us ro come together and form a beautiful community that highlights what we each have been given and can contribute.”
Using the familiar story of Stone Soup, Bob Goff wrote, “You know where this story ends already: the soup becomes a delicious simmering pot made up of everyone’s contributions… We all need to throw in what we’ve got and it will be enough.”
What other gift attributes did my friends identify for me? writing bedrock firecracker cooking music (and as mentioned:) prayer warrior
Of course, the one that surprised me the most was “Firecracker.” Is that a gift? Should I associate that with being explosive or being a sparkler? There are many ways to define our gifts, aren’t there? What’s yours? Ask a friend. Bob Goff ended his devotional in “Catching Whimsy” with this faith step:
Ask the people around you. “What are you good at? What lights you up and makes you spring out of bed?”
Here are the gifts my friends identified in each of my fellow church elders’ lives. For privacy’s sake, I will identify them only by their initials
PC patience, music, steadiness, kindness, calmness, humor
CD steadfastness, empathy, compassion, devotion, humor, determination
SH faithfulness, dependability, devotion. willingness, generosity, commitment, obedience
We began our Session meeting in prayer with this scripture as our guiding principle: 1 Cor. 12:1 paraphrased “Don’t be ignorant friends. A variety of gifts are given- We all are made to drink in One Spirit.”
We can (or can we?) control how others see us. Would I have liked others to see in me dependability, thoughtfulness, initiative, wisdom? Of course! Those weren’t mentioned. What can I do about it?
Live mindfully. Love outlandishly. Purpose my life to “Show who God is.”
Are you with me? Throw your gifts in the pot, and let’s make Stone Soup into God’s Love Soup.
Well I think they gave you a pretty impressive list of gifts! And being considered Bedrock…That is pretty dependable. Those who build on Bedrock are to be considered wise, because bedrock is solid, dependable, and the foundation of a good house!
Wonderful, thoughtful and thought provoking blog MomBee. I had look up the definition and found the following: “Intercessors are often seen as standing in the gap, offering spiritual protection and support for others through prayer.” I think you do more than stand in a gap. You offer connection and reassurance. I know I am particularly grateful for your prayers and support. There is power in prayer! I agree with everyone’s list for you. I saw “teacher” in one of them. But I’d also say “advisor” because you are always ready amd willing to advise when called upon.
Amen. Jan, I find much to harvest and reflect upon from this post. When we gather our individual strengths together, we come together as One in Christ.
Comments on: "Throw Gifts in the Pot" (12)
Well I think they gave you a pretty impressive list of gifts! And being considered Bedrock…That is pretty dependable. Those who build on Bedrock are to be considered wise, because bedrock is solid, dependable, and the foundation of a good house!
Thank you so much. I appreciate that explanation!
What the world needs now…….
… is love, sweet love ❤️🎶
Wonderful, thoughtful and thought provoking blog MomBee. I had look up the definition and found the following: “Intercessors are often seen as standing in the gap, offering spiritual protection and support for others through prayer.” I think you do more than stand in a gap. You offer connection and reassurance. I know I am particularly grateful for your prayers and support. There is power in prayer! I agree with everyone’s list for you. I saw “teacher” in one of them. But I’d also say “advisor” because you are always ready amd willing to advise when called upon.
Thank you, Laina. It was a very interesting experience!
You’ve just prompted a story from my early life. I’ll wait a while and then post it. But you are so right.
I look forward to your story, John.
The analogy of Love Soup is a helpful way to explain why God wants us to connect with one another and blend the gifts He gave us.
Thank you. I thought so, too.
Amen. Jan, I find much to harvest and reflect upon from this post. When we gather our individual strengths together, we come together as One in Christ.
Thank you so much, Dick!