Devotionals for December 16, 2022
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READ
1 CORINTHIANS 12:4-11
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to other gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to other gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
REFLECT
Communion is a simple act yet is deep in meaning. And it’s deep in love and unity as the body of Christ comes together to proclaim Him. It’s this beautiful moment, where God’s people — with all of their diverse gifts — come together proclaiming one King together. After Communion, we leave the Sunday service and enter the work and school week ready to serve others and share the Gospel. But we don’t do it alone: God has provided us His Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us.
APPLY
Q: How does Paul emphasize the unity of God’s people and the diversity of the Holy Spirit’s gifts?
Q: Are you earnestly seeking the Holy Spirit in your life to bless others?
Q: Pray for those who need Jesus and His body right now. Who can you invite into your home and invite to upcoming Christmas services? Pray in the Holy Spirit for them.
Q: Are you earnestly seeking the Holy Spirit in your life to bless others?
Q: Pray for those who need Jesus and His body right now. Who can you invite into your home and invite to upcoming Christmas services? Pray in the Holy Spirit for them.
SING
PRAY
"And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one."
Lord, guide me in your truth and love. Testing will come but give me the strength to never yield to it. Help me not to hoard your Holy Spirit and the Gospel to myself. Grow my heart and courage to boldly proclaim you and serve others. Amen.
Lord, guide me in your truth and love. Testing will come but give me the strength to never yield to it. Help me not to hoard your Holy Spirit and the Gospel to myself. Grow my heart and courage to boldly proclaim you and serve others. Amen.