You all wrote so gladly and optimistically about the gifts of the Lord.
Of course you all know the gifts, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12 v 7-11. And all of you know the fruit of the Lord, mentioned in Galatians 5 v 22.
Talking of them would be: `carry coals to New Castle' We in Holland say: "water naar de zee dragen", ( " carry water to the sea").
But I mention some other, less known gifts, mentioned in Romans 12 v 6- 8: " We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is PROPHESYING, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7: if it is SERVING, let him serve, if it is TEACHING, let him teach. 8: If it is ENCOURAGING, let him encourage. If it is CONTRIBUTING TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS, let him give generously; if it is LEADERSHIP, let him govern diligently if it is SHOWING MERCY, let him do it cheerfully.
Don't you think this to be great!! But there is more!
Ephesisans 4 v 11- 12 talks of quite an other sort of gifts: "It was our dear Lord Jesus, who gave some to be APOSTLES, some to be PROPHETS, some to be EVANGELISTS, and some PASTORS and TEACHERS 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up"
In the dutch bible the word ENCOURAGING from Romans 12 v 8 is given as ADMONITION. So this can also be a gift. And still there is more !
Romans 12 v 13 says: "Practice HOSPITALITY".
1 Corinthians 12 v 28: " God has appointed ....those ABLE TO HELP OTHERS.."
2 Corinthians 1 v 11: "Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many", ( INTERCESSION)
A lady this morning said to me during our weekly 'church-informal party': " I am going to do intercession for Obama". A good advice for all Christians, I think.
Oh boys and girls !!!.....how many possibilities to serve the Lord and serve our dear Jesus Christ.
