“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

Beautiful Gifts

As I look out my kitchen window and bask in the beauty of God’s creation in the form of trees, flowers, plants, bushes—the busyness of the active squirrels in the trees gathering pinecones, the peaceful flight of the butterfly, the chirping of the birds pecking at bugs on the ground and sipping nectar from the flowers and some enjoying the birdbath, and with the occasional presence of the deer enjoying the apple trees—it appears they all are enjoying each other and the nature of their setting. They are profiting from all of God’s gifts of creation.

This particular day is a beautiful, sunny day in the morning with a nice cool breeze. The type of days I never tire of—peaceful.

There are other days when I look out my kitchen window and watch the downpour of rain smashing the flowers, plants, bushes, while the animals have taken cover under the dark black clouds above. 

Both of these days display the beauty of God’s creation and are very much needed on every level. Some of us desire the sunny days, and others of us desire the rainy days; however, we all profit from both when we keep a clear and focused perspective on life.

The overflowing of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to be shared with others and not to be bottled up inside our own hearts. We know that when Jesus lives within our hearts, then the Spirit of God abides in us. God desires to work through us—He intends for us to have the Holy Spirit flowing forth from our lives. Our gifts of the Spirit need to be shared with the body of Christ so that they can enjoy our gift as well, and we in turn are blessed abundantly with theirs. I believe that our combination of gifts—showing unity, order, and love for each other—will encourage people to turn their hearts toward Jesus. 

With a tenderness
That’s divine, the Father’s
Fingers reach into our
Hearts and extend an
Eternity of love—a life
Renewed and transformed
Into a never-ending
Fullness of bloom! 
(Author Unknown)

Wherever we are in our journey in life today—whether we are active in church, family obligations, work obligations, traveling, or restricted at home because of physical or health issues—we still can do our part with the gifts that God has given to us. Will you join with me today in asking the Lord’s direction and desire as we wait and watch with eagerness for His plan?

“Lord, we thank You for the gifts that You instilled in us for the profit of all. Guide us in the full capacity of Your desire and purpose so that we as the family of Christ will illuminate and draw people to Jesus. Amen.”