Gifted

Exodus 31:1-11

These days when we speak of gifts of the Holy Spirit, we distinguish them from natural abilities. Gifts of the Spirit are gifts that accompany our our sealing with the Spirit for salvation, and enable us to serve in our own way for our own time. God chooses those gifts (e.g. teaching, serving, preaching, evangelism, speaking in tongues) from the time he conceived us. I disagree with the teaching of Alpha that we can ask God for specific gifts of this kind. Rather, It is our job to discover what it is God has chosen for us. When we talk in our church – according to the Purpose Driven Church way of things – of discovering our SHAPE for ministry, we spend some time exploring what our Spiritual gifts are (S), along with our Heart (what gets us excited, motivate us), Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.

It is not clear from this passage from Exodus if the natural ability and skill given Bezalel is considered a gift of the Holy Spirit, or whether this is given him along with a gift of the Spirit. The difference is not critical; the point is it all can and is all used in the service of God and building up of his people.

Prayer:
Lord, let no one think they have nothing to offer. Let not one be intimidated by seeing people who seem to have it all together and can do all kinds of things. Let us see the strength of your church in the little offerings, the small gestures, the seemingly insignificant acts of love that no one know about. The stars will fade. Your Word and Spirit acting through each of your humble and eager servants will have amazing results. Praise you, Lord. Amen.