Catching Blessings

A few months before our pastor retired, he would have us reach out our hands and he would pray a blessing over us.  Once I opened my eyes to see if others were holding their hands the same way I was.  Some had their arms slightly raised with the palms either facing up or toward the pulpit, almost as if they were waiting to catch a fast ball in their hands.  Many had their arms near or slightly above the waist-line with their palms up.  Some had their fingers spread as if waiting for something big to fall into them.  Others had their fingers tightly together as if trying to prevent the blessing from slipping through their fingers.  It was interesting that everyone was anticipating their blessings in different ways. Did you ever think about that - being ready to receive your gifts from God? 

"Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father,

who created all the lights in the heavens.  He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. 

And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession." - James 1:17-18 (NLT)

After our pastors retirement, a visiting preacher wanted to pray a blessing for us individually and as a church. He showed us how he wanted us to turn our palms upward and hold our hands out from the side of our bodies in a posture ready to receive the gifts God had for us.  This posture made me think of a small child playing ball with a parent.  The child opens their arms outward, turns his hands up, and usually spreads their fingers out too.  They make their catching area as big as they possibly can to increase their chances of catching the ball.  Then once they get the ball, they pull it tightly to their chest.  Then in their excitement of receiving the ball they either giddily giggle or smile really big.  The child knows the joy of expecting the ball and they are cofidnet in their heart that their parent is willing to keep tossing it to them. 

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord 

and have made the Lord their hope and confidence." - Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT)

Are you genuinely expecting your blessings from God?  Like a child, is your heart and you arms wide open and ready to catch them?  You should understand God is there for you anytime and will continue to give you His very best gifts.  Knowing that could make you burst out laughing or at least smile happily at this not-so-secret truth.  If you do not feel blessed and joyful, maybe you are looking at the wrong things in life rather than the good and perfect-for-you gifts God has already provided or wants to give.

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Good Christian Gift Books for Women

If you are looking for an idea of great Christian books to give as gifts for Christmas, below are a few good options for people who enjoy reading.  These books may be given to women who are already Christians and want to learn more about Christian living, get examples of faithful women, or or study more of the Bible.  Or you can give Bibles or below reading  suggestions  to people new to Christianity or others who need Christ and/or inspiration in their lives.  

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

• The Blessed Woman by Debbie Morris for inspiration and motivation ( * If planning to use in weekly Women's Group or Bible Study, you may download free 9-page Leader's Guide for group discussion questions for each chapter.  At the end of the book, there are more questions that may be used for each participant to reflect on prior to group meetings.) 
• Good News for Weary Women by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick to relieve stress and find faith.
• 365 Daily Devotionals for Women by Jewell Johnson for inspiration and Christian history . 
• The Never-The-Less Principle by Marion Bond West to develop a positive attitude.
• The Power of a Praying books by Stormie Omartian to cover every area of life (* May be used in Women's Group or Bible Study as the option of purchasing study guides is available.  Each chapter in the book includes scriptures to reinforce the lesson and a sample prayer).
• Set Apart books by Leslie Ludy explains what is means to be set apart for God’s purpose. 
• Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin offers a realistic plan for studying the Bible.
• Fruit of the Spirit fiction series by Tracy Wainwright.
• The God Bless Girl by Shirley Fine Lee, which is a quick-read fictional story about current American culture and value changes influencing the Christian message and patriotism.

For more book ideas, visit 10 Best Christian Books for Women on Becoming Christians blog.  For Bible Study ideas, check out Top Beth Moore Women's Bible Studies on Lifeway blog.  Additional ideas for men's and children's books on this blog.

Blog readers, we welcome your additional Christian book suggestions in the comments of this blog post.  You may also want to check out our print or e-book Bible study guides for yourself or as gifts.  If you want to start reading daily Bible scriptures, consider our FREE devotionals for each month of the year.   Thanks!  

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Evangelizing with Gospel Tracts

Previously, an idea of Ministering and Witnessing via Bookmarks was shared on this blog as a technique to spread the message of Christ to others.  Now, with the growing need for more people to know about God, as well as both freedom of speech and religion being suppressed on the internet, it is time to reconsider the use of paper-based gospel tracts.  Tracts may contain short stories, faith Bible verses, illustrations, or poetry.

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, 

How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, 

and bring glad tidings of good things!" - Romans 10:15 (KJV)

It may seem like an old-fashioned idea, using printed tracts to spread the gospel and witness to people.  However, it is an easy and inexpensive method for those less confident about talking to others.  Tracts  provide something real for the person receiving it to hold onto and review multiple times at their convenience.  It is still a relevant evangelistic tool for churches and individuals to spread the gospel of Christ.  Let us bring back the Gospel tracts!

Below are a some websites where you may obtain Christian tracts:

• Lifeway Store and Article Blog
• ChristianBook Store 
• Gospel-Tracts Features Combo Packages
• TractPlanet Sore
• Reaching the World Designers and Distributors
• Moments with the Book Design and Store
• Crossway Store
• Page Ministries Store or FREE Downloads 
• Living Waters Store 
• Liberty Gospel Tracts and FREE Resources

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Are You Entitled to God's Blessings?

There is so many bad things going on in the world today that you are discouraged.  Other undeserving people seem to have more than you so you begin to feel somehow cheated. Are you feeling like God is not answering your prayers?  What attitude are you going to God with?  What are you believing for and why?

Too many churches are more concerned about filling seats than teaching the Word of God.  As a result, there are too many preachers delivering messages of prosperity instead of salvation.  Pre-sermon time has turned into entertainment by a larger group of singers and musicians instead of leading the congregation in praising God through song and prayer.   As a result, instead of reverencing God people feel God owes them for showing up on the Sabbath Day.  Are you entitled to an abundance of God's blessings just because you say you are Christian or have membership in a particular church?  

"A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down, 

But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor." - Proverbs 29:23 (AMP) 

Instead, are you a loved child of God who is grateful to have all their needs met? Do you recognize that you  are expected to work and show yourself ready for additional privileges from God? Being loved or blessed should never mean being overly "spoiled" with everything you want.  God wants to give you gifts, but He does not give you everything you feel you want or think you might be entitled to just because you believe in Him.

Find more in the following stories and examples from Christian blogs and religion articles:

• Entitlement Will Rob You of Rest 
• God's Promises and Blessings [and Conditions] - includes a long list of scriptures
• Pray for God’s Blessings, rather than Feeling Entitled
• The Entitled Christian - includes 3 scriptures without Biblical reference given

Nine Spiritual Gifts of Manifestation

The spiritual gifts of manifestations may be the most well known in the Church as these show the power of God to His people.  These gifts are supernatural in nature, so many Christians feel they are unworthy of receiving these gifts or that the gifts were for the start of Christianity and not for today.  However, scripture clearly says these gifts of special and spiritual abilities are for each of us, that means everyone and even now.  The manifestation gifts are to help others and share information, as well as  provide personal spiritual growth.

If you have or desire one of these spiritual gifts, it is important to remember they are for God's purpose through you.  You should not take credit for anything the Holy Spirit does though you.  Give God the glory always.  

 "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 

For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; 

to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 

To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 

To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits;

to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, 

dividing to every man severally as he will." - 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (KJV)   

Below is a summary for the nine spiritual gifts of manifestation, divided into three supernatural purpose  categories: 

  POWER GIFTS DO SHOW GOD'S POWER 

• Faith is the ability to believe and trust God in all circumstances to provide extraordinary results.  It is more than the faith of salvations as it requires spiritual maturity and a close relationship with God.  This spiritual gift is confidence in God to overcome obstacles and produce miraculous outcomes.  People with this gift know God is good, expect Him to answer prayers, and put their lives completely in His hands.
• Healing is faith in supernatural restoration of the body, mind, and emotions manifested in hurting people through fervent prayer and the sovereign will of God.  It shows the compassion of God for mankind and that He cares about their suffering,   People will this gift mirror God's compassion for the sick, are concerned for the spiritual well-being of the afflicted, are strong intercessors for others, and willing prayer partners.
• Miracles indicate there is no limit to what God can do and that He can perform might deeds.  People with this gift believe anything is possible with God and that He will supernaturally intervene to make His will and power known.  They know manifested miracles strengthen the faith of Christians and draw more people to God.

  REVELATION GIFTS REVEAL GOD's INTENTIONS/DESIRES

• Discerning (aka Discernment, Distinguishing Spirits) is supernatural insight on whether a situation, person, place, or event is good/right/true/heavenly or evil/wrong/false/demonic.  The ability to distinguish evil is  protects Christians and Churches from being lead in the wrong direction.  People with this spiritual gift can  recognize in specific situations the difference between the influence of God versus the devil, worldly view, and flesh-driven activities.  This allows them to warn others of the danger and keep them from false teaching that may lead them astray.
• Knowledge is the ability to understand facts and information revealed by from God to apply the truth and purpose of His Word.  It is used  to protect or warn though spiritually and mentally revealing God;s direction in a situation in order to teach, warn, or guide others in the Church.  People with this gift enjoy studying and memorizing the scriptures, have a deep understanding of the Holy Bible, and focus on God's will and ways. 
• Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions from a righteous perspective, avoid actions harmful to the Church, and advise or guide others through a supernatural understanding of God's truth.   People with this gift see through turbulence, provide practical ideas, and steer things in the direction of God's will  and His Holy Word.  They can help individuals and groups obtain 

  UTTERANCE GIFTS SPEAK GOD'S MESSAGE 

• Interpretation is the ability to understand and explain a message given in tongues so that God is glorified and the Church is edified.  People with this spiritual gift communicate the meaning of a message in tongues to those who need to understand it so that God; people are encouraged and blessed.  They seek to serve God effectively and deeply love Him.
• Tongues (aka Unknown Language, Prayer Language) is a sign from God to get the attention of Christians and unbelievers in a language that is unknown to the speaker.  This spiritual gift should be interpreted if given in a group so that all present may understand God's message.  The purpose of tongues in is to glorify God and draw people to Him. People with this gift have a willing and obedient heart that is open to God using them for the edification of His Church.  Some may use the utterance gift in their private prayer time when interceding for others and situations, alternatively it may be an uplifting praise to God. 
• Prophecy is an inspired message with the purpose of confirming His Word, building up  and directing the Church.  The message typically helps the Church understand the desires of God.  This is also an important motivational gift for and ministry in the Church.

The supernatural working of the spiritual gifts of manifestation will strengthen the Church body and individuals.  These gifts are as relevant and available today as they were in New Testament times of the early Church. 

Ask God to give you a manifestation spiritual gift in order to grow your in your relationship with Him and help others to see His power.  If you really desire to be an instrument of God, you will receive the gift He intends for you.  In sharing your gift with the Church body, you allow God to work through you.  This will bring joy and blessings into your live, the lives of others, and your Church.  

Seven Motivational Spiritual Gifts

Motivational spiritual gifts are very action-oriented and are how Christ moves through us in word and deed.  These gifts will be distributed throughout the Church body. Many of these action gifts are to: edify the Church, grow the flock through spoken and unspoken witness, and make new members comfortable.  

You may have multiples versions of these gifts (or subsets such as those listed as AKA), though you may excel in a particular one.  These gifts reflect the personality of Jesus through you, therefore you should seek to use these gifts wisely and as often as possible.

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, 
whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;
he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness." 
- Romans 12:6-8 (KJV) 

Below is some information on the 7 spiritual gifts of motivational actions:  

• Giving (aka Hospitality/Hosting, Sharing) people are excited to share generously what they have with the Church and other people.  They do so cheerfully and without expecting recognition or reward.   They take pleasure in making people feel welcome and cared about.  They also encourage other to give of what resources  and blessings that they may have.  They have a special place in their heart for the needy and lonely.  They are selfless, seek ways to help ,and typically are hospitable towards others.
• Exhorting (aka Exhortation, Encouragement/Encouraging) means to console, support, comfort, strengthen, and counsel others in their Christian growth so they can become all that God wants them to be.  People with this gift may encourage, challenge, or rebuke those whose faith is wavering or to help them continue their growth in the Lord. They desire to buildup the body of Christ for the glorification of God.  
• Mercy spiritual gift allows people to easily sense the emotions of others, be sensitive to their feelings and needs, as well as help them through their burdens.  They are good listeners, empathetic, loving, meek, sympathetic, patient, and communicative with a desire to end suffering and see others healed.  Although the mercy spiritual gift is emotionally sensitive, those with it look for practical ways and compassionate deeds to help those they see suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually.  They will stay with whomever they are helping through the process of healing.  
• Ministering (aka Service/Serving, Helping) should not be confused with the ministry roles, but in the motivational sense it is that of helper or servant.  People with this spiritual gift desire to meet the needs of the Church and individuals.  When they see a necessary task, they commit to getting it done, either by doing it or by assisting others in the job.  They often work behind the scene filling in gaps around the Church.  People with the ministering gift support the ministry by doing various errands  or jobs in order to free up others for ministry roles aimed at growing the Church.
• Prophesy spiritual gift provides insight or foresight into God's will or plan for the Church body.  They may warn of sin or reveal it which makes the prophet's role seem judgmental, but they are merely dedicated to Gods truth.  This divine message from God is a blessing to the Church, however it must be tested and measured against scripture.  
• Teaching is a foundational gift and it requires dedication to study, research, prayer, lesson planning, and possibly writing.  Whether the gift is to be a Sunday School teacher, youth program, or study group leader; it still requires great responsibility to carry out the role. Those in the teacher's role are typically good speakers or willing group facilitators.  
• Ruling (aka Administration/Administer, Organization/Organize, Leadership/Leading) is the ability to see the "big picture," set long-term goals, guide others to achieve the goals, and find ways to get work done.  People with this spiritual gift typically have leadership skills in planning, organization, and supervision.  This gift includes protecting the Church and often manifests itself in multiple roles and jobs within the Church body.   

A great way to think of the motivational gifts is how they help the Church body to be whole.  For example think of each spiritual gift as a physical body part of Christ: giving is the arms, exhorting the mouth, mercy is the heart, ministering the hands, prophecy the eyes, teaching the mind, and ruling the head. From this example you can see that all the motivational gifts are valuable, each is important to the Church body.

If you feel you have a listed motivational gift, pray that God will direct you in how to use it effectively.  Your pastor may be able to help you in directing your gift towards the best way of working for the Church. 

Five Spiritual Gifts of Ministry

Most think of ministry gifts as belonging to those in authority in the Church.  These leadership roles  typically fall to someone who has been to seminary school.  Church leaders do need to be educated in the Holy Bible and theology in order to teach and guide others.  Although most are called to these roles and pursue the necessary education to receive the title, some are called to take on guidance and teaching roles using training outside seminary.  

God can use you for His work too!  if you are not called to preach, you may be called to teach or write.  Pray for guidance before pursuing any ministry role in order to receive the training, skills, and attitude necessary to proceed.  If God reveals He has other plans for you, then that plan may fulfilled through other spiritual gifts. 

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, 
pastors and teachers;  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, 
for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, 
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, 
unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" - Ephesians 4:11-13 (KJV)

Below is information on the 5 spiritual gifts of ministry roles:

• Apostle (aka Church Planter, Missionary) is a person who takes the gospel to new places.  They spread the Word of God and help create new churches.  They may provide leadership and advice on spiritual matters for new churches and ministries.  
• Evangelist (aka Revivalist, Traveling Preacher) is someone who is able to successfully communicate the gospel, typically to non-believers and the lost.  They are sent from the Church to bring more people into the body of Christ using charismatic messages and creative methods. 
• Pastor (aka Church Preacher, Counselor, Leader, Shepard) is a person who is responsible for spiritually caring for a group of believers within a specific Church.  They have responsibility for counseling, guiding, leading, nurturing, overseeing, protecting, serving, and teaching the congregation and individuals within the Church.  For this role, they must have authoritative knowledgeable of the Holy Bible and be fully grounded in the Word of God.  A pastor should be humbly committed to the mission of the Church in which he/she is given by God.
• Prophet is someone who speaks God's divinely inspired message to His people.  The message may be a vision of the future of God's will.  Or it could be meant as a warning or encouragement to the Church body.  True spiritual prophecy is to be seen as a blessing to the Church from God, not a curse or something to be taken lightly.  Only through prayer and the test of time can you find the truth in God's heart given through man's words.
• Teacher is a person who can instruct others in the Holy Bible in a way that communicates information in a understandable way for the spiritual growth in God of others.  Teachers must study, research, and look for creative ways to deliver lessons that establish a Biblical foundation and bring the truth of God's Word to the group or age level they are educating.  Keys to teaching include being willing to: consume scriptures, take responsibility for planning lessons, communicating the lessons, and leading  discussions with others.  

Pray to God for guidance in the spiritual gifts He wants you to pursue.  This way you can obtain the necessary training and skills to accentuate the talents and desires you may already have.  Ministry roles require time dedication in not only studies, they need fervent prayer time as well. 

Your Presents from God: Spiritual Gifts

We often think of our physical blessings as our gifts from God.  While He does meet our needs and some of our wants in the form of blessings, He has and even better present in store for you.  Part of being a Christian is finding and using your spiritual gifts for the glorification of God and the service of your Church.   By His grace, God has appointed each of His believers one or more gifts - this includes you.  He wants you to:  know what your gift is, develop the gift, and use the gift for His glory. 

Your gift(s) may stem form a natural talent you already have or it may be a skill or attribute you need to cultivate.  If you are not sure what you gift is, you should pray for endowment and revelation from God.  You may choose to take one of the many assessments for determining your spiritual gift(s).  You may try doing various functions within the Church-body to find your joy.  

"One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, 

and gave gifts unto men." - Ephesians 4:6-8 (KJV) 

Find joy?  Yes, using the gift(s) God gave you should result in personal joy, as well as the reward of selflessness.  If you are doing what God meant you to do, you will be more blessed and happy.  Just waiting or observing does not help you grow in the Lord.  Sitting still does not increase your blessings and it does not bring lots of joy.  Yes, you do get some joy in praying. learning, singing, worshiping, and seeking the Lord.  Just imagine how much much more joy there can be in serving Him with your spiritually endowed gifts!

There are several spiritual gifts.  These gifts are typically divided into three categories by modern theology.  Together, we will explore them in additional posts using three M's (3M) method.  The 3M categories are Manifestation, Ministry, and Motivational.  

Selecting Study Bibles and Translations

When looking for a Bible translation or study Bible to begin personal or group Bible study or to give to another as a gift, you want to look for an excellent translation that attempts to give you the true word of God.  You want one that translates what was originally written in Hebrew and Greek into current words and languages that can be understood.  Otherwise you or the person you are giving the Bible to may be mislead by incorrect interpretations or purposeful attempts to leave something out of change the meaning to match what currently may be socially acceptable but is not God's will.  If you want to gift a Bible to someone who primarily speaks a language, other than English many translations are available in multiple languages, so do the research on the translation, then find the language desired.  To find out more about choosing a Bible, check out Finding the Best Bible Version.

Standard or literal translations are significant attempts to translate word-for-word from the original text.  Interpretations are dynamic or free thought translations that review entire phrases to determine what they mean to the person or group composing the new translation, then the text is paraphrased into modern wording.  Also there are application Bibles, which are translations designed for a targeted audience, such as men, women, teens, children, or another particular group.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, 

for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

Most study Bibles will have at least: a concordance, a dictionary, maps, or side-by-side translations to help you better understand what you read and learn more.  For more details on selecting study Bibles, visit Guide To Choosing Best Study Bible.

Hopefully the above is helpful in selecting a Bible for yourself or as a gift.  The important thing here is to find a Bible that you are comfortable with reading and sharing.  The purpose of the Bible is to get Gods word into your life and the lives of others.  Do not get so caught up in the selection process that the blessings of knowing God get lost.  For tips on shopping for a Bible, see Questions to Ask When Shopping for Your Next Bible.