Driven by the Spirit
First, something to make you smile…
A husband and wife were driving through the State of Louisiana. As they approached the city of (Na-cu-tush) Natchitoches—a word whose American English pronunciation is quite different from the way it is spelled—they started quarreling about the pronunciation of the town. They continued to bicker back and forth before stopping at a fast-food establishment for lunch.
Once seated at the counter, the husband looked at the young waitress (who appeared to be fresh out of high school) and asked: “Before we place our order, could you please settle an argument for us? Would you please pronounce (very slowly) exactly where we are?” The waitress leaned over the counter, took her gum out of her mouth, looked at them squarely in their faces, and said, “Burrr-gerrr Ki-in-g.”
Something for the Mind
When I bought my last NEW car, I did not buy the most expensive car that I could afford; I bought what in my mind was a reasonably priced car, then loaded it with every available feature. On the other hand, when I was much younger, things were opposite. Then, whenever I bought a new car, it was usually at the top of my budget, and I therefore had to hold back on adding any options or fancy features.
I am sure that many have had the exact same experience, and many have had that same experience, but in reverse. It is funny, though, how priorities change in either direction as life goes on.
Shortly after I bought the car, the world was hit with the pandemic, and it seemed to come to a complete halt. It seemed the most prudent thing to do at the time was to isolate as recommended. After that, I had neither a reason nor a desire to drive the car. All of its fancy, new-to-me features remained mostly a mystery to me because I did not have a chance to learn them.
As things began to open back up, I started to unwrap my new car—meaning I started driving it or being in it for extended periods of time. Becoming acquainted with it, learning, and enjoying all of its features.
For the features that I find are still a mystery to me, I refer to the owner’s manual that is tucked away neatly in the glove compartment where I get explanations, clarifications, and instruction. All of that combined has given me an opportunity to appreciate my modest vehicle for everything that it is, and its features for what they are intended to be.
I believe that unwrapping our spiritual gifts can be compared to my experience with my car, meaning that upon answering the irresistible call, we obtain or are gifted with God-given special abilities or with new ways of using our current abilities for the kingdom work of enriching the church or the body of believers. Much like the situation with buying a new car just before a pandemic, or as they say, “being all dressed up with no place to go”, we have this new thing that we can or is expected to do for God but the opportunity to unwrap the beautiful gift does not seem to present itself due to certain environments; due to certain situations; or simply due to the lack of knowing.
I believe that when we are made aware; when we spend time in prayer and submission; when we desire or ask and seek after it, the opportunities will present themselves. We will then discover the beauty of operating within our own giftedness. And where there are questions or any doubts, we consult the word of God, which is our owner’s manual for further assurance.
I believe that when unwrapped with care, our spiritual gifts become an anointing, and we then find our purpose and joyfully begin to operate in and appreciate our own unique gift for everything that it is and everything it is intended to be.
How about that for maximum joy?!
Meditation Verse: For this week’s meditation, I have decided to use the opening verse words of a hymn written by Randy Scruggs and John Thompson and enjoyed by many. It goes:
“Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true. And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.”
Our affirmations are as follows. Please feel free to repeat them with me:
- I am hopeful, confident, expectant, optimistic, and encouraged about unwrapping my gift.
- I am trusting that I am precious clay in the potter’s hand.
- I am being shaped for his use, which is a higher purpose.
- I am determined to unwrap my gift.
- I am joyfully anticipating discovering and living in my purpose.
- I am thankful for all of the opportunities before me.
- I am blessed.
Something for the Heart and Soul-
Tip of the Week
Let us choose this day whom and how we will serve. Let us commit to finding and unwrapping our spiritual gifts so that we do not have the fake it until you make it mindset. Let us be productive and ready, and most of all, as I have heard it said: let us remain FAT, which is faithful, available, and teachable.
Appeal for Purpose
Father our souls magnify you, O Lord. Our spirit rejoices in you.
You are mighty and have done great things for us.
Great is your love. Your mercy endures from generation to generation. You have shown unmatched strength with faithfulness, your kindnesses, and your tender loving care.
Now Father, for these reasons we bow before you, asking that according to the riches of your glory that You grant us to be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner beings.
Allow Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith so that we may have strength to comprehend the breadth, length, height, and depth of who you are. Help us to apprehend and unwrap our purpose and who you have made us to be so that we can walk worthy according to your perfect plan.
Let us know more fully the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge; and while we are on this journey, grant us discernment, wisdom, endurance, and the peace that surpasses our understanding so that we do not become faint.
Now, Father, to You who are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to Your own power that is at work within us. To You be the glory throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
Amen.
