Daily Devotionals
June 13, 2017
Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
June 13, 2017
Daily Reading
This week’s sermon text: James 5:7-12
Field Notes
There’s a member of our church who owns his own business and for years was asked to serve on the administrative committees of our church – the ones that deal with finance and facilities and business-oriented tasks. He wanted to serve and he wanted to be helpful so he said “yes” to these opportunities, but he didn’t find much pleasure in the work. After each obligation ended he was relieved to step down.
One day he received a letter from one of our pastors inviting him to consider serving as a Stephen Minister. He had never thought of doing this, but something about it piqued his interest. He went to the information session and decided to go through the application process and training. Ten years later he is still joyfully serving in this ministry.
What’s the difference between being unhappy in serving and feeling effective and joyful in serving? Using your spiritual gifts.
Our reading today reminds us that all of us have gifts given by God’s spirit “for the common good” (v. 7). When you’re using your gifts, you will feel energized and joyful. If you’ve never discovered your spiritual gifts, there’s a handy assessment tool here.
Questions for the Field
- Have you discovered your spiritual gifts? If so, have you found a way to use them for “the common good”?
- If not, what are some ministries that seem to catch your attention and tug at your heart? Consider speaking with a ministry leader to find out more about how you might serve in that area, and take a few minutes to take a spiritual gifts assessment mentioned above.
Family Field Talk
- What are your favorite subjects at school? What do you like to do for fun?
- What are some ways you could help people using these talents?
Prayer Guide
Holy Spirit, you are the giver of spiritual gifts. Help us to discover the gifts you have given us, and enable us to use them for the sake of others in your world. Amen.