WEEK 10 DAY 3: DIVISION OF GIFTS

 WEEK 10: SPIRITUAL GIFTS

DAY 3: DIVISION OF GIFTS

MEMORY VERSE: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; there are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.”  I Corinthians 12:4-5

Spiritual gifts are found in four different books in the New Testament. The gifts may vary from list to list but with some repetition and can be found in:

Romans 12:6-8

I Corinthians 12:7-11, 28-31

Ephesians 4:11-12

I Peter 4:10-11

Motivational Gifts in Romans 12:6-8: prophecy, serving, teaching,exhortation, giving, administration and showing mercy.

Ministry Gifts are found in I Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11-12: apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helps, government, languages

Manifestation Gifts are found in I Corinthians 12:7-11: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, various languages, interpretation.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=AS6tQYJVO80&list=RDAMVMAS6tQYJVO80 

All comments & questions to: jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 10 DAY 2: GIFTS VERSUS ABILITIES

 WEEK 10: SPIRITUAL GIFTS

DAY 2: SPIRITUAL GIFTS VERSUS NATURAL ABILITIES

MEMORY VERSE: There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; there are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.”   I Corinthians 12:4-5

All people are born with certain, innate God given abilities from birth. Some are more gifted with certain abilities that seemingly do not need much development. Others have abilities that must be developed if they are to be used. A person may be a gifted orator but that does not mean that he should go into the ministry of preaching. One person may have the talent of being able to run a business very well but that doesn’t mean that he has the spiritual gift of administration.

All talents and natural abilities come from our Creator God. Only the children of God, only true believers, are endowed with spiritual gifts. Talents allow us to inspire, instruct and entertain on a natural level. Spiritual gifts relate to the spiritual building up of the saints. Natural talents produce natural results. Spiritual gifts always produce spiritual results.

The Church is composed of people with many different natural talents and gifts. The Christian devotes all his talents and abilities to the Lord for use in the kingdom of God!

Look in I Corinthians 12:4-6, 12-27. Lots of people, gifts, functions are used to build up the Body of Christ!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=OyvmZhqvULc&list=RDAMVMOyvmZhqvULc 

All questions and comments to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 10 DAY 1: WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

 WEEK 10: SPIRITUAL GIFTS

DAY 1: WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?

MEMORY VERSE: There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.”  I Corinthians 12:4-5

As a Christian, it is very important to know what spiritual gifts are --- especially since you have at least one. The Bible defines spiritual gifts as “those gifts given by the Spirit of God for the accomplishment of God’s purposes in the world and for the edification of the Church, the body of Christ.” I will offer another definition: “a gift of special qualification granted by the Holy Spirit to every believer in order to empower that believer to serve within the framework of the Body of Christ.” 

Here is perhaps an even better definition: “a spiritual gift is a unique grace gift that is given by the Holy Spirit to each believer for the service of Christ in connection with the Church in order that the Church may function and grow as it brings glory to God.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

All three definitions point out certain critical facts about spiritual gifts:

The Source: the special grace of the Holy Spirit

The Nature: spiritual ability, endowment and power

The Purpose: worship, ministry, service, and evangelism

Every Christian has at least one spiritual gift.

Many have more than one … BUT

No Christian has all the spiritual gifts.

References: Ephesians 4:7-10; I Corinthians 12:1-31; Romans 12:3-8; I Peter 4:10-11

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dCoSd-lCvok&list=RDAMVMdCoSd-lCvok 

Send all comments and questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 9 DAY 7

 WEEK 9: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

DAY 7: REVIEW & SUMMARY

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things …”  John 14:26

What has the Holy Spirit taught you this week?

What does the Holy Spirit do in our lives?

Can you identify with the Cheese & Crackers man?

Could you name the fruit of the Spirit?

What role does the fruit of the Spirit play in:

Your relationship to God?

Your relationship to others?

Your relationship to yourself?

Have you sensed any conviction as you have gone through the material this week?

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of someone who exhibited the fruit of the Spirit in His life. Look at the fruit and look at His life and see how much He was truly led by the Spirit of God!

Read Matthew 7:15-20!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k9cLBy0nGs 

All questions & comments to:   jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 9 DAY 6

 WEEK 9: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

DAY 6: THE INWARD LOOK

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things …”  John 14:26

The Upward Look = our relationship to God

The Outward Look = our relationship to others

And thirdly, we have the Inward Look = our relationship to our self.

This cluster includes faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

Faithfulness = “pistis” = used to describe a spiritual gift called faith but it is used here to refer to power in serving God and doing the work of the Lord. It encompasses the qualities of trustworthiness and reliability. It is a faithful and conscientious doing of the Lord’s work!

Gentleness = “praiotes” = sometimes called meekness. But it refers to the idea of being tamed, like a wild horse brought under control. It is a quiet and arresting strength of a person who is teachable, submissive and is considerate.

Self-control = “egkrateia” = and it denotes a person who has mastered his thoughts and actions. It includes not only abstinence from certain things but also adherence to certain things. We should practice self control with feelings, temper, food, sex and finances. Self control is also seen in the areas of Bible study, prayer and witnessing!

A self controlled person is a person who is being led by and filled with the Holy Spirit!

Do these three looks reflect your life? They should!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8bvrOAAgxM      “Gentle Shepherd”

All comments & questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 9 DAY 5

 WEEK 9: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

DAY 5: THE OUTWARD LOOK

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things …”  John 14:26

This second cluster of the fruit of the Spirit has to do primarily with our relationships to others.  It involves longsuffering, kindness and goodness. We call this the “outward look.”

Longsuffering = “makrothumia” is the Greek word - and it speaks of steadfastness under pressure. It means being slow to anger and ready to forgive those who wrong us. It is patiently enduring ill treatment without anger, retaliation or revenge. It requires forbearance and perseverance. 

Kindness = or gentleness = “chrestotes” - having a spirit of meekness and teachability. It speaks of a tenderness of heart and mind. Quiet. Restful. Look in Ephesians 4:32

Goodness = “”agathosune” = it speaks of love in action. A love that demonstrates its genuineness by its activity. One thing to say it. Quite another to do it.It is a readiness to always try to do good to others. Just simply being concerned about the needs of other people.

Read II Thessalonians 1:11; Romans 15:4 and Ephesians 5:9. 

When the Holy Spirit is in control of your life --- these things will take place!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kxah1QroUg 

All questions & comments to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 9 DAY 4

 WEEK 9: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

DAY 4: THE UPWARD LOOK

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things …” John 14:26

The place to begin is always with our relationship to God. This upward look will produce that which is so very necessary in our relationship to God. The three characteristics will should epitomize our relationship to God are love, joy and peace.

Love = “agape love” = selfless, sacrificial love, divine love. We are to love God with all our hearts, souls, mind and strengths. We will love Him supremely. He will come first on our lives because of all that he has done for us. Read Matthew 22:34-40

Joy = “chara” = it speaks of the joy that we have found in Christ alone. The world has its happiness and merriment, revelry and entertainment but this fruit is all about the joy of the presence of Christ in our life!  Read John 16:20, 22, 24.

Peace = “eeirence” = this speaks of the peace we have in knowing God. When you love God supremely and know the joy of His presence in your life, it gives you a peace with life in the midst of all tribulations and trials. 

Read Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:6-7; Romans 8:28    

Read John 14:27 and see what Christ said about peace! And love in John 13:34

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWnvmKoLWUU      “The Love of God”

All questions & comments to: jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 9 DAY 3

 WEEK 9: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

DAY 3: THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things … " John 14:26

The Holy Spirit convicted you of your need for salvation. It was the Holy Spirit who converted you, who enabled you to be born again, when you got saved. He gave you the twin gifts of faith and repentance. And conversely, it is the Holy Spirit who will control you as you live out that life of salvation.

In Galatians Paul tells them specifically that they were not saved by the works of man but by the Spirit of God. In Galatians 5:16 he encourages them to walk in the Spirit. That is, under the control and leadership and direction of the Holy Spirit. And when we do that, the fruit of the Spirit will be made manifest in our lives. There will be harmony, purposefulness and consistency.

The 9 fold cluster of the fruit of the Spirit is seen this way:        

• Upward - our relationship to God - love, joy and peace

• Outward - relationship to others - longsuffering, kindness and goodness

• Inward - relationship to ourselves - faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

Does your life display the fruit of the Holy Spirit? The source is the Holy Spirit, not man. The fruit is God’s work in and through us!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rezg4jYFoj0 

All questions & comments to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 9 DAY 2

 WEEK 9: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

DAY 2: THE SOURCE OF POWER

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things …” John 14:26

An unlearned man booked a passage on a ship that was crossing the Atlantic Ocean. He had just enough money to buy the ticket so he brought with him some cheese and crackers for the long trip. The first few days they tasted pretty good but eventually the crackers and cheese became stale. Each day he watched the porters carry large steaks, lobsters, chicken and other delicacies to the different guests and he became very envious. One day he stopped a porter and told him. “I’ll do anything to get one of those steaks, I will wash dishes, clean rooms and even mop the deck.”

The porter replied, “You bought a ticket, didn’t you?” And the man said “yes.” “All the meals come with the ticket,” smiled the porter!

Many Christians today are sadly like that little old man. They do not recognize the wonderful resources of the Holy Spirit that God has freely given to us! All the resources come with our gift of salvation. Are you enjoying the resources of God the Holy Spirit? It is our responsibility to know and to use those resources for the glory of God! No excuses accepted!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwvqX4nm2sE   Surprise Song!

Read Matthew 5:6; Ephesians 5:18; Philippians 4:13, 19.

All comments & questions:   jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 9 DAY 1 LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

 WEEK 9: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT

DAY 1: WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT

MEMORY VERSE: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things …” John 14:26

The God of the Bible is a Trinitarian God. That is to say, that the Scriptures reveal God as a Trinity. He is God the Father (John 1:18); He is God the Son (John 1:1, 14); and He is God the Holy Spirit (John 16:8). In the New Testament He is referred to as the Spirit of Truth.

The Holy Spirit regenerates us. John 3:1-7

The Holy Spirit indwells us.  I Corinthians 3:16, 6:19-20.

The Holy Spirit assures us of salvation. Romans 8:16

The Holy Spirit seals the believer.  Ephesians 1:13

The Holy Spirit teaches us. John 14:26

The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives. Galatians 5:22-23

The Holy Spirit gives each Christian spiritual gifts.  I Corinthians 12:4-6

“Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome in This Place”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqXc2XvtfCM 

How much do you know about the person and work of the Holy Spirit?

This time next week, you will know much more!

All comments & questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 7: A SUMMATION

 WEEK 8  DAY 7    SPIRITUAL WARFARE   SUMMARY & REVIEW

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  Ephesians 6: 11 

Psychologists tell us that if you do something for six weeks in a row it can easily become a habit. Today we are concluding Week 8 and I hope that the development of a devotional time has become a “habit” for you. The Christian life is more than just a habit. It is a struggle. A daily, constant battle that we all face. The Bible has provided truth as to how we can best confront and defeat our enemies in that battle.

Therefore, it is important for us to remember:

• We have an enemy and we are involved in a great spiritual battle.

• He wants to destroy us and kill us.

• God has given us the spiritual resources we need to win that battle.

• We MUST utilize those resources.

• We must know WHAT they are.

• We must know WHERE they are.

• We should be daily prepared to fight and win that battle.

Looking to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I hope it is well with your soul.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=E8HffdyLd0c&list=RDAMVMRCTl4tUYIAg 

All comments and questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com

WEEK 8 DAY 6: THE KEY

 WEEK 8  DAY 6  THE KEY TO VICTORY

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:11

First and foremost, all spiritual battles take place in the arena of your mind. Satan is constantly waging a battle for the control of your mind. He makes promises he cannot possibly keep. He flashes tempting thoughts and empty promises. He is the father of all lies and he comes to you and says things like this:

“Go ahead and do it. No one will ever know.”

“Hey, that looks good. Why don’t you try it?”

“You need a lift and this will help you …”

When those thoughts enter your mind, instantly ask yourself: 

• Does this agree with God’s Word? 

• Is it true? Will this bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ? 

• Will it really help me to be a better Christian? 

• If not, run from it and leave it alone!

“I”d Rather Have Jesus” https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=u62uYEssk7o&list=RDAMVMeGq0J9IGmxQ 

All questions & comments to: jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 5: DOING MORE

 WEEK 8  DAY 5 WHAT WE CAN DO  (PART II)

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  Ephesians 6:11

The Christian is constantly facing a battle on three different fronts. We face:

1. The world - with all its pleasures, philosophies, political correctness and allurements.

2. The flesh - and its wide variety of temptations that are screaming for instant fulfillment.

3. The devil - who comes to steal, kill and destroy.

All three are formidable and powerful forces. We need all the help and resources we can muster. The Lord has made those resources available to us but we MUST use them daily. The only alternative is to live in constant despair and defeat. This is why little things such as Bible reading, prayer, consistent and faithful church attendance, and having good Christian friends to talk to from time to time is critical.

How often do you read the Bible?               

How frequently do you pray?

How often do you attend church?

Answer those questions and you will be able to tell if you are living in victory or not!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=eGq0J9IGmxQ&list=RDAMVMeGq0J9IGmxQ 

“Victory in Jesus”

All comments & questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 4: OUR ROLE

 WEEK 8 DAY 4   WHAT WE CAN DO PART I

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”   Ephesians 6:11

God has not left us on our own to face this battle. He has assembled and provided for us many and necessary available resources. It is important for us to know what these resources are because they are critical to overcoming Satan. We must use the spiritual weapons in our daily battle against the world, the flesh and the devil.

Six such weapons are mentioned in Ephesians 6:14-17:

The belt of truth --- always stand on the truth of God and His Christ.

The breastplate of righteousness -- to guard our hearts.

The shoes of the gospel of peace -- always leaving a trail of peace.

The shield of faith -- keep it high to protect the heart.

The helmet of salvation -- to protect our minds and attitudes.

The sword of the Spirit -- this is the precious Word of God.

We are to put on “the whole armor of God.” We must dress ourselves for battle each and every day. God expects us to do that!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2KaHr_5U9Cg&list=RDAMVM2KaHr_5U9Cg 

“10,00 Reasons”  (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman

All comments & questions to:  jblackwood1946@gmail.com 

WEEK 8 DAY 3: WHAT JESUS DID!

 DAY 3: WHAT JESUS DID!

MEMORY VERSE: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”   Ephesians 6:11

In Matthew 4:1-11 we find the encounter of Satan against Jesus. As you study the passage you discover that Jesus used the infallible and powerful Word of God to defeat Satan! Consequently, all throughout His public ministry Jesus was confronted by the evil work of Satan:

To a man blind from birth, He gave sight.

To a lame man beside the road, Jesus enabled him to walk.

To an outcast woman, He forgave her sin.

To a despised leper, He completely cleansed.

To many people, dead in their sins, He gave life.

Jesus always overcame the temptations of Satan through the power of the Word of God. That is why it is so important for us to know it and know it well!

Look at these verses as you have time:

I John 3:8 - Jesus destroyed the works of the devil

Colossians 2:15 - Jesus made a public spectacle and triumphed over them

I John 4:4 - The Christ who lives in us is greater than the devil

Try this one for worship: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=2_TBCYcQGMw&list=RDAMVM2_TBCYcQGMw 

All questions & comments to  jblackwood1946@gmail.com