Dear Friends,

Think back to a time when you received a gift, maybe a birthday gift, a Christmas gift, or just a gratitude gift.  As you looked at this gift, you couldn't wait to rip off the wrapping paper and bows to find out what lay inside.  God has given us spiritual gifts that are far greater than any earthly gift we might receive in a wrapped package.  He calls us to not keep these gifts wrapped up inside of us, but to open and share them with one another.  The Apostle Paul points to these gifts as he addresses the church in Rome. In Romans 12:6-8, he writes, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully".  Like the Romans, we have gifts that we need to share with others, here in this congregation as well as everywhere we go.

Yet, you may be reading these words wondering if you have a spiritual gift.  God has given each of us spiritual gifts.  These gifts lay inside you like wrapped packages waiting to be opened.   To open these packages and discover your gifts, I invite you to take this Spiritual Gifts Inventory.  I have taken it and found it to be very helpful.  It only takes about 15 minutes.  After you answer the questions, you will have a much better understanding of your spiritual gifts and how you can share these gifts with others. For example, if you have the gift of mercy, we have many homebound members that would love a visit or a call.  If you have the gift of shepherding, we can always use more teachers.  Please join me in unwrapping the spiritual gifts that God has given us!

Joy in Christ,

Dr. Paul