January 22 Care Group

Thanks to Sue and Doug for the great snacks!

We started out our evening's discussion of Spiritual Gifts by reading I Corinthians 12:1-11.  We agreed that there are so many items to discuss there that we needed God's help to lead us in what to talk about.  Tony asked "Why are we studying spiritual gifts?"  Here are some answers:
-God wants to love and care for us through the gifts.
-We will see God as we see the Spirit moving through us in spiritual gifts.
-This is a critical time for our church and we we examine the scripture in this area, it is for our good.
-We all need the refreshing of the Spirit.  We need God's Spirit desperately to give to us in all areas of our lives.
-God wants us to know that these gifts are the Norm, not the occasional event.
-He wants to knock out of us pride and self-reliance.
-We want God to be glorified, so it's important that we honor every aspect of His word and plan for our corporate meetings.
-We need to trust God for boldness to speak when we He moves us, we can't rely on our own strength.
-The love of God is the key to moving in the gifts.
-God wants to remind us that He gave each of us gifts when He saved us.  It's good for us to study them ans know He has plans to use us for His glory.
-God wants us to encourage those who move in the gifts so that they may excel still more.
-The truth is, we don't even know how many times God uses us in big and small ways, in all kinds of situations.  He is moving through us and reaching people with His love.
-The gifts are not just for the corporate meeting, but for every day life.
-God births desires in us according to His plans and moves us to do His bidding.

Zechariah 4:6 "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."