THE DIFFERENCES OF MINISTIES AND GIFTS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

 I hear so many pastors and leaders judge and critique other ministries.  I ask myself, have they not read 1 Corinthians 12:4?

1Corinthians 12:4

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.  And there are diversities of activities, but the same God who works all in all.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another a word of knowledge through the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit,  to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,  to another the working of miracles,  to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits,  to another  different kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues.

But one and the same Spirit works all these things,  distributing to each one individually as He wills.  

For as the body is one and has many members,  but all the members of that one body,  so also is Christ.

God does things the way He wants and it is never the same.  Each one has their  gift or gifts from the Lord.  

God's word says that there are differences in ministries. They are not all alike. Diversities of gifts.  That means there are a variety of styles.

Whatever the gifts are, it is to edify the body and bring change of mind. (Repentance)

People using their unique gifts to further the progression of the gospel.

There are many different types of personalities.

Some are bold and out going.  Others are laid back and quiet,  some are very enthusiastic and on fire for the things of God.  

It is time people in the body of Christ see things as God sees them.

Just because someone does things differently than you expect and are use to, doesn't mean that it is not of God.

I see ministers spending quality time tearing down other ministers because they are different then they are use to.

It is usually their training or background or pride, speaking through them.

How wonderful it would be to see Pastors and leaders in ministry spent time building each other up.  Helping each other instead of attacking each other. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)

The world is watching and they need to see Jesus in us, not a religious group of complainers and accusers.

A house divided against itself, will not stand!! (Matthew 12:25).

Beloved,  Jesus said in His prayer, that we would become one, as He and the Father are one.

John 17:21

" that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You;  that they also may be one in Us,  that the world may believe that You sent Me.

Imagine the whole body of Christ working together in unity and love.  

The world would be changed.  It would see Jesus in action. It would feel the love of the Lord.

Our neighbors would want what we have.  Salvation, forgiveness, peace and joy.

Never assume that giftedness is a sign of maturity.  God sometimes chooses for His own purpose to bestow spiritual gifts to those that are spiritually immature.  

However, Christian character is very important in the immature ones that He uses.

1 Corinthians 12: 21-22

And the eye cannot say to the hand,  "I have no need of you"  nor again the head to the feet,  I have no need of you.  No, much rather,  those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

God knows that it takes time to mature and build character,  so sometimes He uses babes in their faith to manifest His presence.

Are there ever counterfeits of God's gifts?  Yes, the enemy will try to use what he sees God use,  this only authenticates the real.

Satan did this in the temptation of Christ Jesus.

Mathew 4:6

And he said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw yourself down,  For it is written:

"He will give His angels charge over you,  and in their hands they shall bear you up,  Lest you dash you foot against a stone."

Read Psalm 91:11,

Satan left out,  to keep you in all your ways.

See Beloved, the enemy does use scripture but he twists it to do his purpose and he causes confusion, doubt and fear, condemnation.

The enemy will always leave out some truth of God's word.

Don't limit God's gifts or His ministries of others,  just because you have never seen or heard them done that way.  You will loose out on a blessing.  

We have all seen God's gifts abused through the years, but that does not negate them.  They are still God's gifts and they are still effective.

We are to be careful to check everything with the word of God.  The Holy Spirit wrote all that is there and He is also the author of distributing those gifts.

The gifts should always point to Jesus and glorify Him, they should never point to the one who is delivering the gifts.  That one is just a person that the Lord is moving through.

Beloved, there are  many different manifestations of the gifts and ministries and activities of the Holy Spirit.  But, when it is the Holy Spirit it will produce life and change. You will sense it deep down in your spirit.

Isaiah 8:20

To the law and testimony!  If they do not speak according to this word,  it is because there is no light in them.

Beloved, there are those who are from the occult and have a mixture, and they will twist the scriptures to their advantage, just as Satan did with Jesus.  

Measure all that you are taught by the word of God.  All that you hear should line up with the word of God. That is your measuring stick.

Use your gifts and as the Holy Spirit leads you, be bold and step out in faith. Bring edification to the body of Christ.

I have found that there are times when God expounds our gifts, and as we grow in the Lord, He will use us in different ways.

Like a baby learning, we will grow in our gifts.

We become more relaxed, and assured that God wants to use us. 

As our faith grows, so do our gifting's.  Some may have several gifts, and as the Spirit leads, they will see that God is using those gifts in a different setting and in different ways.

Those gifts may operate in a place of business, or in the store, Doctors office, or on the street or in a church. 

Wherever you are,  God can and will use you. Be sensitive and willing to be used.

Do not limit the Lord and how you see Him use you and those in the body of Christ. 

God bless you day

Jesus loves you

Love in Jesus

Joy