RE Verse reading–1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 4:10-11 (day seven) “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10) When Peter thought of spiritual gifts and the amazing grace he had seen operating in people’s lives since Pentecost, he chose the word “manifold”–poikilos, “many colored”. Perhaps he had in mind how many colors of fish can be hauled up in a net. Old fishermen never die. Maybe he imagined a modern kaleidescope–brilliant colors, endlessly changing shape and pattern. Beautifully true word. When the Spirit of God fills the human soul, He manifests Himself in rich diversity–personality, gifts, assignments, experiences, races, genders, ages. As we gather for worship this morning, I hope you will look around the room and say with wonder, “These people are different from me”. God does not make everyone/anyone the same. There are no copies. We should never expect it, nor be ungrateful.
I have not listened to your sermons for a while but “just happened” to listen yesterday. Really great sermon. I was glad that I did.
Although the thought of you having charismatic friends makes me laugh, I hope it is so and will continue to be so as God opens your eyes to the beautiful manifestation of His Body/Bride.
I think non-charismatics are often surprised that most (not all) charismatics do not have any expectation that others will behave (or manifest) in a certain way…. they just know they have gifts and are supposed to be using them within a body of believers. It is sooooo very frustrating to be denied our ministry. Beyond words, really. I am sure you could appreciate how it would feel to be denied yours.
I recently have committed to praying in tongues for you daily…. on your behalf…. I do so because I care deeply about you and long for you to fulfill your potential in Christ and I have come to believe so strongly in the benefit of allowing the Spirit this freedom to speak into the world through me as only He can do. It is my pleasure/privilege to do so and I will continue to do so for as long as I am led to. Do not be surprised if things begin to open up as they never have before. I fully expect they will.
You have made it clear that I am not welcome on your blog… so I fully expect this will be censored. That I accept…. I truly do understand. I have made a lot of mistakes… infants usually do. It is all part of growing up, but some mistakes are more costly than others. On my best days I have nothing I have not forgiven you for. My worst days are a different story, but few and far between now. I hope you will some day consider forgiving me as well…. for your own sake, if not for mine.
I just wanted to say one final God Bless you and thanks for all the ways you have influenced my life.
-Signing Off.