Gifts-----

Romans 12:3-8
For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.



In September 2001, Lisa Jefferson had an unexpected opportunity to be used by God. Her now well-known 15-minute conversation with a passenger on United Flight 93 forever changed the direction of her life. In her book 'Called', she emphasizes that her listening skills and her ability to take charge and stay calm in a crisis were used to encourage fellow believer Todd Beamer in the last moments of his life.
She didn't ask to be used that way. But God saw a woman who was available and matched her with someone who was in need. Lisa now
shares her story with whomever she can to encourage believers to always be ready to serve.
Not only has God given us natural abilities, He also equips every believer with SPIRITUAL GIFTS, for the purpose of ministry, God doesn't use the unwilling--He won't force us to serve Him. His part is to equip us (Eph. 4:11-13) and empower and prepare us for service. Our part is to be faithful and available and aware of opportunities to use our "gifts". (Rom. 12:6)
When you feel impelled to help fill a need, when you are inwardly driven to serve---listen to those thoughts. You don't want to miss God's call. -Cindy Hess Kasper-