The gifts bestowed by the Spirit aren’t meant to be hoarded! I love the word “manifestation.” Literally, it means an outward demonstration of what is hidden—what’s on our inside will show in our actions and attitudes. The reason the Holy Spirit gifts us is for the common good. If we…

Have you ever stopped to consider that you have been gifted by the Holy Spirit to serve the community of believers? It’s true. A “gift” is basically a bestowal of blessing for the purpose of sharing. “Ministry,” then, is the service that grows out of the gift. There’s a lot…

Once we’ve accepted Christ and received the indwelling Holy Spirit, we are no longer controlled by sin. We are led by the Spirit into a life that reflects the Son. If we follow His leading, we develop a deep love toward others, a heart of rejoicing that we are His,…

Oh, the law. The list of rules so long and difficult no one could ever keep them all. The law was necessary—it told people they couldn’t save themselves and made them long for a Savior. What we could not do, Jesus Christ did! He lived the perfect life. Then He…

HYMN DAY! “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” by Edwin Hatch is a lovely prayer. Until I am wholly in His will, may His Spirit breathe on me. Breathe on me, Breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what…

When we’re saved, we experience a new birth in Christ. Our “old self” with its tendencies toward sin is gone, and the tendencies of our “new self” are aimed toward pleasing the One who saved us. However, for as long as we live, we’re trapped in human bodies in a…

The key to godly character can be summed up with Paul’s direction to the Galatian believers: “Walk in the Spirit.” “Walk” here refers to the way we conduct our lives. If we’re walking in the Spirit, then we’re conducting ourselves in relationship to God—in communion with Him through the indwelling…

The meaning of “making the most of the time” is kind of interesting. In the Greek, it refers to acts of commerce—actively buying up every available opportunity. “Time” points to suitable circumstances or opportunities. I don’t think I need to expound upon “because the days are evil.” We see evidence…

Careful attention could be interpreted as “intentional diligence.” Living out our faith requires diligence because there are so many opinions and belief systems in the world. We’ve got to keep our ears and heart tuned to the Holy Spirit’s voice. If we proclaim Christianity, our lifestyle should reflect that we…