Deal With the Issue

 

Pastor Rodney was ministering today and I present his edited sermon.  He began reading Psalms 51.

Psalms 51:1-3 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

David admits his sin, and cries for mercy; because he knows God is full of compassion. 

How often do we try to justify our actions.  David did something totally different.  He openly repented and asked for his guilt to be washed away, because he was conscious of his rebellion and he asked for mercy.

God’s love and mercy is everlasting.

We need to walk out forgiveness.  We attempt to break away, and end up suffering depression and no peace.

It is up to us to step forward because God’s arms are always outstretched and ready to receive us.

Psalms 51:4 Against thee, you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that you might be justified when you speak, and be clear when you judge. 

God is blameless when He judges.  When we say, we are okay, but we are not, we are lying to God not just to our brethren.

Don’t walk around with sin in our life and give excuses.  Pride keeps us from owning up.  We hide our sin from others, but we cannot hide from God.

Before we can help others, we must deal with the sin in our personal life.  Only then are we able to pray with others needing deliverance and help them out of their bondage.  All sin must be laid at the cross and left there.

God is ready to forgive, but are you ready to submit to God’s way? 

There is no excuse.

No you were not born that way.  No it is not the fault of your parents.  It is not because of circumstances in your life or your situation.  The responsibility is yours alone.

You must come to the cross of Jesus and ask forgiveness.  The reward of peace that He gives is worth it. 

God gives us the opportunity to begin again, but it is up to us to request and receive His forgiveness.

God then makes us worthy.

Psalms 51:6  Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part you shall make me to know wisdom.

Deep within you desire integrity in your inner self and to be taught from the Holy Spirit, understanding and wisdom.

Think about yourself.  What are you hiding?  What are you holding back?  Are you ready to humbly come before a Holy God and ask forgiveness? 

Are you ready to walk out repentance and a turning away from that which holds you captive?

If so, then rejoice that you are forgiven and move forward without doubting into the joy of our Salvation.

 

We are justified by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Work of the Holy Spirit. 

 

 

TWAS THE MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS

 

 

 

TWAS THE MONTH BEFORE CHRISTMAS

author unknown  received by e-mail

 

Twas the month before Christmas when all through our land,
 Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand.
Why the PC Police had taken away
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.

 

The children were told by their schools not to sing

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would sayDecember 25th is just a ' Holiday'.

 

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-Pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

 

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

At Targets they were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found

 

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

 

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen

On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

 

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.  

So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully; choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

 ~ ~ ~

Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet 

A MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Christ is The Reason' for the Christ-mas Season! 

* * * * * *

This Post is shared with Charlotte at Spiritual Sundays Blog Party

 

 

My Wife Has a Dress Just Like Yours 2

 

Wearing hand-me down clothing has never bothered me. 

When I was a teen, my two cousins sent us a box of nice sweaters, and skirts they had outgrown. 

 

Mother was a whiz at making adjustments to fit our skinny frames, so my sister and I enjoyed a new winter wardrobe. 

 

Time passed and one Sunday at church, the Pastor’s wife took me aside and asked if I would be offended if she offered me a nice dress that no longer fit her.  I was very happy to say “Yes,” because at that time, my Sunday outfits were meager. 

 

She handed me a paper sack with the dress inside and I thanked her for her kindness.

 

The next Sunday, I proudly wore my new dress to church.

 

At the end of the service we were in line to shake the Pastors hand, and he looked at me and exclaimed, “My wife has a dress just like yours.”

 

I could not help it, and decided to have some fun.  I laughed as I replied, “This was her dress, but now it is mine.”

 

By now Pastor was embarrassed and was apologizing profusely for his slip of the tongue.

 

These days, I have more dresses and clothes than I need, and often find it necessary to hand-down some of my many things to our local organizations.

~ ~ ~ 

As I considered how this story might apply to our Christian life, I realized that when we accept Jesus as our Personal Savior, He makes us into a brand NEW creation.  He creates in us a NEW heart with new desires and goals.

 

Jesus places upon our shoulders,  the NEW royal robe of His righteousness and gives to us NEW garments of praise equipping us with brand NEW protection armor including NEW shoes of the gospel of peace.

 

In Christ Jesus our spirit is made NEW, and old things have passed away, our past sins are gone, never to be remembered by God anymore.

 

His mercies are NEW every morning and we are blessed.

 

So if you have some old spiritual hand-me downs in your religious closet, it is time for a good house cleaning.  Time to get rid of self pity, fear, reminders of abuse, guilt and oppression from the past.

 

Don’t hand them down to anyone else, but throw them into the junk burn pile and turn your back on them.

 

Face the Giver of life who offers you abundant grace to live life NEW in Him.

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

 

 

Crown Him with Many Crowns

 

 

Our Bible Study teacher at Open Door Church, desired to go further in the study of crowns we may receive.  I took notes and present an edited lesson here for you. 

“Salvation is a gift, but it comes with responsibilities.  

Don’t worry if you are persecuted, as were the prophets of old.  Persecution brings a reward.

Matthew 5:10-12  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.  Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Pilgrims from England came to America to have religious freedom. 

Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!  For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. 

 

Our Teacher asked;  Have you ever suffered persecution in any form?  Several students spoke of examples in their lives.

Let your good works glorify the Father.

Paul says to forget the past and go forward toward the goal.

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it  (his crown and reward) yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,  the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 

Moses refused to be part of Egypt’s world but rather chose to be known and acquainted with his own people of God.

The reproach of Christ was greater riches than the respect of Egypt.

Our teacher gave an illustration about an airplane on its way to Korea with a small error in navigation. At first the error was hardly noticeable, but eventually after several hours they ended up in Russian Air Space and were shot down; at a great loss of lives.

We as Christians cannot afford to allow our walk to be detoured even by things that seem innocent at first.  We must keep our eyes on Jesus and the goal before us. 

James instructs us to count it all joy when temptation comes, because the trying of our faith works patience.  Overcomers will receive the Crown of Life.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 

Take correction and learn from it.  Have a teachable spirit and heed the voice of the Holy Spirit.

In reviewing the crowns we are reminded the Scriptures mention many crowns which are symbols of honor, power and eternal life: 

Crown of Rejoicing

Crown of Righteousness

Crown of Glory

Crown of Honor

Incorruptible Crown

Crown of life.

 

We cannot earn these crowns, and of ourselves we cannot be good enough.  We must understand and realize that our righteousness is of Him.  He has given us all things.

It is important to go forward and share the Gospel of Good News by our words, and by our example.

 

Give Thanks

 

 

“This is the season of harvest and we are thankful for the bounty.  It is not just “Turkey Day,” but actually we should be thankful everyday.”  Pastor Allan was bringing his message and from my notes I present his edited sermon.

If you have not read the book, or seen the movie “The Hiding Place,” I would recommend that you do so.  It is the story of Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy, were arrested for helping the Jews and taken to a concentration camp.  Betsy managed to smuggle in her small Bible and they read the scripture:  1 Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Now the area they were assigned to was full of fleas, and Betsy said, we should be thankful for the fleas. Corrie was not sure she could agree, to thank God for fleas, but they decided to be thankful regardless of their situation.  Other women joined them in a Bible study and they realized the guards did not bother them because they did not want to come where there were fleas.  The fleas turned out to be a good thing.

No matter what are your circumstances find something in it to be thankful for.  What is it hard for you to be thankful for?  Many times the “fleas” in our lives may prove to be a blessing. 

Paul and Silas were in prison locked in the stocks, but they sang and praised the Lord.  They were not happy they were in prison, but while in a bad place they were thankful. The end of the story was the jailor and his entire household were saved.

The disciples were persecuted, but it was used to an advantage when Paul went to the Gentiles with the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 4:7-9,17  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  17  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

Paul could be thankful regardless because he practiced learning to be content always.

We cannot give our children a watered down message, but they need to know truth and what to stand up for.  We must teach them how to be watchful with confidence and to walk without condemnation.

We need to teach them that evolution is wrong and that God created our world in 6 days and rested on the 7^th day.

Rejoice in the Lord, and continue to pray for our High Schools.  Last Tuesday at our church, 24 teens had a pizza lunch and heard the Gospel.  Our aim is to make a difference in our High School.

We take so much for granted.  What are you thankful for?

Satan tries to take things away from us; our children, our property, but don’t allow him to steal your thankful heart.  God will restore to you that which was stolen.  Keep giving thanks in all things.  Even when it looks like a tragedy - - know God can work it out for good, and bring you blessings that overflow.

As we approach the New year, there will be more changes, new ministries, and opportunities to reach out to others.  

 

Be faithful and know that as God stretches us we are growing in faith and in confidence with a grateful heart.

 

Leaving home to find a HOME

Leaving home to find a HOME

 

 
For our Prayer Meeting focus, I wanted to examine letting go of the familiar ways to discover a new abode.  Many citizens in our city need Jesus and a new way of living.  Jesus is a place where we can safely live and find abundant peace.  It means leaving the old way of living and taking on a new way by following Jesus.  He becomes our abiding place.

I was 18 when I left my familiar home place, to marry Robert and live in a small house-keeping unit; my new home.  We were only there a few months, until we found a 1 bedroom apartment for our better home. 

In the Bible, Ruth Left her home where she was born and traveled to a new home.

Ruth 2:11  And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been showed me, all that you have done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how you have left your father and your mother, and the land of your nativity, and have come unto a people which you knew not heretofore.  

Abraham left his family and friends, at God’s command and went to a new land. 

Genesis 17:8 The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God." 

Children of Israel were delivered from bondage and traveled to a promised land.

Exodus 6:8  I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the LORD!

 

Jacob left all that was familiar to him and went to a new country where he was blessed. 

Jesus laid aside his divinity and was willing to leave Heaven to come to a new home, this world.  While he was here on earth, he obeyed every thing the Father told him.  He said what the Father told him to say, and he did what the Father told him to do. 

 

After Jesus had accomplished all that was required of him, even to his physical death on the cross; God raised him from the dead and after 40 days, Jesus was taken again to his Eternal HOME. 

When Jesus was raised from the dead, his body was not the same.  He now has a resurrected body like the one we will have eventually.  The scars, the nail holes and sword piercings are still visible on his resurrected body, but he was changed. 

When we as sinners come to Jesus for Salvation, we too are changed into another person who we were not before.  Our body does not change, but inward we become a new creature.  We receive eternal life in our spirit. For some it is quick, but for others it takes time for old habits to drop off. 

When we consider all that Jesus did to provide us with eternal life, we will understand we have more power than we think we have; to drop those things that bind us.  God has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside us, and to assist us to live a different life than before.  Allow the Holy Spirit to help you with your daily decisions and choices. 

There are many of the citizens in our city who need to be changed into another person by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord.  This is why we are preparing to go out door to door and share with our neighbors. 

Jesus is coming back to earth sooner that we can imagine.  When he returns, he will take all believers to a new home that he has been preparing for us in heaven as He promised.

 

 

Crowns Received

 

 

Our Bible Teacher was reminded of the table of showbread in the tabernacle with the decorative crowns bordering the table’s edges. Today we examined the scriptures about Crowns Given:  From my notes I present an edited lesson.

Isaiah 46:1 The false gods, Bel and Nebo, bow down. Their objects of worship were put on animals and cattle and the wagons had heavy loads making it hard for the tired animals.

The Children of Israel often would find themselves influenced by their neighbors who worshipped idols and false gods.  They would make an idol of gold, or carve a figure from wood or stone and carry it from place to place.  Although they would cry and pray to these idols, the god could not answer or save them.

Our God was reminding them that He was the true God and He would carry them and protect them.

Isaiah 46:3-4 “Listen to Me, O family of Jacob, and all who are left of the family of Israel. You have been helped by Me before you were born and carried since you were born. Even when you are old I will be the same. And even when your hair turns white, I will help you. I will take care of what I have made. I will carry you, and will save you.

We are also to remember the true God and all He has done for us.  We are talking about our king who was crowned with a Crown of Thorns.

When Jesus appeared before the judgment court room, Pilot asked him, “Are you a King?”  John 18:37 “Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

 

Money can be a god.  Money in its self is not evil, but it is the LOVE of money that is wrong. 

Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:19-20  Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

Jesus told a young ruler who was seeking eternal life to keep the commandments, and love your neighbor.  The man said he had kept the commandments, so what else was he lacking?  Jesus told him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor and come follow him.  The man left very sad, because he owned much property.

We must hold our belongings with an open hand not a clinched fist.

Jesus asks us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these other things will be added unto us.

Follow me said Jesus and I will give you rest.

We believe Jesus will return soon and there will be rewards given.  Revelations 22:12 "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.

Timothy spoke about a Crown of Righteousness.   II Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Paul wrote about the perishable crown given to the winners of a game. 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Peter wrote about a crown of Glory:  1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Paul mentioned a Crown of Rejoicing:  I Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Paul likened those he had won to Christ as his crown of glory and joy.

James wrote about those who resist temptation shall receive a Crown of Life.

John writes about the elders casting their crowns at Jesus feet.  Revelations 4:10-11 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that is sitting on the throne, and worship him that lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created.

We have choices everyday.  It is up to us to be responsible to serve God with a willing heart.  He does not force us to worship Him, but desires our ready mind to decide to serve Him completely.  Keep focused with your eyes on Jesus. 

 

 

Pray for Divine Appointments

 

Pastor Allan was ministering at Open Door Church, and from my notes I present an edited sermon - - -

 

Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Prayer changes things, and we need to pray for our Country because it is still very divided.  Don’t buy into those who are trying to over turn the vote. 

 

Our church also needs to be united now and in the coming days.

If you are beginning to read your Bible, it might be better not to begin with trying to read from Genesis to Revelations in one sitting.  Begin with 5 minutes and then shoot for 7 minutes.  Don’t over do with 3 hours of reading.  Focus on the basics, and learn what the Bible really says. 

 

I too am revising my theology, as some things I was taught were scriptures taken out of context, to prove a point.  God is opening up the realms of heaven as we read His word.

God is doing a major thrust in America and also in our city here at home.  In high school there was rivalry one against the other especially in the football games.  In our city, this is not true with many of our churches.  We are coming together in unity. 

 

When we are working with other Christians we need to put aside our opinions and love one another.  We prayed much over the election for President, but we should have prayed more over the propositions that passed.  

 

We are reminded James tells us to pray for our leaders, nation wide and our civic authorities.   We have 3 new city council members who are believers.  We need to hold them up in prayer for understanding and wisdom, that God will grant them favor as they work to better our city.

The church has the responsibility to speak truth.  Pastors in our city are all saying the same thing.  They are anxious to do some evangelism door to door.

I shall give you some home work:  First: When you go home, take a piece of paper and write out your short testimony.  Take it and carry it with you. 

Second: Ask God for divine appointments for you to share your testimony.  These will not be freak accidents but will be arranged by God, so be prepared.  Open your Spiritual eyes, ears and heart. 

Jesus was immediately identified with the lost.  He mingled with tax collectors, sinners, prostitutes, and the broken hearted.  He embraced the lost because he came to save them and show them a better way. 

 

“Religion” puts a wedge between you and the church.  Keep your relationship with Jesus up to date as you rub elbows with the people in our city.  Jesus was not afraid to get dirty. 

It is said the shepherd will begin to smell like the sheep.  Some of those you may be disciplining, may not smell so nice, because they haven’t learned it all yet.

When Jesus was a guest, he acted civil and respected his host.  He was never forceful but was gentle as he taught about His kingdom.

Each of us will have different situations.  Show up with a bit of food.  If people you meet have needs you may offer to contact the Hope Center, or the Rescue Mission.  People need Jesus.

Matthew chapter 9 shows Jesus in many settings, teaching, healing and doing signs and wonders.  The religious leaders criticized Him, and you may get some back lash, but do not become discouraged.  Strive for truth and reality.

Jesus had compassion and loved the people where they were.  That is what we as a church desire to do as well.

 

Gifts of the Holy Spirit  

This lesson was my privilege to share on Sunday in the Bible Study Class as our teacher was called out of town.  It is long, and of course the discussions and examples our class had to offer cannot be included because of length. 

Many refer to Ephesians 4:11 as the 5 Fold Ministry gifts)
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (WHY) - - For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts - -
(Which gift is the best?  - - The one needed at the time)

We will consider today the Spiritual Sign Gifts

I Corinthians 12:4 - - "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all."

12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

If you are feeling left out – take heart because Romans 12 considers other gifts which are indeed necessary and useful:  Service Gifts (Ministry) Romans 12:3-8

 

Prophecy, Ministry (helps - volunteer), Teaching

Exhorting, Giving, Ruling (governing) Mercy

(All done in Love…) 

The question arises how do I do this? The best place to start is by being filled with the Holy Spirit and the do as the Bible commands. Covet the best gifts; the GIFT that enhances your calling; The gift or gifts that help you and will bless others. 

Then do what every Spirit filled Christian can do and that is to use the prayer language that comes with the infilling of the Spirit realizing that;  

1 Corinthians 14:2 "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God."

 A necessary thought: Do not despair if your calling seems small, for in GOD"S sight it isn't the size of the ministry but the faithfulness in it. 

Let us continually remind ourselves that all Christians are called to serve in some capacity. If you are saved then you have a mission to fulfill. This must be your mind set. The manifold ways to serve are as different as the people are different.

 

We are not all called to be super heroes. In fact most are what can be called ordinary but there is one thing we all have in common. We have been placed in the body of Christ where GOD wants us to be!

1 Peter 4:10-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Let us think about these 3 words; Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom.  These can be used in the natural as we study God’s word.

However the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are Supernatural and they are:  
found in I Corinthians 12: 7-11

1. Word of Knowledge:  (Knowing something you would have no way of knowing in the natural.) It is supernatural knowledge and insight being given directly to you by the Holy Spirit Himself, not by your own mind or your own intelligence.
Example:  God may give you knowledge of an impending danger, or knowledge of something going on in a friends life, without you being told of it, or as down to earth as to where your lost keys are.

2. Word of Wisdom:  (Sharing wise words given to you Supernaturally by the Holy Spirit.) This may be supernatural words of wisdom God will give you to share with an individual.  Example: Supernaturally God will show you how to solve a problem.   This can also be Godly wisdom imparted while teaching. 

3. The Gift of Prophecy: (Speaking out for God)  This gift is when you get a direct Word from the Lord to give to someone else. Often the message from the Lord given to you will be literally word for word. When you get one of these, you need to try and either write or type all of it out if you are in a place to be able to do so.  It is important not to add your opinion, but only speak what has been given to you.  This gift of prophecy is to speak edification, exhortation, and comfort to other people.  Usually it is NOT a doom and gloom message.  You may also prophecy as you pray, knowing it is God’s will; that all be saved.

4.  The Gift of Faith: (Supernatural faith above our normal faith) This is supernatural faith to solve a difficult problem.  We all have a measure of natural faith.  The gift of Faith is to be used out of your comfort zone.
Example.  A miracle of healing is needed, (such as blind eyes) and God rises up special faith in you and you act upon it and a miracle happens.

 

5. The Gifts of Healings: (Praying for the sick and God supernaturally healing them)  Be bold and  have the courage to speak out what He wants you to say to that person, and then lay hands on that person for the healing power to be transmitted into their body to the affected body part that will need the healing.  Notice this is Gifts plural.  Some ministers seem to have a special anointing for certain diseases and illnesses.
   
   
6. Gift of Working of Miracles: (Transcends natural laws.) A divine act by which God reveals Himself to people.   Example.  Feeding a large group with a small amount of food, stopping a storm, walking on water.  Supernatural protection from harm.

7. Discerning of Spirits:  (Ability to view into the 3 types of spirits and deal with spiritual problems.) The first thing to notice about this gift is that the “s” in the word “spirits” is with a small “s.” This means that it is not referring to the Holy Spirit.  Consider that there are three kinds of spirits:

1.     Demonic spirits  (Demons and evil spirits)

2.     God’s angels   (Understand that angels are protecting you)

3.     Human spirits  (Can be joyful and a spirit of gratitude or a person can have a bad spirit such as anger or pride.)

The Holy Spirit will give you supernatural discernment, insight, and knowledge involving these three kinds of spirits. Many times, this gift will be used to fully expose what is really going on and operating behind the scenes with someone.

8. The Gift of Tongues: (Using our Prayer language, or giving a message to the body) The gift of tongues is simply the Holy Spirit giving you the supernatural ability to speak in an unknown tongue that you have no knowledge or ability to speak out on your own.

There are two types of tongues He can give you. One is a tongue understood by others but not known by you.  The other type of tongue that He can give you is a tongue direct from heaven, a heavenly language that is not of this earth.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 13 that there are “tongues of angels.”  And whatever tongue the Holy Spirit will give you, you will be able to use it 24/7, whenever you want.  It will be your own personal, private, prayer language between you and the Lord.  Many times you will have knowledge of whom or what you are praying about, just not how you are asking God to intervene.  But understand you are praying the divine will of God.

9. The Gift of Interpretation: (Giving the interpretation or meaning of a message in tongues.)  This gift is where the Holy Spirit will give you the interpretation of the tongues that you have either spoken for yourself or the interpretation of a message given by someone else in a church setting.

Here are the two main verses telling you where the gift of interpretation will come into play with the gift of tongues:

1.     “If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.” (1 Corinthians 14: 27-28)

2.     “Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.” (1 Corinthians 14:13-14)

The first verse has to do with others interpreting a tongue when it is done in a church service. The second verse is showing you that the Holy Spirit can give you the interpretation of your own tongue.

Understand that many of these gifts work together and may be used in tandem to bring about what God desires to do.

Any Christian can get them-selves in a proper position to receive these 9 gifts, as the apostle Paul himself tells us not to be afraid to stir up these 9 specific gifts from the Lord.  1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Paul also says, he speaks in tongues more than you all – and do NOT forbid to speak in tongues, but desire to prophesy. 

Reminder - - All the Supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit work by LOVE.