I also asked those questions for years. I spent much time learning about the gifts of the Spirit, the manifestations of the Spirit, the ministry of the Spirit. I studied books on where, how and when to serve. If these were questions for me, I know they are questions for you also.
Here are a few tidbits that helped me. Maybe they will help you.
One source was Experiencing God. The bottom line in that book was to get to know God personally. Once that task is settled in us then look around and see where God is working. If we agree in heart with that ministry, we should join them.
The other huge piece of this puzzle was to know who we are in Christ (the basic understanding that love, value and acceptance can only be found in Him) and to understand His goals (the ministry of each of us to others). Then follow Him as He leads us in random acts of kindness...attributes of His love.
His Goals
Gifts of The Spirit (Romans 12:6-8)
Prophesy, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing, leadership, mercy.
Each of us is given one of these gifts. What is yours?
A good source for this information is found at http://www.calvaryphx.com/, ask them for the Gifts of the Spirit CD.
Manifestations of the Spirit (1 Cor.12:4-7)
Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues.
Since these are a manifestation of the power of God's Spirit, He will place these powers in us as needed. That means we will operate in any or all of them at a time appointed by Him (it's about Him and His love).
Ministries set in place (Eph.4:11)
Prophets, teachers, pastors, evangelists, apostles.
That is where the book Experiencing God helped me. Most of us will find a ministry to fit into and once in that ministry a few will go out and begin a ministry. Not many, only a few. Most of us will be satisfied in our service. If you are at a crossroad on this point, remember God most always calls us to an established ministry first. Then leads us out.
The Spirit of God deals with each of us differently. He places in each of us His love and that Love is expressed through the leading of His Spirit. The result is as varied and unique as the patterns in snowflakes. Yet each of us follow the same manifestation....love.
Simply said: Each of us has a gift and this gift can and will be accompanied by one or more of the manifestations depending on its application to the specific ministry we are drawn to through His walk of love.
It's not about the task, it's about His love
It's not about the ministry, it's about His love
It's not about the gift, it's about His love.
It's not about the the place, it's about His love
It's not about the club, it's about His love
It's not about church, it's about His love
It's not about us, it's about His love
If you are unsatisfied, lost, confused, looking for direction, irritated, in sin, then ask yourself this question: What is my motivation? Why am I here? If it is not about Him and His love, change needs to take place, regardless of the circumstance.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your might and love your neighbor as yourself. Luke 10:12
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