The other day in the youth group we studied the verses 1 Corinthians 12:1-11: “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and Jed astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
These verses were written by Paul to the people of Corinth. He explains the different spiritual gifts people have been given, and because we all have different gifts, the body of Christ is made. Each gift comes directly from God and should be used for His purpose. I had the youth take an online spiritual gifts quiz. The youth had gifts such as evangelism, hospitality, shepherding, mercy, knowledge, wisdom, and more. As a group and individuals we were able to discuss ways in which they are currently using their gifts and how they want to continue to use their gifts in the future. One of my gifts is writing. When I have the time, I enjoy writing devotions and sermons. Knowing the church was looking for devotions to include for Lent, I wanted the youth to try a hand at it. I had them pick a verse, describe why they picked it, write something people can relate to and a prayer. For the next 2 days, I hope you enjoy these devotionals.
Rachel White
Director of Youth Ministries, TUMC