We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8, The New International Version

After instructing us and reminding us that we are uniquely gifted by grace, Paul begins listing some "common" gifts that are given to the family of God. I think it is interesting that the Holy Spirit lists prophecy at the top.

Prophecy in the New Testament is differentiated from the prophets of the Old Testament in most cases. The prophets held an office or a position to speak for God. New Testament prophecy is a gift given to the body to reveal the heart and plans of God for people. It is a message about what God has planned for us. Instead of predicting the future, it leads us with hope to our future.

Paul puts it this way in 1 Corinthians. "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. The one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort." 1 Corinthians 14:1,3

Notice the emphasis of the gift: Speaking to people for their strengthening, their encouragement, and their comfort. What an opportunity that presents itself for us in these days. Imagine if we used the gift of prophecy right now, in a world that seems to be spinning out of control for so many people. Can you imagine how grounding that can be for others?

As I stated on Sunday, I believe every gift in this list is available to us to practice even if it is not "our" gift. Maybe your gift is not encouraging or giving, but we still can practice those things. Only prophecy seems "too spiritual" for that in the list.

Let me show you how to practice it, very simply, even if you don't have the gift.

Step one: Find someone who could use some encouragement or comfort (you won't have to look far).
Step 2: Ask the Lord how He would encourage them if He was standing there (He is. He filled you with His Spirit).
Step 3: Strengthen them, encourage them, and comfort them with a scripture or sense you get by the Holy Spirit for them. It doesn't have to sound spiritual. It simply has to have the heart of God in it.

I'll leave you with this..."Follow the way of love and eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy."

Here are our action plans today:

Ask the Lord to put someone on your heart (if someone isn't already).
Pray for them and ask God to give you a word of encouragement or scripture for them.
Call or text or email them and share what you sense the Lord's heart is for them. Spread some courage, strength, and comfort around today.

Have a great day!

Love, Pastor Stuart