Years ago, before my husband and I boarded a plane to China to bring home our son, we’d never met him in person. He’d seen photos of us, and he knew to call us “Mama” and “Baba.” But he didn’t know us, not really, nor did we know him. Yet God tethered our hearts to one another in a way I think I may not fully understand this side of eternity. God made us a family even then, before we’d met, and that is a fact that overshadows all others.
I was nervous about bringing our boy home. I was excited, overjoyed, in tears with anticipation, but the unknowns that were ahead made my chest tighten. I had to remind myself to practice what I learned when waiting for our first three children to arrive: “Breathe. Just breathe.”
I wondered how he’d adjust to his new home, to his big sister and big brothers, to his two big dogs and the cat and the chickens in the backyard. I wondered how he’d take to American culture and American food. But the thing I was most nervous about was the language. He only spoke Mandarin; we spoke English. Would we be able to communicate? Would he understand our botched renditions of “I love you” and “You are our son” and “It’s okay” in his native tongue?
How and what we communicated to our son mattered then, and it matters now. Everything we say, from playful banter to earnest conversation, we want to be from our love and desire to care for him—our words rooted in the fact that we are family.
When Paul addressed the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14, specifically the gifts of prophesying and speaking in tongues, he said some things that are tough for our modern ears to understand. But if we look at the chapter as a whole, we can see a theme emerge: “Seek to excel in building up the church” (v.12). In this lengthy chapter, Paul acknowledged that the Holy Spirit is real, that the Spirit indeed gives gifts that can only come from God and that these gifts are good and God-honoring. But in the same breath, he offered a warning about how these gifts are to be used—and, as importantly, why they are to be used. According to Paul, the reason is more straightforward than we might expect: “Everything is to be done for building up” (v.26).
The Church, the body of believers, is God’s dwelling place on earth. Just as God’s presence filled the tabernacle in the Old Testament, His Spirit fills those of us who have put our faith in Jesus. The way we conduct our worship and our gatherings matter because God is in our midst, and “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (v.33). Furthermore, our interactions and our meeting together ought to be governed by unity, not discord. We are a family—a family established by God Himself. Our words and actions are rooted in this eternal truth.
The diversity within the family of God is a beautiful, purposeful thing. May the Holy Spirit that binds us make our hearts tender toward our fellow family members, seeking to love the Church and build her up in all we say and do. May we worship in a way that causes the unbelievers in our midst to proclaim, “God is really among you.”
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96 thoughts on "Gifts from the Holy Spirit"
I see now that a lot of Paul’s writings in 1 Corinthians were addressing specific issues happening at the churches of Corinth yet they do carry out a lot of wisdom and humility. This book has definitely helped me to grow in my bible study and as the bride of Christ
I too am struggling with Paul saying that women aren’t meant to talk in church. I really wish I could understand exactly what he meant by that.
Hi Jennifer, a study bible is really useful for context when you’re learning to dissect and understand scriptures like this. This is a really great opportunity for you to meditate and bring it to Yahweh. I pray you have found your peace and comfort since it’s been about a week.
Also it’s my understanding that versus 34-35 are referring to a group of married women contributing towards the chaos of the church. I had to reread and meditate and do research myself a few times. But the whole passage is one message of men and women who are speaking out of turn and causing the church to lose focus on the spirit of Christ and HIS Teachings and messages. Paul is about edifying God in every particular thing you do. The wives were disrupting the church to ask questions that would be more appropriate if asked in a more personal setting.
We have 2 red threads woven in our family as well Amanda. We used a lot of hand gestures! Worked pretty well.
“Go after life of love as if your life depended on it – because it does. Give yourself to the gifts God gives you.” – from the Messenger Bible! I love this translation depicted from the first few verses of chapter 14.
CD sadly I can relate as we are walking this path. We lost our 24 yo daughter suddenly last September from an aneurysm. It is unimaginable and life changing in so many ways. All I can say is I am grateful for God and his Word because I don’t know how people walk thru trials of this nature without Him. I will pray for them. If you have a GriefShare meeting in your area, I would recommend that down the road whoever they are ready.
Thank you! I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for you as well, especially as that anniversary approaches. Thankful we serve and love the God of comfort!
I also highly recommend attending a Respite Retreat for couples who have lost a child. It helped us immensely.
Hi all, I don’t post much but feel prompted to request prayer for my neighbors. Their almost kindergartener died unexpectedly in their home yesterday. His very loving parents and big brother are navigating grief that is unimaginable to me. I don’t know where they’re at in terms of faith, but asking anyone I can think of to be praying for this family. Thanks
Oh dear Father. What else can we do but run to You in times like this. There are no words in for this kind of pain and grief, only You can bring any sense to this tragedy. Please be near to them. Please give them the strength to move through these next few days, weeks, months ahead. Provide for their needs, comfort when there is nothing else, strengthen like only You can. We ask that You send Your Comforting Angels to all of them right now to minister to them. I pray for their souls – I pray that they run to You for all that You have for them.
Amen
Amen from me also.
CD I will pray for this family. How unimaginably big their grief must be.
i’m stunned… I have an almost-kindergartener and that is truly devastating. Praying for them and praying for you, that you could bring them a hope in grief they may not otherwise know exists… I hope you have opportunity to comfort them with the love of their God, however he prompts for you. What absolute heartbreak…
Praying Kris’s prayer for this hurting family, so sad.
Agreeing with our sisters! Praying as well for you and any opportunity to minister to the family in person. Thank you for asking for prayer! ❤
Oh dear CD, my heart hurts for this family.. praying along with Sisters here and Kris’ prayer! Oh lord in your mercy here our prayer.
Praying for you also, as you journey with this broken hearted family..
God be with you..x
CD I am praying now in agreement with all of our Sisters. I pray that you would have the opportunity to show them God’s Love and that they can see their child again.
Amen! Thank you, everyone!
Everything. Everything. Everything.
To build up the body of believers.
Thanks be to God.
As I mentioned the other day, I continue to struggle with Paul and what I believe to be his attitude toward women. Yet another passage today and I have heard the argument/explanation of speaking over men, but there is an undertone. I continue to look at his other writings for the positive words and teachings. I took part at an in person Bible study last summer at the Christian camp I belong to. Much of what we are doing now I did then. Lots of discussion! Camp’s 10 day meeting is coming up in a couple of weeks and this year we will study Luke and how to be “fishes of people”. Be blest this day and may the Holy Spirit open my/our eyes, ears and heart’s to hear the Lord’s calling
I’m so in agreement with you. It’s what my comment on here was about today also, trying to explain what I’ve learned bc it’s not talked about in the tone of equality NEARLY enough. Have you read The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr??? If you don’t have time to read, I’d even suggest looking up her name on podcasts and listening to episodes she has discussed her book in. It’s so logical, well laid out, and historically backed. It’s a game changer for understanding these scriptures that so many people have intentionally and unintentionally misrepresented for generations.
Thanks for the reminder of this book. I think I need to hunt it down. Another good source for dealing with Paul’s teachings is The Eden Podcast (search for it on Facebook), which goes even further back to deal with misinterpreted passages as far back as Genesis.
Dear Sisters, please continue to pray for my mom’s hysterectomy tomorrow morning at 8:30 pacific time. Pray that I may be strong and encouraging to her. Pray for no cancer, if that is His will, and for a safe recovery. I will keep you all posted as I get more info. Blessings to you all. May you have a wonderful Thursday!
Prayers Mariana.
Praying for you and your mom, Marina, and for the best possible outcome in God’s will. Hugs! ❤ Please let your mom know she has a heavy prayer cover.
Praying for you both, Marina..
It is well..♥️
Marina, I’m praying for you and your mom!
AND that is my hope for the unbelievers in my midst (work). My hope is that they see Jesus and ONLY JESUS as I am NOTHING without HIM! AND also do my best to set an example which I sometimes fail, but I “get-to” apologize and hope they see Jesus and ONLY Jesus! I’m off to the last day of VBS. Its been a JOY to hang out with little ones (younger then kindergarten), though I didn’t enjoy diaper changing, but I plugged my nose and did it in the name of JESUS! LOL!!!
Amen!! ❤️
My anxiety is high today, I could use some prayers. Lots of unknowns are coming our family’s way, but I know God will he with us no matter what.
Praying for you, Melissa. I completely understand. I’m walking through lots of unknowns, too. My mom has a hysterectomy scheduled tomorrow. The report stated suspicious of cancer. I thought that was going to be my only concern for this summer, then my brother went to urgent care, and they found a 4 cm mass in his lung area. He has his PET Scan on the 19th. I’m also waiting to hear back about a possible job. Too many unknowns, but I’ve been keeping myself in the Word and reminding myself of His sovereignty and faithfulness to me all these years. I know His plans are far better than mine.
Marina, Breathe!
This verse came to mind as I read your comment..
Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.
(1 Corinthians 10:13)
He is with you, and yours, present in these trials and He will give you the strength each day to see it through
If God us for you, who can be against you.. Amen..
Praying!♥️
❤❤
Praying for you Melissa
Keeping you and yours in my prayers Melissa.. x
Build up the Church. Use your gifts in the manner in which God gave them – to strengthen and grow and encourage God’s people. Period.
Paul spoke/wrote to each church in response to what THAT church was needing in that moment of time. For some it was to remember to let the law go and embrace the grace of the cross; for others it was to keep focused on the work of Jesus and be vigilant to outside spirits/religions that church-members were trying to incorporate into their worship; sometimes it was to churches with women who were not educated (mind you, bc culturally so many men would not allow it…) and their instruction was to stay quiet and learn.
We know that Paul had an enormous respect for women. He worked alongside (not in authority over) Lydia, Euodia and Syntyche; He sent women out as apostles, supported their leadership and even titled Phoebe as “deacon” and a “prostatis”, which is Greek for a woman who is placed in authority over a group in order to protect, provide, care for and offer aid. His goal was to build up the church and have it grow healthy and strong throughout the Roman empire. And he VERY much included women who were equipped and trained in the authority of Christ to do this mission.
Honestly speaking, it exhausts me that it is 2024 and this is STILL a wildly misunderstood issue. I get so discouraged about how many people use the name of God to promote the demotion of women and their power in the kingdom of God. Throughout scripture we can see God himself speaking to and engaging with his female-creation, not just a messenger or mediator – God. He even allowed Hagar – A WOMAN- to be the first human in our bible to name Him – El Roi, “the God who sees”. Any person who believes God has some kind of hierarchical positioning of male and female has wildly misunderstood Him, His purpose and His plan for His people being the hands and feet who will carry the GOOD news and it makes me so sad. We are all one, under the authority of God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit and the sooner we start modeling after Paul and working alongside one another, the sooner we glorify Him and His message reaches the ends of this earth — isn’t that the point of us being here?
So well said, Heidi. Thank you for a thorough explanation. I think our tendencies are to take scripture out of context and not look at scripture as a whole. Preach it, Heidi!!❤️
Thank you so much for bringing understanding to this scripture. It’s interesting how we can turn into ourselves and be offended by what scripture is saying. That is definitely not from God.
I have to come back to my own post LOL! I was just thinking – it’s very interesting to me that God gave Adam the authority to name the animals. However, he allowed this slave woman the authority to name HIM. **please note, not saying he gave her authority OVER him – but rather the right and the jurisdiction to name him… that’s pretty profound to me…
It’s always a blessing to read your posts, Heidi! ❤
Amen and wild applause to your post, Heidi. Thank you for your insight and clarity on these passages (and more). I also get frustrated that people are STILL preaching false truth and understanding about God and using these passages out of context to back them up. It seriously makes my blood boil! There are way too many “preachers” and “Bible teachers” out there who don’t know the history, geography and culture of the Bible and just spout out truth from their own heads. I am so grateful that we have so many knowledgeable and thoughtful women on this platform. Thank you for being one of them!
I am personally glad that the team at SRT included the Scriptures in 1 John 4:1-3.
It is important to discern if prophecy or speaking in tongues is the Lord or the spirit of the antichrist.
I have experienced both counterfeits in my life… And it created so much confusion and heartbreak inside me.
I love that in 1 Corinthians 14:33 God is not the author of confusion, but peace and that Paul ends this chapter by saying “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (Verse 40)
Structure is a good thing, is what I’ve learned. We should ALWAYS test people’s words by the Word itself. God’s word does not return void.
Love this study. Thank you, Jesus, that you are the author of peace, security, and wisdom. All good things come from you. Let us not be deceived by the spirit of Satan, but let us find Your Word in each message we receive. Help us, Lord, to not walk by our own understanding but walk by Your Spirit. Thank you, Jesus. We love you. Amen. ❤️
Amen, Michelle. I love that God allows us all to be students of His Word and able to discern truth from deceit through the work of His Holy Spirit.
Whew. This passage brings anxiety just readying it. THANKFULLY, it ends with “But everything is to be done decently and in order.” Now I can say “AMEN!!” to that. I also love the last part of verse 26, “Everything is to be done for building up.” All I can think of when I read this is how chaotic their church services must have been. People speaking out of turn, people wanting to be ‘spiritual’ and speak in tongues to show off, women shouting from one side of the room to the men on the other… can you see it? Paul had to reel them in. Look, whatever your gift is, do it to build up the body of Christ. Whatever your gift is, do it decently and in order. Peacefully. There’s nothing about Jesus that’s wild and crazy. Let’s follow His example.
Praying for all of you!
I think what is key is whatever we do or say, it should be used for the building up of the church or body. Nothing for our glory, only
Yes! Good!
❤️
My thoughts for today include the phrase “now you’re speaking my language”. Oftentimes God places a person in our lives that we just connect with (whether it’s a similar past, current situation or future dilemma) and I think that’s when we most definitely need to be careful how we witness. Lord I pray that you will use my gifts to build up others for your glory. Keep me humble and use me as an “infant in regard to evil”. ☮️and ❤️ to all you she’s!
Have a beautiful day, sweet sisters! Much love to you all! ❤️
Ladies, thank you for your prayers and encouragement yesterday. I feel a peace about what I said and asked. It is now in my friend’s hands how she wants to move forward. I also need to continually surrender the relationship to the Lord.
I agree Tina, I really appreciated Amanda’s comment about the diversity of believers being beautiful and purposeful.
❤
It’s interesting how if you look at any of the Spiritual gifts, they can be abused and used for our own glorification. Search my heart Lord and help me to only use my gifts to bring you honor and glory!
I want to build up, uplift, encourage my fellow believers. Help me Lord to seek this, and show me to how to! I want to be an encourager to my brothers and sisters
Yes! There is too much division within the church! Although there is a fine line of teaching the truth, if we focus on love and building up, that will guide the way!
I am so glad that the passage in Joel was included in this reading. I’m sure that many will bristle when they read the words of Paul about women being silent in the church. The Joel passage reminds us that God Himself says that the Spirit will descend on men AND women. I don’t have any cultural insight into why Paul is writing these words to the Corinthian church, but I do know that God gives the Spirit to both men and women, so He does not see women as inferior to men. But obviously things were getting out of hand in the church setting (at least that is what I am assuming). I was part of a youth group as a teenager that went a little overboard on speaking in tongues. And the charge was led by our pastor’s wife. There was a lot of pressure to be filled by the Holy Spirit and then speak in tongues every time we prayed. I didn’t understand it and I felt really uncomfortable. So in a way, this passage helps me to understand what Paul might have been addressing here. There was no interpretation in our youth group when we spoke in tongues. It was a show-off thing if nothing more. I didn’t like it and it kept me from really embracing the work of the Holy Spirit until later in my Christian walk when I came to understand Him and the gift of Him to me as a Christian.
Laura,
Every day I read your comments and I am like YES! My exact thoughts. So much so that I usually don’t comment because it would be the exact same thing! I wanted to encourage you that it is so admirable that you have stood strong in your faith even at the cost of division in your family. My husband’s family went through a similar trial when my sister in law moved to CA to plant a church only to have an affair, a baby, and become an atheist. This is when I entered the family. All of us, began praying for her return then (9 years ago). I would sneak in pieces of my faith every conversation I had with her, very casually, and each year I felt her heart melt a little more. Her VERY Catholic grandmother passed away this year and she had an encounter with some sort of medium that told her her grandmother was very near all the time, surrounding her, and she felt that there were people rejoicing over her. She had just decided to return back home so she told me she thought it meant her family was rejoicing over her return, I immediately thought and told her that I believed it meant she was returning to Christ. And all of heaven was rejoicing. Several months later she is back home and has joined the Catholic church. We are rejoicing indeed!
Oh, wow… what a wonderful thing! Praise Him!
❤️ love both your responses Lanie and Laura!!
Thank you, Lanie for that encouragement. I will never stop having faith that my kids will return back to the faith. Stories like your sis-in-law’s bring me so much encouragement and remind me that God is working. All the time!
Laura Dianne-thank you for your insight
Once again your comment add so much insight to the passage, thank you!
Laura, you’re so right. We have to see the heart of God and the work of the Spirit beyond just the words we read- especially considering this is all translated into our verbal language which is so vastly different from where it originated. Paul worked alongside so many women. He commissioned them – not their husbands, THEM – and clearly had great respect for them. My word – even the mission of Jesus on earth was funded by the wealth of women! God’s image exists in all of us, his gifts have been given to all of us, and Jesus made it clear there is no hierarchical distinction – we are ALL. under the authoritative name of God commissioned to do what HE calls us to do — not some male interpretation of what He’s called us to do.
Amen
(Eyeroll) within the BODY
I wondered… I couldn’t figure it out. Thankfully, most times, auto correct can be deciphered. Speaking in tongues sometimes, though, I guess! (Someone who can interpret and all that!) Heeheehee!
“Everything is to be done for building up” Keeping our eyes on Jesus helps us to not be “competing” within the Bidy for recognition.
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Thank you for your prayers yesterday. I was not able to get any significant alone time to say what I wanted to, but the timing may not have been in God’s plan. She has a lot of high hurdles to jump over in very little time. It is overwhelming to me and I’m not living it, so I’m trusting God has a purpose for her situation to bring Hom glory.
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COLLEEN DEVEAU, HEIDI, and others, praying for your needs to be met.
❤
Thank You, LORD, for Your Word. May we use every gift You have given for Your glory and to build others up. May we never use Your gifts for our gain, no matter how tempting this may be. May we trust and test the Spirit. May we shine Your light. Thank You, Father, for all if these things. Amen.
My dear Shes, you are forever in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your heart with this community and for encouraging those who need to be lifted up.
Please pray for peace and patience in my family as God continues to bring about the changes He has promised us He would. Transition can be so painful. Please pray that we would continue to trust Him in it and be reminded that He walks with us through all of it.
Also, please pray for my body. I have been in so much pain and discomfort lately that I cannot sleep but for brief moments no matter how hard I try. Please pray that God would heal me, allow me to rest, and aid me in seeking help.
I love you, dear Shes. Keep the faith.
Praying for your family and your health
Prayers for you and your family!
Praying for you and your family, Colleen.
Praying for your family in this time of transition and for healing and rest for you!!
So sorry Colleen that you are going through so much, and not getting sleep is really hard on you! I pray for these needs. We love you too!
Praying for you Colleen!
Prayers for you and your family, Colleen.❤
Sending prayers up for you and your family Colleen! Praying for healing from the pain and sleepless nights. We know that God is the miracle working God. May He touch your body and lead you in the right direction for help. God bless you. ❤️
Colleen – prayers for sleep. I am the same. I only get a couple hours of sleep in the beginning and then I’m awake for hours. My back hurts which tends to go down my legs. It keeps me up most of the night. I pray you find relief as I know how important sleep can be.
❤❤
Last night I sent my sister a good night message, wrapped absolutely in love and precious hugs for her and her/our family, as I saw her picture along the top of ‘who is online’ in messenger.
I have met this sister only a handful of times. The first time was the day of our fathers funeral!I
I didn’t know this 31 year old existed until that day at my father’s house!
I loved her, the moment I met her. She was so like our dad, I could not have denied her! We spent the rest of our stay getting to know, appreciate and love each other.. She always knew about my/our brother and me, because daddy spoke of us all the time, he just forgot to tell us about her!
Daddy, for me, had and will always be the best ever. His heart was good. His teaching solid. His grace plentiful. His love, fierce..
I think he just didn’t know how to tell us, that we had a sister after he had an affair with her mother. He was present in her life, very present..
BUT GOD..
He brought us siblings together, as our Father laid in state, we held hands looking on this man we had each known as daddy, at different times, but this one time in his final journey we stood before him.. His children, united.. I have tears remembering, such a precious time and gift.
Daddy hid our sister from us, but the good book says no matter what, the truth will out eventually.. Ours was the day of daddy’s laying in state.. Please God, though he was dead, I pray this set him free from the fear and this secret he felt he had to keep from us.
Language is a way we communicate, but it doesn’t always have to be words, it can be actions, or deeds..❤
Amanda says it best.. she wrote..
“The diversity within the family of God is a beautiful, and purposeful thing. I believe that..
The Holy Spirit bound our hearts the moment we met. We all had faith, we all believed in a God of peace, hope, grace and love.. And our interactions have been one of unity as siblings and of children of the Most High God..
God truly has been and I know, will always be among us, and with us.. Always..
Thank you Lord God, thank you for the gift of family.. Thank you..
AMEN.
Happy Thursday dear ones.. A bit warmer here, YIPEEee! ❤
What a blessing❣️
I love what you wrote here about the unity of your family. My family is very divided, and faith is the reason. Only one of my children still believes in God and follows Him and so the other two have rejected our family or keep their distance as much as possible. I fear that it will take a death (mine or my husbands) to bring my children together and I pray that it happens before that. Thank you for sharing your story, Tina.
So beautiful! Thank you for sharing with us!
Wow TINA! What a story and what a testimony that you didn’t choose anger against your father and instead looked to love your new sister. You have a beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Yes, that was my thought! What a way to make beauty where the enemy would have loved to have division and anger!! That’s so beautiful and a powerful lesson! I would have been talking about it with all who would listen probably mad and bristling at her…although it wasn’t even her fault, boy God needs to keep growing me! :/
Another beautiful memory from your heart. Thank you, Tina! Love you! ❤
A couple years ago, my mother tells me (out in public, when out for lunch on my birthday). That she gave up a baby for adoption before I was born, and that I had an older sister. Long story short… my sister and I message each other most days, and I just love her, and we go on a “seester trip” for a long weekend each year. What a blessing in my life too!
Wow, that must have been a shock, but so neat that you have a relationship!!
Warms my heart to hear this.. Adrienne. Couldn’t have been easy for your mum to tell you this.. but praise God it came to a happy conclusion.. that sees you and your sister carving out time for ‘SEESTER TRIPS,each year.!
Every blessing, Adrienne. ♥️
I love hearing about all the ways God works in your life! Thank you for sharing!!! Can’t wait to meet you in heaven and give you a big hug!!!
You are the sweetest person I know, Tina!!
I would love to make a trip to the other side of the pond and spend time with you in person! Maybe one day that will happen…
Hugs ❤️
I agree!!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful life experiences Tina! ❤️
Tina I found out that my dad had a son that I did not know about. It was at his funeral that this son’s wife told me.And in a harsh way. My dad died a tragic death in a house fire of our family home. I wasn’t ready for that information right then. We have not been in contact. I’m truly not mad at my father, he was married before and people didn’t talk about divorce back then. But I can say something felt terribly off at the timing of hearing this news. Maybe one day we will be in contact, but for now I’m okay with how things are.
Traci, I’m sorry to hear this but I am prayful one day soon, you may be in communication with this gentleman.
Praying my comment has not stirred any unpleasantness in your heart,
Much love, Traci, always. ♥️