Enriching the Family

by Anne Graham Lotz

We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body... and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:13, niv

When you and I received the Holy Spirit into our lives, we became members of the larger body of Christ that includes other believers. Perhaps without realizing it, at the moment of conversion, we became part of the family of God; Jesus is the Head, and other believers are our brothers and sisters. Paul describes this new identity as being “baptized by one Spirit into one body.” But the new privilege of belonging to God’s family brings with it new responsibilities to care for and build up the other family members. For that purpose, the Holy Spirit gives us each gifts that enable us to be contributing family members. These gifts are not natural talents although they can enhance what we have developed ourselves. These gifts are supernatural and only come from the Spirit at His discretion. (1 Cor. 12:11)

What is your spiritual gift? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what it is so you can use it to enrich the family!

Just Give Me Jesus
Anne Graham Lotz


Today's Bible Verse...

[The apostle Paul said] "God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."—Acts 17:27

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Our seeking God longs to be sought! God placed his fingerprints all over the universe and then gave us places to find life and meaning. He had a purpose in this plan: he wanted us to seek the One behind it all. He is never far away from us, but he longs to be sought and found. When we seek after God, we are not only blessing him, we're also living out our life's key task.

My Prayer...

Heavenly Father, I long to know you more completely — as the old hymn says to Jesus: "Beyond the sacred page, I seek thee Lord. My spirit pants for thee O living Word." Loving Father, I ask that your presence would be recognizable in my daily life. I truly want to get to know you, even as I am known by you. In the name of the Savior I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

Today's Verse Illustrated...

Church Competition by Ed Koehler