“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.”
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (KJV)
What a joy it has been to be at our International Assembly. The business sessions were so calm one could have slept through them easily. The General Overseer, Bishop Howard, exhibited such an humble and gentle spirit, as well as an excellent skill at moderating the business. We were blessed by his wit and humor. We were wide awake to the glitches of technology gone wacky. The wisdom of a mild run on the proxy system was demonstrated as we learned exactly how it would implement in real time. I commend the General Overseer and the Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee for their foresight.
Then, the Holy Spirit directed a wonderful evening of worship and the Word. The Bahamas Brass Band opened the program with a wonderful concert. Many young people were moved by the Spirit and worshipped with abandon. It was marvelous to behold: some people in the aisles, hands raised, dancing in the Spirit; others still at their seats but with hands raised in praise and worship. As we say in Pentecostal circles, the Holy Spirit was all over the house (i.e., he demonstrated himself all across the congregation). The praise team led us in understanding that we “gotta wake up the world” with our worship of Jesus Christ.
Finally, the preacher challenged us with the Word of God. He took us down memory lane concerning the foundations of our heritage. Before he was finished, he exhorted us to “not be afraid of the Holy Spirit.” He suggested that we have not allowed the Holy Spirit to function fully with all his gifts (i.e., prophecy, word of faith, knowledge, wisdom, etc). He concluded by encouraging us to awaken to the full manifestation of the gifts of Spirit.
Dear Father, thank you for your Spirit who guides and directs our lives. Help us to fully awake to the Spirit’s function. Enable us to let him manifest his gifts through us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today by the gifts of the Spirit,