A few months ago, I was unexpectedly asked to lead the praise & worship at our church. Over the past few months, I have struggled and changed, in my personal life as well as my spiritual one. I want to share the word of God through song, by praise & worship, to the world. However, I continue to struggle with the "talking" aspect of being a worship leader, and continue to struggle with finding the right words when it comes time for prayer & meditation. I pray (silently!) that God will one day give me words that overflow....until then, I will continue to worship and love my truly wonderful Father! God bless those who are willing to share their wisdom with those of us who ain't there yet!
Posted: October 17, 2008
MARIE GUEST (Guest)
TO JAMIE WHATYOU SAID THAT YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN LIFE COACH, MAYBE YOU NEED WHAT YOU'RE TRYING TO GIVE OUT. NOW FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN IN LIFE EVERYWHERE YOU MUST START DOWN BEFORE GOING UP. GUESS WHAT I'M THE SOURCE. THIS I KNOW FOR MYSELF.
I USE TO WORK IN THE NURSERY, SWEEP FLOORS, CLEAN BATHROOMS DID IT UNTIL THE TIME FOR PROMOTION CAME, IT WAS WHAT I DID BEFORE THAT GOT ME TO WHERE I AM NOW. A PASTOR. THANK YOU.
Posted: October 15, 2008
john (Guest)
moorebiz, it sounds like administration is not fun for YOU but to some it might be a joy. Neighsaying a gift because it doesnt involve a goatee and an electric guitar or a "sexy" spriitual gift seems to miss the point of the article.
Posted: October 14, 2008
Lavabear (Guest)
I don't hear any negativity in this article at all, but rather a hope and passion that believers will discover how God has wired them to serve the body of Christ. I completely disagree with Moorebiz...spiritual gifts are given to us by our Creator, the God who knows us most intimately -- better than we know ourselves. If He can't pick the best spiritual gift(s) for us, then we have no hope for ever discovering the joy of living a lifestyle of servant leadership. I believe God gifts us in accordance with how He's wired us emotionally and physically. When we serve in our "sweet spots" our joy will be full!
Posted: October 14, 2008
Bob R (Guest)
I agree that most Christians have no clue what their gifts are and many have very little desire to use them even if they did know! We need to pray and seek God's wisdom for our lives. We do need to seek our gifts. God will reveal them to us if we trust Him and step out in faith to try doing a good work He has placed before us (Eph. 2) Do not be afraid to try something new. But, be careful not to quit doing something just because it was not 'fun' for you. I doubt that Jesus would have considered going to the cross 'fun' but He did it anyway because that was what God required. The same is true with us--some things God wants us doing are not 'fun' and there is no 'sweet spot' to be found in it except the knowledge of knowing that we are doing His will.
Posted: October 14, 2008
charbel sadaka (Guest)
thank you thats realy more than enough , i think i need to read more & more from this to be on the way of GOD thank you again NANCY ORTBERG
Posted: October 13, 2008
Jamie (Guest)
Wow- so much negativity for a brief article that seeks only to provide an overview of how to find your gifts. Want comprehensive? Read Wagner or Flynn's books. Even so-called "mature" believers don't know what their gifts are, and their contributions are wasted. As a Christian life coach, I work with women all the time who are not working in their area of giftedness. For example, they have been given gifts of leadership and apostleship and are toiling away as a "helper" in the nursery because that's where they are "needed." Seems like churches would benefit greatly from teaching about gifts and then actively encouraging women (and men) to get into those places where they have the most effectiveness. And I agree with Nancy- when we are working in that sweet spot where our passions, interests and our gifts merge- we DO feel God's pleasure.
Posted: October 09, 2008
Concerned (Guest)
It's likely that believing sinners have a gift mix -- not just one gift. Also, our deep joy and satisfaction is a by-product, not a motivation. This article is too self-centered. To God be the glory, remember? Lastly, our gift mix is sometimes changed depending on what work God needs to have done. And it's possible to lose our gifts if we don't use them (e.g. the parable of the talents). I just find this article incomplete.
Posted: October 08, 2008
Ephrem Hagos (Guest)
One cannot uncover his/her spiritual gifts without first knowing firsthand and personally Jesus Christ. Beware of assumed spiritual gifts. They are all deceptions!
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