Category: Devotions

Going beyond healings then we have to assume that miraculous powers cover supernatural wonders such as deliverance from demonic powers, anything that defies natural laws such as the raising of the dead.

But like the gifts of healing, the gift of faith is given also to work alongside the miraculous powers. 

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬-‭10‬

These are acts of power. 

Remember that a sign of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit is for the unusual to happen. The unexplainable happens. 

Let me take some more time on this because it seems a far away gift for us perhaps. Are miraculous powers possible, really? Yes! 

Acts 19:11 “God did extraordinary miracles through Paul”

He does not do the ordinary. He does the extraordinary through the ordinary.

He is not a human being (Numbers 23:19). He works through, in and for us humans.

Today you may be facing your greatest threat. A powerful enemy may have come against you.

But it is not what you are facing that is important but who that is in you that counts.

Think about who is in you today …

God who expresses His wrath every day (Psalm 7)

God who has set the moon and stars in place (Psalm 8)

God whose voice strikes with flashes of lightning (Psalm 29)

God who gathers the waters of the sea into jars (Psalm 33)

God who brings desolations on the earth (Psalm 46)

God who reigns over the nations (Psalm 47)

God whose chariots are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands (Psalm 68)

God who is incomparable (Psalm 89)

God who is from all eternity (Psalm 93)

God whose fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side. (Psalm 97)

Psalm 68:35 You are awesome O God in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

He is a great and awesome God

In your life!

“O Sovereign Lord! You have made the heavens and earth by Your great power. Nothing is too hard for You!” (Jeremiah 32:17).

No need too great.

No problem too big or too small.

No enemy too powerful.

Nothing in us can constrain Him.

No task is too big for Him.

Nothing.

He extravagantly does the extraordinary.

Acts 19:12 “… even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to those who were ill, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.”

Paul didn’t touch the cloths for the purpose of healing. He didn’t pray over them and bless them. He didn’t send them out after an online payment. He didn’t teach others the art of the prayer cloth ministry. Paul didn’t have anything to do with the handkerchiefs and aprons. God did it.

God was moving in this Ephesian occultic culture.

God was verifying Paul’s preaching.

We are used to such phenomena in the New Testament. The woman caught the tassels of Jesus robe and received power to her sick body (Matthew 9:20-21). Peter’s shadow would heal people (Acts 5:15). So we are not surprised by Luke the doctor’s account.

So how did this happen?

God didn’t announce this was what He would do.

It must have started with someone inquisitive and brave enough to give it a go.

Perhaps this is easier if your culture is one of charms and magical weird happenings anyway.

Someone was so concerned for a sick loved one, whether in body or tormented in mind or spirit, they wondered if this would help.

Handkerchiefs were sweat rags used to wipe the face and aprons were work overalls that provided protection.

Did this someone visit Paul in his tent-making workshop and see the handkerchiefs of sweat from Paul’s brow and the discarded aprons on the floor and think I wonder if …?

Did this someone bring their own or the hankies and aprons of their sick loved one, with the intention of doing something that perhaps they had seen occultists try?

Luke doesn’t say and maybe that is not the important message.

What is of importance is that the extraordinary God when He is in a place miraculous powers can be given to perform unbelievable extraordinary acts.

Holy Spirit I see brokenness all around me. I live in a culture of many idols; people are blinded to what has put them in chains and cannot see their need of you. Holy Spirit break out. Come. Manifest your presence through me and with faith let my world see the extraordinary power of God and glorify Jesus. Amen 

Healings are gifts. 

I know that seems obvious. However the temptation can be that healings come because of various degrees of techniques and/or our superiority to somehow do these things and more. After all didn’t Jesus say we would do what He did and more? 

This is why it is crucial to understand healings are gifts and they are plural because there are many diseases. 

So again let me say, healings are gifts. They are not set as a spiritual gift so that people see a human healer. They are not guaranteed so that because you may have experienced the healing gift before it means you will on the next and every occasion. Neither does it mean that if say on the next occasion a person isn’t healed the fault lies with you or more importantly them. This is a gift. 

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬-‭10‬

Simply put those who have this gift usually also have the gift of faith that the disease will be healed.

Those who have this gift are probably the most loving of people. Yes the gift can be abused and pride can get in the way. But those who see people healed through their prayers do so because of deep compassion and love for those who are sick. 

Those who have this gift have a desire to do good for people. 

And finally those who have the gifts of healing probably don’t have them all. I mean, they are not the experts of every disease. Jesus is.

Holy Spirit pour out compassion on me for people. Let my heart break for what breaks yours. Let me see what you see. Forgive me when I have turned away and ignored or walked past those who are sick. I commit to the praying for those who are ill. As I step out grant me to experience gifts of healing so that people see Jesus and glorify Him. Amen. 

 This is not the faith that brings us into salvation.

This is not your ability to believe for something. But in its simplest form it is when God adds faith to your faith supernaturally. It is given for a task.

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬-‭10‬

This faith is the undoubting assurance that what the Holy Spirit has nudged you to do can and will happen. It is the extraordinary steps taken firstly by God; we don’t exercise this gift as we desire but at the discretion of the Spirit. This is not having faith in faith but in the Holy Spirit who has nudged us to speak, to go and to act. This faith believes for miracles, healings, the impossibilities to be possible. If ever one gift was mission-focused it is this gift. Why would church planters decide to plant in the toughest of areas? The gift of Faith. 

Holy Spirit I ask that whenever you think I need this gift of faith you give it to me. As I step into this world where people need Jesus and you show me knowledge of them and give me wisdom to know how to speak to them and lead them into the way of God then give me faith to believe that this person will be saved, that person will be healed and another will be delivered.  As I step forward and receive this gift let Jesus be seen and glorified. Amen.

This is the knowledge of information previously unknown and imparted by God supernaturally. 

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭

Knowledge has to do with the discovery of truth while wisdom has to do with its application in life. 

It cannot have any known information beforehand. It is completely shooting in the dark but you’re not because God is revealing the facts, information, details whether in the past or the present and most probably when you are praying with that person.

Holy Spirit I ask that today you will give me messages of knowledge that those people I meet I will see them as divine appointments made by you. Give me the insight I need whether through pictures, words, insights into their lives and then give me the wisdom to lead them into beautiful new chapters of their lives with you . Give me the courage to speak up and say what you show me and above all let Jesus be seen and glorified. Amen.

So let’s get into these gifts.

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NIVUK‬‬

Though I want to think on each one individually they are often working in tandem with each other. The gift of the message of knowledge may flow into the gift of the message of wisdom which may in turn be used through discernment. 

Wisdom is to see what God sees in a situation. It is the right word at the right time to the right person. It is more than natural wisdom.

A carpenter telling fishermen where to fish!

It is the proclaiming of spiritual truths which become understandable to those who hear. 

• your friend has a problem and they cannot find the answer. But you see the way through. It is absolutely clear to you what they should do and they are relieved when you tell them. God has opened the door for them because He gave you a message of wisdom for them.

People see you as a problem solver because of this gift of wisdom.

Those with this gift are often good listeners.

How we need messages of wisdom today!

Holy Spirit I ask that today you will give me messages of wisdom that those people I meet will find solutions to their greatest needs. Give me the courage to speak up and speak into problem areas so that Jesus will be seen and glorified. Amen.

We have already seen that Paul believes the work of the Spirit, the graces, gifts, offices, ministries, workings, activities is never about us. It is always about Jesus. (yesterday’s blog).

In this next passage before we think over some of the gifts we see Paul reveal another reason why they are given. It is for Jesus we know that but also it is for others.

The moment you hear someone advertise their spiritual gift then run away. They’re not for self-promotion. Let’s see what Paul says:-

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ 

In v7 the Message says ‘everyone benefits’. They are not given as a badge of honour but for the common good meaning for others. We are just the conduit. It doesn’t mean we are special in anyway. That is why a gift doesn’t qualify anyone for spiritual leadership but maturity in Christ does. 

And wrapping around some of the gifts that Paul mentions he ends in v11 with another reason why we cannot feel superior: it wasn’t our will, our decision, but the will of the Spirit. And we know that His will is different to ours on many occasions. So why would the Spirit give the gifts? And we are back to the first reason which is Jesus and for His name to be known. 

Sadly so often we have hidden the spiritual gifts that have been given within the four walls of the church and perhaps we need to see them being used more outside where the demonstration of the gospel of Jesus can then be clearly seen. 

One final thing. Alongside the truth that the gifts are nothing to do with us there is one thing we have to do and that is receive by faith. The Spirit gives gifts but we have to receive and step out in faith.  When we do we know it is all about Jesus and for people He loves; it is never about drawing attention to ourselves.

Isn’t the variety of the Spirit simply wonderful!

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭

He gives gifts. Paul will list nine. There are more mentioned in other letters of Paul. In order to draw people to Jesus Christ the Spirit distributes gifts and we will examine these over the next few days. 

He gives services or ministries. Paul mentions these elsewhere in Ephesians 4 where the 5-fold offices of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastors and teachers are listed. These services/ministries are to equip every one of us to become more like Jesus. 

He gives workings or activities of power. These miracles are the same as the gift of miracles which is listed in this chapter. Again there are different kinds. But they come from the same God. The Spirit’s task is to let Jesus be known. 

It is easy for us to be focused solely on what gift or grace we have or how the power of God works through us on any occasion. 

But fundamentally it’s never about us, it’s not who we are, what grace, office, gift, or what happened when the power of God worked through our lives. It’s so important that we all remember this is about Jesus. The moment we forget that is the moment we have strayed

God is here! How do we know?

Having focused on head coverings and the communion service Paul responds to the next on the list: spiritual gifts. (Now about)

“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to dumb idols. Therefore I want you to know that no-one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no-one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ 

In the opening introduction Paul says that they know themselves how their false worship had led them astray previously. 

But now as spirit-filled Christians they don’t stray like that. They are now Jesus followers. 

However is it possible that those who have spiritual gifts could stray? Is it possible that those who have seen healings, who prophesy and who speak in languages not learnt, stray?

The answer is YES.

So what’s the gauge?

Is Jesus being honoured? Are people’s thoughts centred on Jesus? Is Jesus being taught as Lord of our life? Are lives surrendered to His lordship? 

This was the most important and sure evidence that the Spirit was at work. It still is.

Jesus told us that when the Holy Spirit came He would not take the centre of attraction. Jesus would. The Holy Spirit would glorify, testify and take what is hidden in Christ and make it plain to us (John 15 and 16). So in any move of the Spirit that is what He will be doing. Jesus will be the centre and worshipped as King, no other name, this is the hallmark of the Spirit. Anything else isn’t. 

Paul concludes this section around the Eucharist which for the church was more of a love-feast than partaking a small piece of bread and wine in a short section within the church service. 

The love feast had become something it was never meant to be and perhaps at times the communion in our services have also.

“So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather to eat, you should all eat together. Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further instructions.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭

Church isn’t a place

• For people to be strangers. (But brothers and sisters)
• For individual worship. (Eat together)
• Where the primary reason for going is to have your needs met. (Eat before you come so that the focus is not on how much you can fill your stomach)
• Where the outcome is for judgment. (Let it not result in judgment).

These are shocking verses but nevertheless they are there for a reason.

“So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and ill, and a number of you have fallen asleep. But if we were more discerning with regard to ourselves, we would not come under such judgment. Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭27‬-‭32‬ ‭

Perhaps today you will be taking communion at church. It will certainly be done in a different way to this church and yet the principle is the same, in your worship you will be looking to what Christ has done on the cross. 

These verses have often been used in a way to keep people from the table and not draw them to it. 

So what does Paul teach us?

1. The unworthy manner is to have harmed a brother or sister in Christ in some way and still to go ahead and worship Christ, who gave grace to you.
2. When the Church comes together it enters into a fearful place of the presence of God. If we mock Him because we are hurting a member of the church then He may respond in hurting us. Shocking but it’s there!
3. Communion is not for those who are perfect but who recognise they are sinful but are doing something about it whether that be repentance or reconciliation.

Today don’t go to church flippantly. But approach with a deep respect for the grave and mercy that Christ has given to you and expects you also to give to others.