But covet earnestly the best gifts…1 Cor 12:31KJV
Imagine a world where hundreds of millions of born again ones, in all walks of life, walk by the Spirit continually. For the first time in man’s history, freedom becomes an almost universal human attribute, because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. The problems of mankind, like starvation, disease, and war, are continually overcome as demon rulers are suppressed and Heaven releases new inventions that reshape economies and bring justice and equity throughout the nations. Hope for the future fills the hearts of men with joy as they see the practical reality of the lordship of Jesus Christ. If the Lord tarries, by God’s grace you and I will see such a day…
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 1 Cor 12:7 KJV
You and I are called to build the Lord’s house. The gifts of the Spirit are the tools of the workman, the Word of God is the plans, and God’s people, both saved and unsaved, are the raw materials. The tools in our toolbox include the revelation gifts of the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, and discerning of spirits; the power gifts of faith, working of miracles, and gifts of healing; and the spoken gifts of prophecy, tongues, and interpretation.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5 KJV
I have a tool, called a Leatherman, made right here in Portland OR, that was given to me by my friend RC. I carry that thing everywhere I go in my truck. It is so amazingly versatile that I can do almost anything with it. Such is the great gift of the word of wisdom. I call the word of wisdom ‘the problem-solving anointing.’ There is no problem that you are facing that God does not have an answer for, an answer that brings wholeness. Your challenge, like learning to use the Leatherman, is to learn how to access the word of wisdom.
Think about it…answers to the problems of pollution, disease, crumbling cities, and poverty could be solved with words of wisdom. God has clear, precise answers for even personal problems like how to have a good income, or an education, or finding God’s perfect soul mate for marriage. It’s all there for you. It is a tool in your tool box. But you must learn how to access and use it.
But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed. 6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and the iron did swim. 2 Kings 6:5-6 KJV
The word of knowledge is spiritual knowledge about the physical realm.
And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying, Beware that thou pass not such a place; for thither the Syrians are come down. And the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once nor twice. 2 Kings 6:9-10 KJV
If you were in business and competing for a contract, wouldn’t it be nice to know how to win the contract? God is your business partner. Consult with Him! Talk to Him just like you would talk to your partner. Say, what do we do about XYZ project? Then listen.
Every answer, every solution, indeed, every word from God stems out of your relationship with Him. Are you disciplined enough, and willing to obey Him precisely?
Discerning of spirits is spiritual knowledge about the spiritual realm.
And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. Luke 10:5-6 KJV
Every time you cross a threshold, you are entering into a different atmosphere of spiritual authority. You need to understand and recognize that authority, whether godly or evil and to what degree, so that you can operate effectively in that place. I call DOS in certain applications ‘the detective anointing’ – a detective is a police official who solves crimes through research and study of the clues involved. The Holy Spirit will reveal clues that when put together reveal the operation the enemy, and how to deal with it. Fascinating, isn’t it?
The best gift is the one you need at that moment. If you need to speak in the Lord’s name to one or a thousand, pray for, and prepare for, the gift of prophecy. If you know you are facing a problem, pray for, and prepare for, the gift of the word of wisdom. Prepare in your quiet moments, and quiet days, days of rest, for the situations that will arise, and you can be more than a conqueror. Preparation is the key!
Even so, ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Cor 14:12 KJV
I have briefly mentioned only three of the tools in your toolbox. You have nine! You must learn to use each one effectively. The gifts are used most effectively when they are used in service to others. You seek to excel in the gifts so that the whole church of Jesus Christ can be built up!
Speaking in tongues much throughout the day, and reading the Word of God, will build you up and form the basis by which the other gifts operate effectively. Take the time to study each gift. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to operate powerfully in each gift. He will judge your true intentions, and deal with you appropriately, so be serious about your intent. You can be one of the millions who will change the world!
Remember dear ones, we must be about our Father’s business…