1 Corinthians 12:1 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant." (KJV)

There are a lot of ideas and challenging conversations about spiritual gifts in the church today. But, while we may have different ideas on exactly how many gifts there are and how they fit into our world view today, spiritual gifts are an important part of who we are and how we serve in the body of Christ.

So, what is a spiritual gift?

There are four primary passages in the New Testament that talk about spiritual gifts: Romans 12:1- 8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-31, Ephesians 4:7-16 and 1 Peter 4:10-11

Take some time and read through these passages.

A spiritual gift is different from an ability or talent. Those are things that we are either born with or acquire through our environment. A spiritual gift is a God-given capacity for ministry in the body of Christ. It is not something we choose. It is from God alone and when we use it, it will glorify Him and grow the Body.

How do we know that we are using our spiritual gifts?

The Body of Christ is built up and people are drawn to Christ when we exercise our gift.

We set ourselves aside and give God alone the glory for all that He does through us. Often, as believers, we get caught up in completing tasks and miss the mark of serving with our gift.

I think this can happen a lot with women's ministry leaders. Most of us women's ministry leaders feel the need to excel at it all, to make every Bible study successful, to make every event amazing, to offer the women of our church top class everything from the women's ministry.

I love everything to be "just so," trust me, that I why I am saying US! But it is vital that whatever we are doing, that we do it for God's glory and not our own. That we plan and execute studies, activities and events to serve and minister to the women in our church, not to create "the" flagship ministry for our church.

I know that you know all this... but it is important to gently double-check how we are using our gifts once in a while and today is your lucky day!

There may be a few of you out there who are feeling a little uncomfortable because you are not exactly sure what your spiritual gift is. If this is where you are right now, spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal it to you. As you pray, serve in different jobs in women's ministry to see where you feel a good "fit." Also, don't be afraid to go to your pastor or other spiritual leaders and let them know you are praying about this and seeking the Lord.

Many times your spiritual gift is revealed through people's response to your exercising it. When people share with you that they were encouraged or drawn to the Lord through something you did... that is very likely pointing you towards your gift. You probably are already using it and just are not aware of the fact that you are!

According to Paul, as believers, we each have a spiritual gift that is necessary to the body of Christ as a whole. Without each of us, something is missing. It is our responsibility to be actively involved in exercising our gifts.

If you know your spiritual gift, I encourage you to reread the passages above and confirm that you are serving in a position that uses your spiritual gift. If you are not sure about your gift, spend time asking the Lord to reveal it. He wants to use you to your fullest ability!

In Him... Robyne Beaubien, Editor

I'm so excited to tell you about the launch of our Fresh Brewed Faith Conferences

These Kingdom-minded, regional events encourage women to connect with each other and God. Our desire is to warm your heart, and awaken your spirit through great Bible study, incredible worship, and off-the-charts laughter.

The Waco, Texas Fresh Brewed Faith with Jennifer Rothschild will feature wonderful friend and funny woman Anita Renfroe (there's a reason she's received 4 million YouTube visits for her TotalMomsense performance). We'll also have incredible worship by former Women of Faith worship leader Shelley Jennings.

Visit www.FreshBrewedFaithConference.com

 

This great idea was sent in a while ago from a church in Tomball Texas and we have finally been able to get it in!

Event: Decorating the church for the holidays.

Purpose 1: For women to have dinner together and decorate our church for the season.

Purpose 2: To have lots of fun and create comradery while highlighting missionaries that our church supports. This particular year our theme was Deck the Halls Fiesta Style. We spotlighted our missionaries in Saltillo, Mexico and had a focused a prayer time for them.

We decorated the room with Mexican colors, chili- pepper lights, blankets, tablecloths, napkins and tea lights in painted terracotta pots. Each table had a sombrero with chips in the rim and salsa in the center.

Our dinner was a "Taco Table." We covered a large round table in tin foil. Taco beef and chicken were placed in the center of the table and then in colorful fashion alternate all taco fillings (tomatoes, beans, corn, onions, etc) until we reached the table's outer edge and we ended with a "burm" of shredded cheese. The women get their tortillas and then build tacos from the fillings on the table.

Our ladies had a blast that night and have talked about it ever since!

Hormones holding you hostage? Circumstances stressing you out? Discover how to become the consistent, contented woman you've always wanted to be in this practical, female friendly study for women of all ages. Learn more about There Is A Season, an 11-week, video-based Bible study by Laurie Cole

Take a minute to visit these recent sponsors...

• It's not too late to coordinate a Mom's Day of Prayer in 2008!
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I recently received an email asking about organizing a silent retreat. I have to admit, although I have heard of them, I have never attended or planned a silent retreat. So...

If you have attended or organized a silent retreat, I would love to hear more about how it was structured and carried out. We will take all your input and share a plan for a silent retreat in an upcoming newsletter.

Send your thoughts and ideas to robyne@womensministry.net.

Java with Jennifer is an informal monthly ministry update specifically for friends who want to keep up-to-date on what is happening with Jennifer Rothschild's ministry of writing, speaking, and singing.

Obviously, because you are receiving this eNewsletter, you are signed up for the Jennifer's "weekly" WomensMinistry.NET eNewsletter. However, if you want to get up close, and personal with Jennifer, just click on the Update Profile link at the bottom of this email, and select the Java with Jennifer interest group when asked to update your profile.

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You Saw It!

Jennifer's two interviews on Life Today with James Robison.

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Self Talk, Soul Talk: What to Say When You Talk to Yourself

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Self Talk, Soul Talk Rankings Climb to Number 3 on Amazon.com Women's Issues

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