by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
Sometimes they’re obvious. Sometimes not. But they’re always fueled by the Holy Spirit and burn with divine intensity.
Spiritual gifts.
A quick testimony. For years I’ve used my spiritual gifts both inside and outside the church walls. I’m sure you have as well.
When I recently accepted an opportunity at our awe-some church to help with communication needs, something unexpected happened. A part of me that had crawled into hibernation several years ago began to emerge with a skip to its step.
Questions arose within. Why am I feeling more fulfilled lately? What’s with this surprising spark of joy? Why do I now sense more of an ownership at Summit Church?
Driving home from staff one day, the answer surfaced: Spiritual gifts.
By re-engaging my gifts and creative energy, I felt a deeper sense of ownership, not only to Summit but to the Church as well. Few things rally the fulfillment felt by those who employ their God-given gifts for His glory.
If you’re struggling to feel connected in your church, or if you find yourself devoid of a spark that once burned with intensity, could it be that you’re not engaging your spiritual gift(s)?
I pray God’s whisper will rouse it from its sleep and surprise you with its joy.
Inhale deeply.
Some are front and center while others are quietly performed but every divine-empowered gift possesses the potent scent of life-giving, unifying, God-glorifying goodness.
So, how about you? I’d love to know your spiritual gift(s). To God be the glory!
[Note: This morning I’m having outpatient surgery so I will respond to your comments but it may be a day or two late. Thank you for sharing them!]
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
As shared in last Thursday’s post, it’s often those quiet, subtle whispers from God that leave the deepest imprint on our lives, as well as others.
Recently, I walked into our local tea bar and ordered an Earl Grey. The young barista was confused.
“You don’t want your normal Mocha with whip?” she asked. I quickly told her that my fickle gallbladder had ushered in a new way of eating AND drinking.
As I made my way to the table with my cuppa tea, a woman who’d been waiting for her tea while I ordered, walked by. We exchanged pleasant goodbyes as she walked out the door.
I saw her get in the car, start it up and sit there for a second. The next time I looked up she was walking back through the door towards me.
“I was sitting in my car getting ready to leave but the Lord told me to come back in and pray for you. Do you mind if I pray?” she asked as she bent low, near my ear.
I don’t remember the last time that happened to me but let me testify now — it was a moment I won’t soon forget. I thanked her, and I thanked God. Her, for the obedience required in doing what God called her to do in that moment, not knowing how I would react. And I thanked God because only He knew how much I needed prayer as I quietly sipped my tea.
A quiet whisper. The woman heard it and obeyed. And because of her whisper of prayer, I was blessed. And because I was blessed, I desire to be more aware of those same whispers from God so I can bless others in the same way.
How about you? Have you had someone pray an impromptu prayer for you or someone you love? Is there some way I can pray for you today?
And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 1 Kings 19:12
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
One of my favorite accounts in the Bible is found in 1 Kings 19.
A discouraged Elijah flees to the wilderness despite the fact God had just used him to silence the lies of Baal in a magnificent display of Yahweh’s power. One would think after such a victory he’d be dancing like David before the LORD but instead he flees under threat to the wilderness, overcome by discouragement.
Along the way, God cares for him in seemingly small ways but through each one, especially the last one, he restores Elijah in a beautiful way.
Let’s see.
- He prayed for God to kill him but he was one of the few men who never actually died.
- God provided for His physical needs, and then his emotional ones.
- God provided a broom tree for Elijah to rest under.
- God allowed Elijah to fully voice his frustrations.
- Then, God graciously reveals Himself to Elijah. As he stood at the cleft of a cliff, He sent wind, an earthquake and fire, but it was in a still small voice (a gentle whisper, if you will) that Elijah sensed God’s presence and was awe-struck.
Initially, the theme for March’s series was going to be wind. After all, it goes hand-in-hand with the month. But then, 1 Kings 19:1-21 reminded me how often it’s the scent of subtle, quiet “whispers” that take place in our lives that produce our most powerful moments in life.
So, I hope you’ll make plans to join me on this journey. I plan to post twice a week, beginning Monday, March 2, for this series and would love for you to share your own “whispers” along the way. And did I mention a very sweet giveaway at the end of the month? Oh yes.
And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 1 Kings 19:12 ESV
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
“Tell her the child is with Me and that she will see him again one day.” -Steve
When I heard Steve’s words spoken to me thirty years ago, I knew of Christ, but I didn’t know Him personally as my Lord and Savior. (An eternal difference!)
I wasn’t overly surprised by his assurance that I would one day see the miscarried child because, after all, I was a “good person.” Of course I’d be in heaven! My concern was for the baby.
And then I came to know—really know—Jesus Christ in a tiny duplex on the outskirts of Spartanburg. Now, as I reflect back on Steve’s words spoken to me that day in the hospital, I stand in awe of God’s sovereignty, mercy, and grace.
God knew I would be with him in heaven one day…
but on that day in the hospital,
I was far, far away from him.
I realize the above post will be more fully understood after you’ve read my entire story but for today, I simply praise God for His sovereignty — for knowing all things from beginning to end. And that love is, and always has been, His motivation.
“Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.”
Psalm 115:3
Care to join in the praise? How have you seen the sovereignty of God in your life?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
by Cathy Baker
I LOVE sweet revelations.
Brian: “What would you like for Christmas?”
Me (without hesitation): “Time management sessions.”
Brian: “No, really.”
Me: “Really.”
Little did he know I was referring to sessions with one of the sharpest women I know, Cynthia Owens, of Go With Vision…Simplifying Work and Life. We’ve been friends for years, she leads our CrossNPens writer’s group, and has a stellar reputation in corporate settings.
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| Cynthia Owens |
During a recent session, Cynthia laid two pieces of notebook paper on the table. On one, a list of to-do’s for my part-time job. On the other, my writing projects. It was a heavy work week (training) resulting in sparse writing. I love love love my new PT work at the church but I’d missed my writing time that week.
Cynthia nudged the sheets till they touched and asked, “Why does one get preference over the other?” After a few seconds of silence, she answered, “Because someone is waiting on this,” as she pointed to my work list. “No one is waiting on this,” pointing to my writing projects.
And there it was in all His glory.
I knew what Cynthia meant. More than likely, no one would email or text for updates on my writing projects. It’s a self-motivated kind of calling. While I heard her words, my soul perceived this sweet revelation instead:
Only God knows how many people are “waiting on this” —
your writing.
It may be one person. It may be thousands. Only God knows. All I know—all we know—is that we are to engage our God-given gift regardless if anyone expects it or not.
Oh, the sweet revelations of our heavenly Father, taking mere mortal words and transforming them into heavenly ones.
How great are your works, O Lord!
Your thoughts are very deep!
Psalm 92:5
Note: If you’re interested in seeking Cynthia’s help but do not live locally, don’t despair! Contact her about long distance options via her Web site at Go with Vision.
Driving home from staff one day, the answer surfaced: Spiritual gifts. 
