Gifts and Graces

Serving the Lord takes on many forms. Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Corinthians 12 share about the gifts of the Holy Spirit given for Christian service. The gifts are many and varied. However, I Corinthians 12:7 and Romans 12:3 remind us that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are always given for the benefit of others—for the good of all—not to bring praise to the receiver.

Over the years, I have seen for myself how the Holy Spirit has equipped Christians to serve God and others through the various skills and characteristics that He gives. Exactly what that service looks like is different in each person and each circumstance. We cannot compare or judge how the Spirit is manifested in others or in ourselves and we are warned against becoming conceited or envious. (Galatians 5:26)

What are your ministry gifts? Perhaps God has given you strengths that provide a service to others that is different from the usual way we think of ministry for Him.

Gina has been given gifts to organize community children’s outreaches. She pulls it off in such a way as to make everyone involved, children and helpers alike, feel important and well-informed. God has gifted Debi with the ability to genuinely listen to and gently point toward Jesus those who are going through a rough time. Pete can make even the most reticent church visitor feel warmly welcomed and immediately loved and cared for. Brenda exhibits the gifts of healing and encouragement by being neighborly—taking meals, soup, baked goods, flowers, garden produce to her neighbors, or stopping by to check on and pray with one who is recovering from illness, grieving, or lonely.

If we truly believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins and have asked Him to come take control of our life, then His Spirit IS within us and we HAVE gifts to serve God and others. 1 Corinthians 12 tells us “There are different ways of serving, but the same Lord is served. There are different abilities to perform service, but the same God gives ability to all for their particular service. The Spirit's presence is shown in some way in each person for the good of all.” Ask Jesus to reveal yours!

Be encouraged!

©2025 Pamela D. Williams

As the Goose Flies

The other morning as I was taking my early walk I heard a flock of geese overhead. They were flying in the typical V-formation that we often see in pictures and videos and were honking the entire time.

According to Audubon, the distinctive V-pattern Canadian Geese fly in while migrating actually has a purpose—it helps the birds save their energy and improves communication. Each bird flies above the bird in front of them to reduce wind resistance and allows each bird to take advantage of the updraft created by the wings of the bird in front, increasing their flying range by up to 71%. Being able to see the other birds aids overall coordination.

The behavior of these geese gives us tangible examples of several Biblical principles. First, they support and help each other by working together. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” When the lead goose gets tired another bird takes over so it can rest.

Second, geese honk to communicate and coordinate their flight. The honking we hear as they fly is how the geese both encourage one another (especially the leader) and warn of potential danger. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.” Then in verse 14 we are told, “Warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”

Third, two geese will drop out of formation and stay with a sick or injured goose, protecting it and staying with it until it can fly again. Galatians 6:2 says we are to “Bear one another’s burdens.”

We can see God’s principles at work all around us. His Word is alive and active—and exemplified for us in so many ways. Just look at Canadian geese!

Be encouraged!

Incidentally, as the geese passed over me, the single downy goose feather shown in my photo at the top of this post, floated down right in front of me!

©2025 Pamela D. Williams