Getting into S.H.A.P.E. S – Spiritual Gift H – Heart/Passion A P E

We are praying for more than gifted/passionate workers: The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT)

Getting into S.H.A.P.E. S – Spiritual Gift H – Heart/Passion A - Abilities P E

God… “…has given each of us the ability to do certain things well…” Romans 12:6a (NLT)

Spiritual Gifts God-given Used for God’s service/people Supernatural Spontaneous Usually only have 1 or a few Spiritual Abilities God-given Used for God’s service/people Natural Learned and Developed Can have thousands! vs.

Getting a clue: “The abilities you do have area a strong indication of what God wants you to do with your life. They are clues to knowing God’s will for you…God doesn’t waste abilities; he matches our calling and our capabilities.” -Rick Warren

Whatever your hands find to do… “…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

The Designer’s design: For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. -Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

An invitation: Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen. Construct everything that the Lord has commanded… -Exodus 35:10 (NLT)

God can use every ability: Then Moses told the people of Israel, “The Lord has specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft.

God can use every ability: And the Lord has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach their skills to others. The Lord has given them special skills as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth, and weavers. They excel as craftsmen and as designers. Exodus 35:30-35 (NLT)

Don’t just sing: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 (NIV)

God expects us to use it: “Understand that you are God’s idea. You will be held accountable for using what he gave you to work with.” - Arthur F. Miller

God rewards us for using it: The master said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” Matthew 25:23 (NLT)

Use it or lose it: Then he ordered, “Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” Matthew 25:28-29 (NLT)

Where should I serve? 1) In my PRIMARY area of giftedness, passion, skill, and personality.

Where should I serve? 1) In my PRIMARY area of giftedness, passion, skill, and personality. 2) In a SECONDARY area where I am needed.

Don’t forget! Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath. But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. -Deuteronomy 8:18-19 (NLT)

Do it, use it for God’s glory: God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. -1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)