Editor’s Note
Last summer I studied the life of Joseph with a group of
friends. Our goal was to examine the threads of God’s
purpose woven throughout Joseph’s life. In examining
God’s work in Joseph’s life, we were drawn to see what
God was weaving in our own lives. When we look at our
lives with that kind of intentional lens, believing God has
a purpose for us and our circumstances, we see Him
at work in our stories. I left the study so encouraged,
believing that God had designed me uniquely for a clear
purpose. It’s this encouragement in part that has led us
to devote April’s issue of the Calvary Life to spiritual gifts.
Everyone is looking for purpose in their life. It is what
propels us toward hard work and big dreams. It should
also be what propels us to seek out God’s design for
our lives. 1 Corinthians 4:7 tells us that, “to each one
the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common
good.” We know then that every believer has been given
a manifestation of the Spirit, a spiritual gift, for the
common good. In others words, the Spirit didn’t miss
you, no matter how unqualified you may feel.
This month we’re exploring: what spiritual gifts are,
how to figure out your gifts, and how to use them for
building up the body of Christ. It’s an exciting time for
our church body. Construction is bringing change to
our church building and the move to Calvin is just days
away. As we adventure to new heights together, it’s
important to remember that 1 Peter 4:10 urges believers
to, “use whatever gift you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various
forms.” I believe that when we own our gifts and use
them for God’s glory, we open ourselves up to amazing
opportunities. And in these opportunities of service and
stewardship, we experience great joy and fulfillment.
I can’t urge you enough to discover your gifts and put
them to use in the place God has called you to in this
season. Just imagine what it would look like to see our
entire body of believers serving one another well! That
sounds like an adventure I want to be on.
By Jackie Rice
Communications Specialist
Jackie has been on staff at Calvary for 12 years.
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