"It is exciting to realize that God made you specifically with gifts and abilities designed to fit into His plan. It's time to explore what those gifts are, and how to use them effectively." Kathy Spampinato

As we grow spiritually we realize that we are part of a bigger plan than just ourselves and God. We are part of His body, the church. We are interconnected. It is our job to help build each other up as we fulfill His plan for our lives. This brings God glory.

1 Cor 12:27 "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it."

1 Th 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

1 Pet 2:4-5 "As you come to him, the living Stone- rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him- you also like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Eph 2:19-22 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

As God builds the church, with Christ as the head, He equips us with gifts to strengthen and empower us. We have been gifted by our Lord to bring Him glory. God designed you with a plan and a purpose. He also equipped you to fulfill that purpose. You may not “feel gifted”. You may not understand about spiritual gifts, and you may not know what your gifts are, or how they operate, but they are in there! You have them! It is exciting to realize that God made you specifically with gifts and abilities designed to fit into His plan. It's time to explore what those gifts are, and how to use them effectively.

Sometimes it is a struggle to figure out where you belong as part of the church. There are many different kinds of Christian churches, and many styles of worship. Please don't give up searching for the spot where you really belong, and where you find a home. Ask Holy Spirit to guide you to the place where you'll find the greatest unity of purpose and unity of spirit. That is where you'll find it more comfortable to get behind the vision of the house, and support the calling of the leadership. You will be able to join in and feel a part of something bigger than yourself. You will also be able to offer grace to others where you disagree, when you are united in vision and purpose. You will be able to produce more fruit in your life and calling when you experience the "unity of the spirit in the bond of peace". (Eph4:3)

Do you know where you fit into the body of Christ? Can you see God’s hand fitting you in as a building block? Do you have an understanding of your spiritual gifts? Think about these things as you continue to unravel the mystery of how God made you. You were designed to bear fruit and bring Him glory! You will find great joy in fulfilling this purpose.