LIVING FAITH EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES
In this second devotional I’m writing for LIVING FAITH, I felt to write concerning a lesson I’ve had to learn in my life recently. I pray it blesses you.
Very soon, I will see you face-to-face, online, or in my meetings; until then, I hope these scriptures and truths will help you in your life as they have helped me.
- Ev. Preston
Handling God’s Gifts With Supernatural Care
In the believer’s life, wisdom and spiritual gifts are bestowed by The Lord and are pivotal elements and needed partners that empower believers to navigate their lives and ministries with discernment and grace.
This devotional’s intention is to reveal from the Word of God the crucial harmony and relationship these two things must have with one another.
In the scriptures, the book of James gives a clear call of action to all who desire to possess the first thing I’ll deal with today: WISDOM:
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, who will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
James 1:5 (NLT)
The Lord Gives Wisdom
This verse reveals the essential way to receive wisdom in your life, showing it as a divine endowment accessible through heartfelt requests made unto God. The Lord does not have the desire to rebuke or correct those who ask for good things from Him. Wisdom is one of those good things The Lord desires to give to those who ask Him.
Similarly, Proverbs echoes this truth:
“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Proverbs 2:6 (NLT)
I want you to understand that God is not out to correct you or put you “in your place,” attempting to make you feel unworthy for desiring to possess the best things in life. He loves us and desires for us to walk in the fullness of everything He has promised by His Word. It is He that will grant unto you wisdom when you ask Him in faith, He is the one who desires to give it.
Wisdom Is A Divine Gift
The revelation of these verses shows the illuminating power of wisdom. This heavenly gift equips the believer to maneuver through life’s complexities and challenges , navigating them through the path of life with skill and understanding.
Expanding upon this truth, James 1:17 and Acts 10:38 encapsulate the supernatural partner that must be used with wisdom to fully be Christ-like in our lives as believers , the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
“And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”
Acts 10:38 (NLT)
“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”
James 1:17 (NLT)
Spiritual Gifts Are Most Effective When Accompanied By Wisdom
These passages broaden our understanding to encompass the full spectrum of divine gifts, including those specific spiritual gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit, as detailed by Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians.
In 1st Corinthians 12, Paul discusses the diversity and purpose of these gifts:
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but the same God does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NLT)
In light of this, the spiritual gifts—whether prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, or others as listed in Romans 12:6-8 —are not just divine favors but are integral components of the believer’s identity and call, intended to build up the church and manifest the Kingdom of God while we are on the Earth.
Therefore, connected with the power of divine wisdom, these gifts cultivate a life picture where each believer is equipped, empowered, and encouraged to contribute uniquely to the collective victories and mission of the Body of Christ, all under the guiding light of the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and power
The Gifts Are Without Repentance
Expanding further into the depths of spiritual stewardship concerning gifts, the book of Romans offers a profound statement:
“For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
Romans 11:29 (KJV)
This scripture reveals the permanence of God’s endowments to His followers, affirming that the spiritual gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit are immutable, reflective of God’s unchanging commitment, purpose, and nature towards those He loves.
This is an encouraging truth to be treated cautiously, reinforcing the vital importance of operating in our gifts through Godly wisdom and counsel.
This eternal aspect of divine gifts underscores a significant truth: once bestowed, these gifts remain with the believer, intended for the lifelong journey of faith and service to God’s Kingdom. In this divine system, wisdom emerges not merely as a beneficial attribute but as the indispensable lens through which the believer discerns how to employ these irrevocable gifts effectively and righteously.
Wisdom, therefore, stands as the guardian of these gifts, ensuring their application aligns with the higher purposes ordained by God, fostering a life of service that mirrors the constancy of His divine Will. A Will that must be executed in love and grace towards a lost and dying generation.
Without Wisdom, Your Gift Can Become Destructive
Incorporating this Biblical truth and applying wisdom to the stewardship of God’s enduring gifts becomes vital to the effectiveness of your life.
For example, the story of Absalom stands out as a harrowing example of the fatal consequences that can arise from the absence of wisdom, especially in individuals graced with significant gifts .
Absalom, the third son of King David, was blessed with extraordinary attributes: the Bible speaks of his physical appearance , charisma, and his natural leadership that could have been used for the betterment of his people and his own legacy. Sadly, however these gifts were overshadowed by his pride, selfish ambition, and a hunger for power.
Let’s see what the Bible says about Absalom’s gifts in the book of 2nd Samuel ,
“Absalom would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, ‘What town are you from?’ He would answer, ‘Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.’ Then Absalom would say to him, ‘Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.’ And Absalom would add, ‘If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.’ Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.”
2 Samuel 15:2-6 (NLT)
In this passage, Absalom’s cunning and charm are evident. He positioned himself as a more accessible and empathetic alternative to King David, exploiting the people’s grievances and portraying himself as a champion of justice. His approachable demeanor and feigned concern for the people’s needs allowed him to win their loyalty and affection, demonstrating his natural leadership abilities and understanding of human nature. But he did it all from a heart of cunning and selfish ambition , instead of from the heart of wisdom and love.
Don’t be an Absalom, Be a David
Instead of employing his gifts wisely, Absalom’s story, detailed in 2 Samuel 15-18, unfolds as a tragic saga of unchecked ambition, deceit, and betrayal. Driven by a desire for power and revenge, Absalom exploited his gifts to sow discord among the Israelites, undermining his father’s authority and orchestrating a coup to seize the throne of his father David. His actions were marked not by the wisdom expected of a king but by personal vendetta and pride, leading to division and strife within God’s chosen people, Israel.
The culmination of Absalom’s folly is starkly portrayed in the Battle of the Wood of Ephraim. Despite his gifts and the initial success of his rebellion, Absalom’s lack of wisdom ultimately led to his downfall.
In a moment of poetic justice and tragic irony, Absalom’s renowned hair, a symbol of his pride and vanity, became entangled in the branches of a great oak tree as he fled the battlefield ,
“During the battle, Absalom happened to come upon some of David’s men. He tried to escape on his mule, but as he rode beneath the thick branches of a great tree, his hair got caught in the tree. His mule kept going and left him dangling in the air.”
2 Samuel 18:9 NLT
This moment of vulnerability resulted in his death, not at the hands of his enemies, but rather as a consequence of his own pride and the cunning of Joab, David’s general.
“Joab said, ‘I’m not going to wait like this for you.’ So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. And ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him.”
2 Samuel 18:14-15 (NLT)
Absalom’s death serves as a somber reflection on the fate that befalls those who misuse their divine gifts and ignore the path of wisdom. His story underscores a timeless truth: that gifts, no matter how great, can lead to ruin rather than glory when wielded without the guiding light of wisdom, humility, and the fear of the Lord.
The book of James further reveals the role of this wisdom; let’s go to the scripture:
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
James 3:17 (NLT)
Such wisdom ensures that spiritual gifts, which are irrevocable and bestowed by The Lord , are wielded with purity, peace, gentleness, and a spirit of service and love. This divine wisdom equips the believer to navigate the complexities of life and ministry, ensuring that the unfading gifts are utilized to create unity, improvement, and love within the Body of Christ.
The spiritual gifts bestowed by God, while inherently good and intended for the improvement of the church, can become destructive if not tempered and guided by godly wisdom.
Wisdom Tempers Your Gift
Without the moderating influence of divine wisdom, these gifts may be misapplied, leading to pride, division, and misunderstanding within the Body of Christ.
For example, a gift like prophecy, wielded without wisdom, can cause fear or confusion rather than encouragement and edification , which is its New Testament purpose.
“But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.”
1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT)
Prophecy Without Wisdom Can Cause Fear And Confusion
Similarly, the gift of teaching applied without the humility and love born of wisdom can become a tool for self-aggrandizement or promote false doctrines.
Paul warns of such scenarios in 1 Corinthians 13 , illustrating that spiritual gifts, devoid of love—a key component of godly wisdom—amount to nothing.
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and angels but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT)
Therefore, every spiritual gift must be operated within the counsel of godly wisdom, ensuring that all actions and motivations are aligned with God’s overarching purposes of love, unity, and growth within His Kingdom. This alignment prevents the gifts from becoming self-serving or divisive, instead fostering a community where every member works together in harmony, guided by the loving and wise nature of God.
Thus, as believers we must embrace this heavenly wisdom, they unlock the true potential of our spiritual gifts, funneling them into actions that resonate with the unchangeable nature of God’s Calling, enhancing the Body of Christ, and advancing the Kingdom of God on Earth.
Through this divine relationship between irrevocable gifts and heavenly wisdom, the church is strengthened, individuals are transformed, and the steadfast love and purpose of God are vividly manifested in this present world.
Gifts Will Take You To Great Places
“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”
Proverbs 18:16 (KJV)
In the pages of biblical history, the use of divine gifts often acted as a bridge to significant encounters and positions of authority, serving as a testament to the plan of God for our lives in cooperation with His divine will through individual abilities.
The story of King David, as chronicled in the Old Testament offers a poignant illustration ,
“One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem is a talented harp player. He is also a brave warrior, a man of war, and has good judgment. He is also a fine-looking young man, and the Lord is with him.”
So Saul sent messengers to Jesse to say, “Send me your son David, the shepherd.” Jesse responded by sending David to Saul, along with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a wineskin full of wine.
So David went to Saul and began serving him. Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.
Then Saul sent word to Jesse, asking, “Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him.”
And whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would disappear.”
1 Samuel 16:18-23 (NLT)
A Gift Can Be A Trampoline Or A Guillotine
Initially, David was known merely as a shepherd boy from Bethlehem, but his remarkable gift for music, coupled with his boldness and integrity, caught the attention of King Saul’s servants.
They recommended David to the king as a skilled harpist capable of soothing Saul’s troubled spirit. When David played the harp for Saul, “Saul was refreshed and felt better, and the evil spirit left him.”
This pivotal moment not only marked the beginning of David’s ascent to prominence but also explains how God can elevate individuals from obscurity to positions of influence through proper stewardship of their gifts.
God Elevates From Obscurity To Influence
David’s journey from tending sheep to serving in the royal palace exemplifies the transformative impact of utilizing God’s gifts for His purposes.
Likewise, Joseph’s life trajectory, detailed from Genesis 39 to Genesis 41, reflects a similar divine plan from The Lord through the correct use of his spiritual gifts.
Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph’s exceptional administrative skills and godly character quickly elevated him within Potiphar’s household, earning him a position of trust and authority.
Yet, it was his gift of dream interpretation, a spiritual endowment from God, that propelled him from wrongful imprisonment to Pharaoh’s court.
The book of Genesis recounts Pharaoh’s recognition of Joseph’s wisdom and insight, leading to Joseph’s appointment as governor over all of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh himself,
“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. You will be in charge of my court, and all my people will take your orders. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours.”
Genesis 41:39-40 (NLT)
Through Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams, not only was Egypt saved from severe famine, but his own family was also preserved, fulfilling the dreams he had received years earlier.
These narratives of David and Joseph highlight the profound ways in which spiritual gifts, when aligned with God’s wisdom and timing, can lead to accelerated promotion and serve broader divine plans, placing individuals before kings and rulers to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives and the lives of others.
Wisdom Will Keep You In Great Places
The ascension of David and Joseph to positions of authority underlines not just the role of their God-given gifts but also the crucial importance of wisdom in maintaining their stature and fulfilling their divine mandates.
For David, his wisdom, which was as much a divine gift as his musical talent, played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of court life and leadership challenges that he faced as a young man.
The Psalms, attributed to David, reflect his deep reliance on God for guidance and understanding.
In Psalm 34 , David advises,
“Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
Psalm 34:14 (NLT)
This pursuit of peace and righteousness, indicative of David’s wisdom and his eventual kingdom, was central to his ability to lead Israel and maintain favor with God and His people.
Sincere Heart, Skillful Hands
Similarly, Psalm 78 reflects on David’s leadership, noting,
“He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.”
Psalm 78:72 (NLT)
This description of heartfelt integrity and skilled governance is symbolic of the wisdom required to steward authority effectively.
In the case of Joseph, wisdom was equally invaluable. Intelligent administrative decisions and moral integrity marked his rise to power in Egypt, these are hallmarks of godly wisdom.
Genesis 41 recounts Pharaoh’s acknowledgment of Joseph’s exceptional wisdom:
“Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘God has shown you all this. There is no one so discerning and wise as you are.’”
Genesis 41:39 (NLT)
Beyond interpreting dreams, Joseph’s wisdom was manifest in his strategic planning for the years of famine and plenty, an approach that saved Egypt and surrounding nations from devastation.
Wisdom Sees The Big Picture
His ability to forgive his brothers and see the larger divine plan at play in his life’s trials, as expressed in Genesis 45, further showcases the depth of his wisdom — understanding that transcends human logic and reflects a divine point-of-view.
“But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. God sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. This famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors.So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.”
Genesis 45:5-8 (NLT)
This wisdom, grounded in a steadfast reliance on God, was essential for Joseph and David to navigate the responsibilities and challenges of their elevated roles. They accomplished all these things in the face of family betrayal, giants, and even famine.
It underscores a timeless truth echoed in Proverbs 4,
“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.”
Proverbs 4:7 (NLT)
In summary, their stories illustrate that while gifts may elevate an individual to positions of power, it is WISDOM— divine, applied, and practical — that enables them to serve effectively in longevity, govern justly, and fulfill God’s purpose in the roles The Lord gave them.
Pray This Prayer With Me:
“Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the gifts you have given to us. Like David and Joseph, You are lifting us from humble beginnings and placing us in positions where we can glorify Your name. But Lord, we recognize that with these gifts come the responsibility to act wisely. As we navigate the roles and opportunities You have given us, we pray for the wisdom that only You can provide—the wisdom that directs kings and governs nations, the wisdom that turns trials into triumphs and challenges into opportunities for growth.
Lord, endue us with the discernment to use our gifts in ways that honor You and build up those around us. Help us to remember the lessons of David, who led with a heart for peace and righteousness, and of Joseph, whose insight and foresight saved many lives. May we, like them, rely not on our understanding but in everything rely upon you (Proverbs 3:5-6). Let our actions and decisions reflect Your love, mercy, and justice. Grant us the grace to forgive as Joseph forgave and the courage to lead as David led.
As we walk in the authority and gifts You entrusted us, let us do so with humility and a servant’s heart. Remind us that it is not by our strength or intelligence that we succeed but by Your Spirit (Zechariah 4:6). May our lives be a testament to Your enduring wisdom and unchanging grace. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ , our Lord and Savior, Amen.”
In Love, Evangelist Preston Shuttlesworth