Introduction to the Nine Spiritual Gifts

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:1 that we should not be “ignorant” regarding spiritual gifts. Ignorant means unaware, untutored, or uninformed. Being ignorant of the spiritual gifts can frustrate the purposes of God, keep us from fulfilling God’s will in the earth, or lead us to making up our own systems for supernatural giftings.

Occult practices, witchcraft, mediums, witches, and wizards have all tried to create their own supernatural ways. Their methods are not the type we should emulate or use as believers according to the Scriptures in Deuteronomy 18. If we follow such ways, we can bring a curse upon ourselves! The Corinthian Church did not lack experience with God’s spiritual gifts, but they did lack in understanding how to operate in them properly.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are supernatural, not natural. They are weapons of warfare given to the Body of Christ that we might further the Gospel, set captives free, and minis...

As Believers and certainly as Mothers of Nations, Christmas is more than just a holiday for us. It is a time to reflect on many things that God wants us to remember and to honor. Today let’s briefly look at seven things that we should always be aware of in relation to celebrating Christmas.

First, God loves us. John 3: 16 reminds us that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for the salvation of mankind. This verse is sometimes called “the gospel in a nutshell.”  Jesus came to set mankind free from the power of sin and death.

Second, God’s love is magnificently manifested in the birth of His Son Jesus who grew to become a man. This man demonstrated the Father’s love for us in all that He said and did. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him." (1 John 3: 1 NKJV)

Third, God’s love demonstrates and exemplifies mercy beyond our understandi...

Today we will conclude our discussion of integrity by examining several of the blessings and fruits of walking with integrity in both our personal lives as believers and in our ministry endeavors in the kingdom of God.

First, our integrity releases God to divinely intervene on our behalf. We see this blessing or principle revealed in Genesis 20: 1-6 in the life of King Abimelech as he interacted with Abraham and Sarah.

1 And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. 2 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.”  And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.”  4 But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord will You slay a righteous nation also? 5 Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister?' And she, even she herself said, 'He is my brother.' In the ...

Let’s continue in today's entry with a few more scriptural examples of integrity in the lives of men and women in God’s Word. I love how these “real life” examples bring home the importance that God places on integrity in the lives of His people.

The unnamed prophet that visits King Jeroboam:  We find his story in 1 Kings 13: 1-26 where we read that this prophet was sent to deliver a high-level Word of the Lord to the king. The word: Three hundred years in the future, Josiah (named in the prophecy) would destroy this altar in Israel where the king was now offering sacrifice. (v. 2)

The prophet was instructed by God to deliver the Word and return by the same way that he came, not eating or drinking with anyone. (v. 8-9) He refused to eat or drink with the king and went on his way. But he met another man who lied to him, saying he was a prophet and that an angel had told him to bring the prophet to his home to eat and drink.

While eating and drinking, another Word comes forth saying t...

As we continue our discussion of the challenges and blessing of integrity, let’s now consider why integrity of character is important. First of all, God deems integrity of heart as a highly valued character quality. The Word talks a lot about integrity and most certainly it is part of becoming Christ-like. 

Our integrity as Mothers of Nations reveals His character of integrity to the rest of the world. It’s a witness! Integrity "speaks!"  Secondly, integrity of ministry and leadership causes people to be more receptive to the Gospel. Finally, integrity of lifestyle validates the power of God to change one’s life from darkness to light empowered to live in victory, holiness, and righteousness. Bottom line, does Jesus make a difference or not? 

There are so many scriptural examples of integrity in the lives of men and women in God’s Word. Shall we take a look at several of those now?

King Solomon:  God’s covenant with Solomon was based on this heart character of integrity. The followi...

As Mothers of Nations we represent Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God everywhere we go and in everything we say. Most certainly we should consider and value the character quality of integrity in our daily lifestyle as well as in ministry. Over the next four weeks, let’s dig into this topic of “integrity” and consider both the challenges and blessings, especially as it relates to the world we live in today.

What is integrity? The dictionary indicates three facets of integrity. First, it is the quality or state of being complete, unbroken, whole, and entire. Secondly, it is the quality or state of being unimpaired, in perfect condition and soundness. The final definition offered is the quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty and sincerity. It is this third definition that we will focus on these next several weeks.

How is this character quality of integrity developed? Character is formed by both the world and by the Word. The Word shows us what Godly ch...

Psalm 103: 1-5 (NLT)

1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy Name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

1 Thessalonians 5: 18 (NLT)

18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

This coming week here in the United States we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. In today’s entry let’s take some time to think about the topic of thankfulness and gratitude. Mothers of Nations, we have MUCH to thank the Lord for as we count our blessings.

Briefly looking at the history of the founding of our nation, we know that because of disagreements between the English Separatists and the Dutch, they left their homes for a new land, a place to take the Gospel and star...

As women leaders and Mothers of Nations, for this coming year of 2022 let’s remember that God has chosen us and equipped us for this specific time in history. We are His contemporary Esthers! Ladies, be bold and go before the people and pave the way for the new ideas God has prepared for this year. Be innovative and creative, operating in faith and love.

John the Baptist knew where he came from and what his assignment on earth was in his day. Do we know our assignments?

First of all, we live to honor God in all we do and say. Secondly, we were born to be a vessel for the Master’s use. Thirdly, as a woman we are to yield to God’s will every step of the way. We are a witness of His love and are destined to make a difference in our community and all our relationships. Finally, we are God’s messengers of hope to our confused and lost world. 

Remember that John the Baptist lived in obscurity until his time came. And now WE are entering OUR time in 2022! Let’s take our territory for the K...

Jesus said in John 15: 8:  "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."  As we come into the Christmas season, we start to think about gifts. What could we buy for our kids, grandkids, relatives, spouse, and special friends. For me, this process seems to have become more complicated as the kids get older. Tastes change. Color preferences change. Interests change.  I have found myself looking at the shelves in the stores and thinking, “Should I get this? Should I get that?”  And yet the process is enjoyable and gift-giving is a blessing.

But . . . I do believe that there are “gifts” we can give not only at Christmas, but all year round that have no questions or wonderings around them!  

The Word of God tells us to “bear fruit” . . .  and lots of it. We can do this daily by bringing people to Christ, touching the lives of others with encouragement, meeting needs, and remaining in the Vine. All of this type of giving is part of “bearing fruit....

You Are Amazing!

When I think about the people who serve God I am reminded about just how amazing they are. The word “amazing” has so many meanings including astonishing, incredible, marvelous, breathtaking, awesome, wonderful, and so many more.

Thinking about how God created mankind, we realize that our image is unique. Our strengths and weaknesses are developed by Him. Our choices are based upon our understanding of His love and His nature. His grace gives us courage and boldness when under fire.

God gave us an amazing ability to touch lives – even to turn the world upside down! Created for the Master’s use, we are His chosen vessels of clay.

The Lord Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of all that encompasses “amazing.”  Let me list some of the most amazing facts about our Savior.

He received His Name from angel.

He was born in a stable, yet rose to be King of the world. 

He was prophesied about before He even arrived.

He has the most famous book in the world written about ...