The Passover Offering and You

The Passover Offering and You

We know that God instituted Passover when Israel left Egypt to go to the Promised Land. Every family purchased a lamb, which was their offering. They killed the lamb and put the blood of that lamb on the doorpost as God had commanded. Money was given in exchange for the lamb and protection. Then God made it clear that believers should never forget this holy day called the Passover.

The Passover and other holy days were so important that God told us to observe them forever (Exodus 12:14; Leviticus 23:14). He commanded us, as we observe these holy days, to not stand before Him empty-handed (Exodus 23:15).

Deuteronomy 16:16-17 echoes other verses throughout the Scripture: "And they shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you".

Amazing things happen when obedient people unleash God's supernatural blessings through the Passover season offering!

Seven Blessings of the Passover Offering

As Steve Munsey teaches in his book Seven Blessings of the Passover, Exodus 23 reveals what Christians have ignored for too long. It focuses on the feasts of the Passover season and the seven specific blessings of the Passover:

1. God will assign an angel to you—"Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared" (verse 20); and "My Angel will go before you" (verse 23).

2. God will be an enemy to your enemies—"But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries" (verse 22).

3. God will give you prosperity—"So you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water" (verse 25).

4. God will take sickness away from you —"And I will take sickness away from the midst of you" (verse 25).

5. God will give you a long life—"No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days" (verse 26).

6. God will bring increase and inheritance—"Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased, and you inherit the land" (verse 30).

7. God will give a special year of blessing—"And I will set your bounds from the Red Sea to the sea, Philistia, and from the desert to the River. For I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you" (verse 31). And what the enemy stole will be returned to you and protected by God from being overtaken: "I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beast of the field become too numerous for you" (verse 29).

These Passover season blessings were (and are!) specific and astounding. When God offers a covenant with His people, as He does with the seven blessings of the Passover, it is a mutual obligation. Notice in the Exodus 23 passage, there is a prerequisite to all these blessings found in verse 15 as the children of Israel were given instructions for the Passover season: "None shall appear before Me empty." During the Passover season, the offering was unique by promising these seven specific blessings.

Growing in Grace

Growing in Grace

How often have you reflected on all the things that are going wrong in your life? Is there something that no matter how much or how little it rears its head in your life, it causes you stress? Bills, family, work. We usually all have something that just works our nerves. For some of us it is something small like a pessimistic co-worker, for others it can be so much more. For example, when the family is so broke down that you no longer feel safe with the people you love.

For the pessimistic co-worker, don't take it personal, you must realize that this person is a victim of their own mind and more then anything they need prayer and love. It may be difficult but for someone like this you must keep your positive game face on! For family break downs, I know it is not easy. Sometimes we need to forgive, mend and talk through some issues. Sometimes we need to seek peace with God and walk away. Both situations require prayer and diligence, but God has equipped you to handle it!

When these and other "stressors" come, do you know that they do not need to consume your life (or even your thoughts). I was overwhelmed by the thought of adding anything else to my schedule. I used to complain about how busy I was, how hard I worked, all that I did. All the while never focusing on God or the ways He was moving projects in and out of my life. I was hurt by the loss of a friendship also not looking past my feelings and looking at God's plans for me. He sometimes has to give us situations to grow us. To develop our patience, compassion and love (especially for Him). It is like that old adage "you can't truly appreciate the sunshine until you've been through the rain". Whether we like it or not, sometimes we simply must go through! The more seasoned we become, the more we can look at these experiences as character building!

Recently I read the Joyce Meyer book The Battlefield of the Mind. In one of the early chapters it deals with how we think about things. Are you looking for the good or are you only seeing the bad? Are you adjusting to make life work or are you stubbornly waiting for someone to come along and fix the problem? Maybe there isn't always a way to correct a situation, but you can be sure there are ways to check your attitude while experiencing that situation. No maybe it's not fair, or fun, but upon birth nobody promises us a bed of roses.

I also know that change is sometimes scary, but God tells us that if we trust Him, we need not fear what flesh can do to us. If you are doing your best on your job, don't spend sleepless nights wondering if you are going to lose it. I guess what I am saying to you is that you can be the person who looks at the beautiful blue sky with a few puffy clouds, and sees God's beauty, or you can be the person who sees the cloud and is miserable because you assume it is going to rain.

It is your choice on how you will view life's tough journey. It can be your stress, tension and even ulcer. Or it can be your joy, amazement and triumph. Which will you choose?

Stephanie Blackwell

The Devil and the Duck

The Devil and the Duck

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play without in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes." But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally just smiled and said," Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?"

So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."

Thought for the day and every day thereafter: Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done -- and the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, debt, fear, hatred, anger, un-forgiveness, bitterness, etc.) whatever it is, you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing, He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets - It is by God's Grace and Mercy that we are saved.

Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.
Always remember... God is at the window!

Lovely Jimmy

Lovely Jimmy

Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: "How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?"

The surgeon said, "I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it."

Sally said, "Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?"

The surgeon asked, "Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university."

Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.

"Would you like a lock of his hair?" the nurse asked.

Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally. The mother said, "It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. "I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom." She went on, "My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could."

Sally walked out of Children's mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room. She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:

"Dear Mom, I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say I LOVE YOU. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures.

Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him 'Where was He when I needed him?' "God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.

Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm, sure the food will be great.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.

A Voice from Hell

A Voice from Hell

You lived next door to me for years.
We shared our dreams, our joys and tears.
A friend to me you were indeed;
A friend who helped me when in need.

What sadness then I've come to find
That after all you weren't so kind!
The day my life on earth did end
I found you weren't a faithful friend!

For all those years we spent on earth,
You never talked of "second birth."
You never spoke of my lost soul
And of the Christ who'd make me whole!

Please do not err, my friend, again!
Do all you can for souls of men;
Plead with them now quite earnestly
Lest they be cast in hell with me!

- Anonymous

Endless Hope

Endless Hope

Is your past preventing you from being a fully devoted Christ follower and a Christian worker?

Are you a Christian without honor?

Isn't easier to be "Christ-Like" around people who do not know your past?

Jesus was in his hometown teaching in the synagogue. The townspeople that he grew up with were listening and were amazed. But look at the bitter words they lash out "Isn't the mere carpenter, the one who works with his hands, isn't this the illegitimate son of Mary? Isn't this the guy with the very ordinary brothers and sisters?"

Do people do this to you today?

The evil one wants us to live in our past.

He wants to remind us of all the excess baggage we are carrying around.

God on the other hand wants us to repent and ask forgiveness for our past, and then God forgets and looks forward. God wants us to place our excess baggage at the foot of the cross and leave it there. Never go back and claim the sins of our past. Leave them at the cross. Jesus continued to travel throughout the land teaching and performing miracles. He never looked back.

Do the same. Don't keep looking back at your past forgiven sins, keep looking toward the Cross: The cross of forgiveness, the cross of redemption and salvation.

Is.42:3:
"A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth."

With Christ, there is endless hope!
But without Christ there will be hopeless end.

Follow Him!
For - He knows your future; holds your future and is your future!

When God doesn't Answer?

When God doesn't Answer?

What does it mean when God doesn't answer our prayers? Isn't He listening to us? Doesn't He care? Maybe He isn't there after all.

If you've ever prayed and God didn't answer, you've probably asked yourself these questions. It's easy to blame God. After all, we can't see Him; we can't challenge Him and expect a response. If we blame God for unanswered prayer, that gets us off the hook - or does it?

As you read what the Bible says about the times when God doesn't answer, you may be surprised. Much of our thinking about unanswered prayer is fuzzy. God is a prayer-hearing and a prayer - answering God, isn't He? Well, not always. The Bible frequently says that God turns His ear away from His people. In fact, occasionally He says, "Don't even bother to pray; I won't listen."

God will not always hear our prayers, nor will He always answer. But He really wants to answer. In fact, He is eager to hear from us. "The LORD is near to all who call upon Him" (Psalm 145:18). So, if you want Him to answer, you must discover what it is that's blocking your prayer. It's not likely that your prayer is being hindered by all the prayer blockers identified here, but it only takes one to keep you from getting an answer from God.

Prayer Blocker #1: We Forget to Ask
If God doesn't seem to be paying attention to you, investigate how much you're paying attention to Him.
Excuse #1: "I Don't Know How to Pray"
Excuse #2:"I Don't Feel Close Enough to God"
Excuse #3: "I'm Too Busy to Pray"
Excuse #4: "It Doesn't Work Anyway"

Prayer Blocker #2: We Cherish Sin
If we are enjoying sin and praying to God at the same time, we are showing more respect to sin than to God. If you want God to answer your prayers, check the things you cherish. Unless you come clean with God, you are wasting your time when you pray. God does not listen to lips that hide sin in the heart.

Prayer Blocker #3: We Have a Faulty Relationship with God
When we fail to treat God as He deserves, our communication with God is one of the first casualties of that failure. Three things seem to surface regularly when our prayers are ineffective:

* failure to respect God
* failure to abide in Christ
* failure to heed God's Word

Prayer Blocker #4: We Have Faulty Relationships with Others
God absolutely refuses to accept sacrifices from us--even the sacrifice of our prayers--if we are at odds with others. "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift" (Matthew 5:23-24, NIV).

Prayer Blocker #5: We Need a Faith Lift
Here is James's bottom line about prayer and faith: Pray, believe and run to first base with God's blessing; pray, doubt and strike three, you're out. It's that simple.

Prayer Blocker #6: We Harbor an Unforgiving Spirit
If we enjoy the benefits of salvation, we of all people ought to be forgiving. Failure to forgive others has no effect on our positional righteousness. However, our fellowship with our Heavenly Father will be hampered. Our relationship with the only one who can answer our prayers will be dampened. What's more, harboring an unforgiving spirit will deter God from answering when we pray.

Prayer Blocker #7: We Ask with the Wrong Motives
While it is possible to hide what we do from our children, our neighbors, our parents or our pastor, it is impossible to hide our motives from God. No prayer powered by petty motivation will move the heart of God.

Prayer Blocker #8: We Ask for the Wrong Things

* Praying for God to bless your sin is useless praying.
* God does not answer prayers requesting that He change His eternal program.
* If you pray multiple requests to God and He doesn't answer them, perhaps it's because your multiple requests are mutually exclusive. Sometimes God cannot answer yes to one part of your prayer without answering no to another part.
* One of the most delightful reasons God does not answer our prayers is because He has more to give us than what we request.

Prayer Blocker #9: We Do Not Ask in God's Will
God's will is not always clear to most of us, and that can be a problem when we pray. If you are not certain something is God's will, pray that He will answer in His will. When we pray in God's will instead of our own, we are forced to leave the details of the answer to God. It's a good position to be in.

Prayer Blocker #10: We Are Hindered by Satanic Interference
Simply put, when Satan can't trust you to block your praying relationship with God, he does the job himself. If Satan can convince you that God didn't hear your prayer or that He doesn't care about your needs, that old devil knows he can chip away at your relationship with God. Discouragement at not hearing God's response is the chief weapon in Satan's cosmic arsenal. You can defeat him if you pray on!

Prayer Blocker #11: We Pray with Deniable Attitudes
Attitude deficiency can bankrupt you more quickly than asset inadequacy. After all, God is the one who supplies all your needs. If you approach Him with attitudes that make your prayers deniable, you have cut the supply line to your own happiness, abundance, peace and joy.

Prayer Blocker #12: We Quit Too Soon
Dogged determination in praying for your family, your church, your unsaved neighbor or your prodigal son or daughter is frequently the key that unlocks the heart of God. When it comes to prayer, don't quit too soon.

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool

When you have an indication of what your Spiritual Gifts are, what do you do next? May I suggest that you pray and ask God to provide you with training and opportunities to develop and use your gift in the body of Christ to benefit your church or hurting or needy people elsewhere.

1 Cor. 12:6-7 (KJV)
{6} And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. {7} But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit {from it}.

The "profit" we are talking about here is not monetary profit, but eternal gain of souls and character and building up of other people in the body of Christ. Remember that the over-arching agenda or goal that Christ has given us is, of course, the Great Commission:

Mat 28:18-20 (KJV)
And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. {19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: {20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Your job is to pray and read the Bible and figure out how you and your gift will be used by Jesus Christ to fulfill this Great Commission.

Spiritual Gifts Discovery Tool - Instructions for Use:

1. There are a total of 110 statements below. Indicate whether you Strongly Agree, Agree Somewhat, are Undecided, Disagree Somewhat or Completely Disagree with each question.
2. Transfer your answers to the profile sheet at the end of this document.
3. Total your scores for each of the gifts. Each gift will have a score between ZERO and TWENTY.
4. Order the gifts in descending order of score. Higher scores indicate your more dominant gifts.
5. Use the List of Gifts for further study.

1) People seem to be willing to follow my leadership without much resistance.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

2) I like to proclaim God's Word to fellow Christians.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

3) It is a joy for me to proclaim God's plan of salvation to un-churched people.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

4) It is enjoyable to have the responsibility of leading other people in their spiritual life.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

5) I'm excited in helping people to discover important truths in the scriptures.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

6) I have special joy singing praises to God either alone or with other people.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

7) It is enjoyable to motivate people to a higher spiritual commitment.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

8) People with spiritual problems seem to come to me for advice and counsel.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

9) I received excellent grades in school.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

10) There is great joy in doing little jobs around the church.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

11) I look for opportunities to assist people in their work.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

12) There is great joy in leading people to accomplish group goals.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

13) I like to organize people for more effective ministry.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

14) There is great satisfaction in giving large amounts of money for the Lord's work.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

15) I feel great compassion for the problems of others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

16) It seems easy to perceive whether a person is honest or dishonest.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

17) I am ready to try the impossible because I have a great trust in God.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

18) There is great joy in having people in my home.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

19) I find that the repair and maintenance of things in my environment come easily to me.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

20) I seem to recognize prayer needs before others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

21) I enjoy the opportunity to pray with and for a person who is physically ill that they may be made well.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

22) I adapt easily in a culture different from mine.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

23) I feel a sense of authority in my relationship to the group.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

24) I like to proclaim the Word of God to comfort others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

25) I seem able to determine when the Spirit has prepared a person to received Jesus Christ.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

26) It is exciting to provide spiritual leadership for a congregation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

27) Teaching a Bible Class is one of the most enjoyable things I do (or could do) in the Church.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

28) God has given me the ability to play a musical instrument and I enjoy it.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

29) It is a joy to give encouragement to people who are discouraged.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

30) I enjoy providing solutions to difficult problems in life.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

31) It seems easy to learn difficult truths.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

32) I enjoy doing routine tasks for the glory of God.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

33) I enjoy helping with the emergency tasks around the Church.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

34) People seem to enjoy following me in doing an important task.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

35) There is joy in making important decisions.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

36) I find real joy in giving a generous portion of my money to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

37) Visiting people in retirement homes gives me a great satisfaction.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

38) I seem to know very quickly whether something is right or wrong.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

39) When things seem impossible, I'm ready to move forward.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

40) I do not feel uncomfortable when people drop in unexpectedly.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

41) I have enjoyed creating various kinds of arts and/or crafts.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

42) Prayer is one of my favorite spiritual exercises.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

43) I have prayed for an emotionally ill person and seen the person get better.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

44) It is easy for me to move into a new community and make friends.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

45) I have little fear in leading people where God wants them to go.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

46) I enjoy relating and sharing God's Word to the issues of the day.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

47) I feel a burden to share the Gospel with people.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

48) I like to assist people with their spiritual problems.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

49) It seems that people learn when I teach them.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

50) I have enjoyed being involved with Church, school and/or local musical productions.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

51) I like to encourage inactive church members to become involved Christians again.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

52) It seems that people generally follow my advice.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

53) I am able to understand difficult portions of God's word.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

54) I receive great satisfaction in doing small or trivial tasks in church.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

55) I desire to do the tasks which will free others for important ministry.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

56) It is more effective to delegate a task to someone else rather than to do it myself.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

57) I enjoy the responsibility for the achievement of group goals.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

58) I appreciate the opportunity to financially support a critical situation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

59) I sense joy in comforting people in difficult situations.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

60) The difference between truth and error is easily perceived by me.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

61) I am often ready to believe God will lead us through a situation when others feel it is impossible.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

62) People seem to feel very comfortable in my home.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

63) I like to create things with my hands.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

64) God consistently answers my prayers in tangible ways.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

65) I have visited a person who was sick, prayed that God would make them physically whole, and the person got better.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

66) I am able to relate well to Christians of different locations or cultures.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

67) I appreciate the opportunity to proclaim God's word to others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

68) It is important for me to speak God's Word of warning and judgment in the world today.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

69) It is a joy to share what Jesus means to me with an un-churched neighbor.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

70) People like to bring their troubles & concerns to me because they feel I care.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

71) One of the joys of my ministry is training people to be more effective Christians.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

72) I feel secure in the fact that my musical ability will be of benefit to other people with whom I come in contact.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

73) People who are feeling perplexed often come to me for encouragement and comfort.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

74) I feel that I have a special insight in selecting the best alternative in a difficult situation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

75) I have a clear understanding of Biblical doctrines (teachings).

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

76) I find more satisfaction in doing a job than finding someone else to do it.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

77) I appreciate a ministry of helping other people to bear their burdens.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

78) It is a thrill to inspire others to greater involvement in church work.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

79) The development of effective plans for church ministry gives me great satisfaction.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

80) It is a joy to see how much money I can give to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

81) I enjoy ministering to a person who is sick in the hospital.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

82) I can judge well between the truthfulness and error of a given theological statement.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

83) People seem to view me as one who believes everything is possible.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

84) When missionaries come to our church I (would) like to have them come to my home.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

85) I see that the results of my working with various objects in God's creation help to improve and beautify that which other people have not seen nor developed.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

86) I faithfully pray for others recognizing that their effectiveness and total well-being depends on God's answer to prayers.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

87) I like to participate in ministry to the physically or emotionally ill and pray for their recovery.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

88) The thought of beginning a new church in a new community is exciting to me.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

89) I enjoy training workers in the congregation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

90) In a Bible class it seems essential to share God's word even if it irritates others.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

91) I feel a deep concern for the un-reached people in my community.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

92) I enjoy a close relationship with people in a one to one situation.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

93) It is easy to organize materials for teaching a Bible class.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

94) Leading others in singing songs of praise to God or for pure enjoyment is personally satisfying.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

95) I would rather call on a delinquent family in my Church than an un-churched family.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

96) I have a strong sense of confidence in my solutions to problems.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

97) It is an exciting challenge to read and study a difficult book of the Bible.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

98) I like to do things without attracting much attention.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

99) If a family is facing a serious crisis, I enjoy the opportunity to help them.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

100) There is great satisfaction in having others follow me in performing a task.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

101) I would rather make decisions for the group than persuade them to reach the same decision.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

102) I can give sacrificially because I know that God will meet my needs.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

103) It is a special satisfaction to visit people who are confined to their homes.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

104) I often seek the motives of a person and look beneath the words.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

105) When people are discouraged I enjoy giving them a positive vision.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

106) People seem to enjoy coming to my house.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

107) There is pleasure in drawing, designing and/or painting various objects.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

108) I find myself praying when I possibly should be doing other things.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

109) I feel strongly that my prayers for a sick person effect wholeness for that person.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

110) More than most, I have a strong desire to see all people of other communities and countries won to the Lord.

4 - Strongly Agree
3 - Agree Somewhat
2 - Undecided
1 - Disagree Somewhat
0 - Completely Disagree

Discovery Tool Profile Sheet

Transfer your scores for each question into the following table, and then compute the sum of each row. This provides your score for each gift

1. Apostle 1____ 23____ 45____ 67____ 89____ = ____
2. Prophet 2____ 24____ 46____ 68____ 90____ = ____
3. Evangelist 3____ 25____ 47____ 69____ 91____ = ____
4. Pastor 4____ 26____ 48____ 70____ 92____ = ____
5. Teacher 5____ 27____ 49____ 71____ 93____ = ____
6. Music 6____ 28____ 50____ 72____ 94____ = ____
7. Exhortation 7____ 29____ 51____ 73____ 95____ = ____
8. Wisdom 8____ 30____ 52____ 74____ 96____ = ____
9. Knowledge 9____ 31____ 53____ 75____ 97____ = ____
10. Serving 10____ 32____ 54____ 76____ 98____ = ____
11. Helps 11____ 33____ 55____ 77____ 99____ = ____
12. Leadership 12____ 34____ 56____ 78____ 100____ = ____
13. Administration 13____ 35____ 57____ 79____ 101____ = ____
14. Giving 14____ 36____ 58____ 80____ 102____ = ____
15. Mercy 15____ 37____ 59____ 81____ 103____ = ____
16. Discernment 16____ 38____ 60____ 82____ 104____ = ____
17. Faith 17____ 39____ 61____ 83____ 105____ = ____
18. Hospitality 18____ 40____ 62____ 84____ 106____ = ____
19. Craftsmanship 19____ 41____ 63____ 85____ 107____ = ____
20. Intercession 20____ 42____ 64____ 86____ 108____ = ____
21. Healing 21____ 43____ 65____ 87____ 109____ = ____
22. Missionary 22____ 44____ 66____ 88____ 110____ = ____

In the spaces below, list your gifts in descending order of score. Use the List of Gifts for further study.