Today is going to be short but sweet.  The word translated here in one my favorite versions (NLT), “spiritual gift” is the Greek word ‘charis’, where we get the word ‘charismatic’.  It is normally translated ‘grace’ in most instances (like this verse).  It was here that I really discovered the the real meaning of grace.  Maybe I’ll write on that one day.  But this verse in Ephesians 4 really helps define grace in it’s purest form. 

Because the statement is straightforward enough, I’m not going to elaborate on it today but I do want today’s Word to be interactive.  Reply back with what spiritual gift you have been given through the generosity of Christ.  As the LifeTeam Leader, I should have a running tally on everyone’s gifts (& weaknesses – we’ll delve into that soon as well) so that I may better serve the Team and so that smaller Teams may be more empowered when we

PS – In light of what I’m sharing, we need to realized that these promises ARE to us and for us!  These are not just commands and promises to the men of old.  As we go through this Daily Word together, lets remember what Jesus said in Matthew 22:31 (“have you not read what was spoken to you by God”) and echoed in Hebrews 12;5 (“the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children”) and then again in 2 Peter 1:5 (“In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises”).