USING YOUR UNWRAPPED GIFTS - Ps. / Rabbi Brian Bileci - 12-31-23

3 “Through the GRACE which was given to me, I have this to say to each one of you: don’t think of yourselves more highly than you ought to think. Rather, think soberly, in line with FAITH, the true standard which God has marked out for each of you. 4 As in one body we have many limbs and organs, you see, and all the parts have different functions, 5 so we, many as we are, are one body in the Messiah, and individually we belong to one another. 6 Well then, we have GIFTS that differ in accordance with the grace that has been GIVEN to us...” - Romans 12:3-6a (ISV)HOW TO UNWRAP THE BEST GIFTS:1. DISCOVER YOUR UNWRAPPED GIFTS6 But we have GIFTS that differ and which are meant to be used according to the grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, use it to the extent of your trust; 7 if it is SERVING, use it to SERVE; if you are a TEACHER, use your gift in TEACHING; 8 if you are a counselor, use your gift to comfort and EXHORT; if you are someone who GIVES, do it simply and GENEROUSLY; if you are in a position of LEADERSHIP, LEAD with diligence and zeal; if you are one who does acts of mercy, do them cheerfully. 9 Don’t let LOVE be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. 10 LOVE each other devotedly and with brotherly LOVE; and set examples for each other in showing respect. 11 Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but SERVE the Lord with spiritual fervor. 12 Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. 13 Share what you have with God’s people, and practice HOSPITALITY. - Romans 12:6-13 (CJB)“What ignites your heart? Forgotten orphans? Untouched nations? The inner city? The outer limits? Heed the fire within! Do you have a passion to sing? Then sing! Are you stirred to manage? Then manage! Do you ache for the ill? Then treat them! Do you hurt for the lost? Then teach them! The fire of your heart is the light of your path….You have been given SPIRITUAL GIFTS. Have you identified them? When you become a child of God, the HOLY SPIRIT requisitions your ABILITIES for God’s kingdom, and they become SPIRITUAL GIFTS. No one is GIFT deprived. Are you weary of an ordinary existence?  Your spiritual adventure awaits. The cure for the common life begins and ends with God.” ~ Max Lucado•  Identify the things you are most passionate about and give them to God•  Meditate and prayerfully reflect on what matters most in your life•  Prioritize what is most important to you daily and eliminate excuses•  Recognize your strengths and weaknesses and develop your spiritual disciplines•  Admit your faults, overcome your fears, but don’t live in the past•  Accept the advice of wise counsel and allow spiritual leaders to speak into your life•  Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in making better choices for your future2. ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO REVEAL YOUR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE12 I have so much more to say, but you cannot absorb it right now. 13 The Spirit of truth will come and GUIDE you in all truth. 14 He will not speak His own words to you; He will speak what He hears, REVEALING to you the things to come and bringing GLORY to Me. 15 The Spirit has unlimited access to Me, to all that I possess and know, just as everything the Father has is Mine. That is the reason I am confident He will care for My own and REVEAL the path to you. - John 16:12-15 (VOICE)“When SEEKING to walk in your PURPOSE, there are several important things to consider. First and foremost, it is essential to SEEK GUIDANCE from God‘s Word and the Holy Spirit, who will lead you in the right direction every time. Secondly, it is crucial to understand and embrace your UNIQUE GIFTS and talents. These are the tools that God has GIVEN you to fulfill His PURPOSE for your life, and they sh