Sharing.... Moments With God. Twelve Days of Christmas Day 7 December 31 On the Seventh Day of Christmas my True Love Sent to Me Seven Swans A-swimming The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11) Please click the Jukebox to select music. Having just come through Advent and revisiting the reality of the greatest gift ever given, I realize that Immanuel, "God with us" is just as real today as it has ever been. The Holy Spirit is Immanuel for us today. In God’s infinite wisdom, He has imparted to us the gifts for success as we embark on a new year, decade, century and, yes, in time a new millennium. All the talk is on Y2K. I say, "Why not Y2K". As His Church, we have been equipped with the gifts that extend Christ into a needy world. Prophecy, Ministry, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leading and Compassion, all are gifts of the Holy Spirit; given to be given. I am reminded of the story of St. Francis of Assisi, as he was visiting with the Pope and invited to view the riches of the Church. With pride the Pope declared; no longer can the Church say, silver and gold have we none. To this St. Francis replied; neither can we say rise take up your bed and walk. The power of the New Testament Church has not diminished. It lies dormant in the people. The Holy Spirit still imparts the gifts that empower God’s Church to march triumphant into whatever future lies ahead. The world we live in is filled with people who are sick, hopeless, helpless and enslaved by sin. The Holy Spirit is offering to us the privilege of ministry. A ministry that has as its focus those who need to arise from the bed of bondage, to walk in newness of life through Jesus Christ. What is your hope and strength as you reach from one century to the next? Remember Christ’s promise: “never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb.13:5c, “and I will ask the Father and He will give you another counselor to be with you forever.” John 14:16 Christ empowers the Church and equips the Church for success through the Holy Spirit He promised. Through your own personal relationship with Him, you can be empowered and equipped to carry on until.... Ask yourself these questions as you move from 1999 to 2000. Do I have a personal relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ? Am I operating out of human strength or by the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit? Garry Edwards Wayne, Michigan Lord, I receive your forgiveness for my sins and embrace relationship with you. Help that my life would be lived not from my own abilities and cunningness, but from the strength and gifts of Your Holy Spirit lived out in me. Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 46,48] [I Kings 3:5-14] [II Cor. 5:16-6:2] [John 8:12-19] You may send e-mail comments or suggestions to Yvonne Edwards. Page designed by: Yvonne Edwards The background set is provided by Artistry of Bekki. Copyright © 1999 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.