Discerning of Spirits

"For to one is given by the Spirit ... to another discerning of spirits" - 1st Corinthians 12:9a, 10c

At least part of "Discerning of Spirits" is our need to know if our internal promptings arise from God's Holy Spirit or our own human spirit.

In prayer we need to ask for the Holy Spirit to intervene, showing us with an overwhelming peace the source of our stirrings. This, too, is a gift of God, essential for today.

- fritz

The Gift of Faith

For to one is given by the Spirit ... faith" - 1st Corinthians 12:7a, 9a

Faith has the distinction of being both a Gift and Fruit of the Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, - Galatians 5:22

The difference? Fruit is grown, starting small and increasing over a period of time. A gift doesn't grow, it is either fully there or not.

Faith, the gift, is a deep sense that, in spite of doubts of mind and logic, a particular desire shall be accomplished and/or an impossible obstacle shall be removed. It's described by the Apostle Paul's in his "Love" Chapter,

"though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains ..." - 1st Corinthians 13:2a

There is, usually, a sense of excitement with it, and a decision has to be made to either hold on to it until the desire is accomplished, or let go of it.

If you hold on it will be an amazing ride full of wonder at God's greatness; and when it's done the fruit of faith will have grown a lot!

- fritz