1 Corinthians 12:8-10 – To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (NIV)
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
While watching the local Canadian Broadcasting Corporation television news recently, a reporter was interviewing two people from Ontario, who were having a lobster boil on an ocean beach near St. John's, Newfoundland. It was a nice day in May, and while these two were being interviewed, the reporter asked them what they thought of the icebergs that were in the background. The reply: "Well, we came to Newfoundland to visit some friends and to have this lobster boil, and the icebergs are very beautiful added gifts."
These two people had come to Newfoundland for two reasons, but had received the extra bonus of seeing one of God's more beautiful phenomena. What they had received was indeed a beautiful gift.
Isn't this very much like when we become Christians? We come to Jesus expecting to receive salvation and eternal life, but we receive the extra bonuses of our own spiritual gift and the fruit of the spirit. What we have received is indeed a beautiful gift.
Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, please help us to open our eyes better to see the beauties of this earth. Open our ears, Lord, so that we can hear the music You play for us every day with the wind, the waves, and the bird songs. Lift us up, Lord, to be open to receiving the gifts that You have for each of us. These things we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
Housing: "Update May 16, 2024: Please continue to pray for T and her son A to find a different apartment...." 