The old testament is full of major and minor prophets. The purpose of these books in the bible was exactly that, to prophesy about the future to come. The Old Testament was based on the law and how an individual fulfilled the law. Realizing this was impossible because of man's fallen nature, God provided us a different way through Christ. The prophets foretold of the future and specifically of Christ's coming. Once He came, prophets were no longer necessary to tell His story. Prophets today bring God's written word to those who need to hear it. They bring sin to light and explain judgement in the face of unrepentant sin.
When I came to the realization this was my gifting, I came to understand more about myself. My husband just yesterday was describing me to one of our church attenders. I believe the words he used were, "Mally is pretty much black and white, there isn't a lot of grey, to her most people just don't yet realize that grey is actually a color - either black or white, she is straight forward, assertive, a tell it like it is, no fluff kind of person." I guess that really does sum it up except to say, I do not possess a lot of mercy. When I took my spiritual gifts tests, I actually did not even score one point on the mercy scale. Now, that does not mean I am not a compassionate or empathetic person. I have a very tender heart, but "pull up your big girl pants" is a phrase I have used.
This also does not mean that I don't need to temper, control, and soften the words which I speak. This is something I have had to work on every single day of my life. At least now, I understand why I feel so compelled to say certain things and why I feel so very strongly in many circumstances. It is also why I can initially feel very positively or negatively about a person and not really understand why. My first impression about a person is very strong and usually very accurate. There have been times where I have told my husband I was not comfortable with someone. He would ask me why and I could not give him an answer. As time would pass, something would come to light about that person that would explain my feeling. I cannot think of one time I have been wrong.
When you take a spiritual gifts survey, they ask you to look at your top three scoring areas. My second and third areas are discernment and organization. You may also notice that if you take the survey at various times in your life, the answers may change. This can happen as you mature in the Lord, experience significant life circumstances or God wants to use you in a different way to stretch you. As many times as I have taken the survey, my top three have not changed. I think that is because I still have much to learn about the ones I currently possess. It stretches me every single day to properly and lovingly use these gifts. There are days when I wish I never had them and could fall back on what I know, but that wouldn't really grow me much.
I encourage you to find a gifts survey and take it. They are somewhat lengthy and can be challenging to complete, but the end result is worth it. The key is to read each question and immediately respond without significant thought. Go with your first instinct. I have posted a link below to a gift survey. You will need about 20-30 minutes to complete it. I pray you will find the gift(s) the Holy Spirit has put in you to minister to those around you and advance the kingdom.
http://www.elmertowns.com/spiritual_gifts_test/index.cfm?action=SPQ_instructions
In His service
Mally
When I came to the realization this was my gifting, I came to understand more about myself. My husband just yesterday was describing me to one of our church attenders. I believe the words he used were, "Mally is pretty much black and white, there isn't a lot of grey, to her most people just don't yet realize that grey is actually a color - either black or white, she is straight forward, assertive, a tell it like it is, no fluff kind of person." I guess that really does sum it up except to say, I do not possess a lot of mercy. When I took my spiritual gifts tests, I actually did not even score one point on the mercy scale. Now, that does not mean I am not a compassionate or empathetic person. I have a very tender heart, but "pull up your big girl pants" is a phrase I have used.
This also does not mean that I don't need to temper, control, and soften the words which I speak. This is something I have had to work on every single day of my life. At least now, I understand why I feel so compelled to say certain things and why I feel so very strongly in many circumstances. It is also why I can initially feel very positively or negatively about a person and not really understand why. My first impression about a person is very strong and usually very accurate. There have been times where I have told my husband I was not comfortable with someone. He would ask me why and I could not give him an answer. As time would pass, something would come to light about that person that would explain my feeling. I cannot think of one time I have been wrong.
When you take a spiritual gifts survey, they ask you to look at your top three scoring areas. My second and third areas are discernment and organization. You may also notice that if you take the survey at various times in your life, the answers may change. This can happen as you mature in the Lord, experience significant life circumstances or God wants to use you in a different way to stretch you. As many times as I have taken the survey, my top three have not changed. I think that is because I still have much to learn about the ones I currently possess. It stretches me every single day to properly and lovingly use these gifts. There are days when I wish I never had them and could fall back on what I know, but that wouldn't really grow me much.
I encourage you to find a gifts survey and take it. They are somewhat lengthy and can be challenging to complete, but the end result is worth it. The key is to read each question and immediately respond without significant thought. Go with your first instinct. I have posted a link below to a gift survey. You will need about 20-30 minutes to complete it. I pray you will find the gift(s) the Holy Spirit has put in you to minister to those around you and advance the kingdom.
http://www.elmertowns.com/spiritual_gifts_test/index.cfm?action=SPQ_instructions
In His service
Mally
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