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"But to each one is given the manifestation of the [Holy] Spirit [the evidence, the spiritual illumination of the Spirit] for good and profit. To one is given in and through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] a message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] a word of knowledge and understanding according to the same [Holy] Spirit; To another [wonder-working] faith by the same [Holy] Spirit, to another the extraordinary powers of healing by the one Spirit; To another the working of miracles, to another prophetic insight (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose); to another the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, to another the ability to interpret [such] tongues." (1 Cor 12:7)

I was listening to a debate on Christian radio about whether the ‘Gifts’ of the Spirit mentioned above in Scripture are still with us or...!? This reminded me of when we were lunching at Bible college, and Pastor Michael Barling came in late, hurriedly grabbed a plate of food, and plopped himself on our table. He told us he’d been to a ‘Churches Together’ meeting in our town, which ran over late.

As he finished eating, he turned to those at the table and said, “A question was raised to all the Vicars, Priests and Pastors attending the meeting today. We were asked if the Gifts of the Spirit were in operation at our church denominations. We all opened our Bibles, and I won’t bore you with the overall details, but I could honestly state with my hand on my heart that I genuinely have seen all the Gifts in evidence in our church - bar one!”

Even with all the usual tumult and noise of a busy cafeteria, you could have heard a pin drop on our table. I think we were all busy trying to recall all the Gifts before responding. As no one spoke, he opened his Bible and reeled off the above Scripture.

We were all hanging on every word when he finished. He turned to us all and asked, “Have you ever seen the Gift of the ability to discern and distinguish between [the utterances of true] spirits [and false ones]?” I certainly couldn't bring anything to mind, and you could see by everyone else's blank stares that they hadn't either!

As this is a Gift that is most certainly needed by the Church in these (last) days, I’m going to throw this question out to YOU today, my friends. If you have experienced the manifestation of this Gift at your Church, can you please encourage us with a short testimony of how it was ministered? Bless you.

Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. Christ-conquerors are safe from Devil-death.” (Rev 2:11) 

NB - Thank you so much for your continuing prayer support for Jean's family as well as our brother Ian and his family.

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those who are sick amongst us, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs so that they may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.