Benefit Package

Bless the Lord, O my soul;And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Psalm 103:1-2 NKJV

During the course of dinner, the conversation turned to gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and the difference between them.

Fruit is what we reap from seed that is sown and nurtured by walking in the Spirit, not fulfilling the lusts of our own flesh. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us, But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Gifts are not fruit. They are... well, gifts. At that moment, my friend made a statement that was profound in its simplicity. "Gifts are always a benefit." Selah

And that's exactly how Scripture defines gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1st Corinthians 14. They are beneficial to the whole church when used accordingly. What if we don't use them for the whole church? Oh, they're still gifts, still useable, but they are of the most benefit when used to edify and strengthen ALL.

What are some of the other benefits from our text today? Continuing in verse 3 - 5:

3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Verse 8
The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

And these are just a few... when we choose to follow Him, we get the full benefits package.

Prayer:

Father,
            I will bless Your Name at all times. My praise for You shall continually be in my mouth. I cannot thank You enough, nor praise You enough for all You have done for me. Let all that is within me bless Your Holy Name. Crown my life with Your love, O God. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen