One Big, Happy Family

Bank of America’s television (TV) commercial has a lesson we can all learn from: “Life’s better when we’re connected.”

At the dawn of creation when God created the first man (Adam), he came to this realization in Genesis 2:18 (NOG). “…it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is right for him.”

Soon into Adam’s life entered his close friend and independent wife, a companion named “Eve.” Though she had been created from Adam, (in a short amount of time) she was becoming someone he did not want to live without. (Genesis 2:21-25) Just like this famous couple, we need each other.

In the New Testament, this is said of the early church in Acts 4:32 (GW): “The whole group of believers lived in harmony. No one called any of his possessions his own. Instead, they shared everything.”

 In addition to the importance of community, we all need to unselfishly assist others. Life gains true purpose when we change from a “what about me” life focus to a “what about them” life purpose.

One day in the unknown future (at the end of time) all those in the world (at that time) will collectively do what is described in Romans 14:11(ERV) in obedience to the Almighty: “…everyone will bow before me; everyone will say that I am God.’”

Maybe you enjoy being a loner (like me), your Heavenly Father does not wish you to live a solitary life away from the company of others. Do all you can to keep yourself from becoming like the individual described in Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 (NOG).

“Next, I turned to look at something pointless under the sun: there are people who are all alone. They have no children or other family members. So there is no end to all the hard work they have to do.

Their eyes are never satisfied with riches. But they never ask themselves why they are working so hard and depriving themselves of good things. Even this is pointless and a terrible tragedy.”

The above person sounds like a workaholic. They have chosen to alienate themselves from others for things like work prestige, wealth (and material stuff), or to try to pay down his debt (which is probably getting ever larger by the day).

I am reminded of a hamster running furiously on a plastic wheel. The hamster might think it‘s getting somewhere, but the opposite is true. The only thing happening is exercise. Where it counts (in relationship with others); this individual is going absolutely nowhere fast.

When it comes to you, will the mention of your name among your contemporaries emit such responses (at work for) like: “Who’s that?” or “Is that the hot-head, rude woman on the other side of the wall?” or “I know who you’re talking about. He’s kind, and always helpful no matter what I ask of him.”

Protect the value of your name. (Proverbs 22:1) People’s feelings about you are connected to it. How will people like your co-workers talk about you when all that is left of you is the memory of who you were because you are no longer in the land of the living? 

From Average to Awesome

There’s a plaque (in our kitchen) that sits just above a shelf that holds our purchase receipts and house keys. I smile when I take time to look at it because of the memories it brings to mind.

It was purchased at the Bob Evans Restaurant (close to my sister’s home) by my mother for my stepfather as a practical joke at the conclusion of our meal together with my mom, wife, sister, and me. (I love the times that we get to share a  family meal together.)

Mom can’t remember the reaction Robert had to this surprise gift, but I’m sure they both had a good laugh and a hug. It was true that before Robert Zarbaugh got seriously ill and died of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).  He was the couple’s housekeeper. (See the Zarbaugh’s wedding photo with my siblings present below.)

The plaque hung in my mom’s Groveport kitchen (by her stove) until several years after Robert’s passing in 2011.  When one day I jokingly told my mother she should give me the plaque. She did that, and now it resides in my home.

It says, “Honey Do List – 1. Clean 2. Laundry 3. Cook – You Bee the One to Choose.” Since there is a hive in one corner with two bees, the word “be” is misspelled “bee” appropriately. (See a picture of the plaque below.)

Ephesians 5:25 (MSG) reminds men “Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church-a love marked by giving not getting.” Many times husbands (and the church in general) want hammer into the head of women how much they need to submit to their husbands as shown in Colossians 3:18 and Ephesians 5:22.

Sometimes husbands don’t make it easy for a Christian wife to submit (due to their awful behavior). My late stepfather was no saint, but I knew he was willing to do whatever needed to be done to make mom happy. I think men have the greater responsibility in how we treat our wives. Imitating Jesus is a tall order to meet.

Where Bobbi is concerned, there are many times I act like a spawn of Lucifer instead of a beloved child of God in my wife life skills. There is no husband reading this that cannot improve on their relationship with their spouse. They are daughters of the King. We should treat them accordingly.

Now I am no marriage counselor, but I believe the love one has for their spouse may diminish at times, but it never goes away. Excluding biblical (and extreme) rationale, I am an optimist in believing most marriages can (and should be) saved. It depends how hard two people wish try to achieve that end goal. (It’s grueling, and definitely not easy.)

If you have a happy, long marriage and do not need this advice, please move on. You fell in love with your spouse for specific reasons. Remember them now. There is a wide range of marriage books to read or marriage enhancement events to participate in that may assist you both in becoming “one” as a man and woman. (Genesis 2:24)

The most important point to remember in this post is John 13:34. “…Love one another. In the same way I loved you. You love one another.” God requires us to unselfishly love our mate. We aren’t always going to get it right. (Remember that no one is perfect.)

The times that we do get it correct are wonderful, and can encourage us beyond our wildest expectations. Doesn’t that sound much better than the alternative of trying to manage your marital union in your own strength? 

God is just a prayer away 24/7. Give Him a chance with whatever your marriage needs. Believe that He loves both of you and wants to help your relationship go from average to awesome.HH

the plaque

Zarbaugh wedding with siblings

My Family Tree

My dad, Robert Eugene, was born on September 8, 1935 to parents, Stella Young and Robert Lee, in Smith Creek, KY. My paternal grandmother eventually separated from Robert Lee (for reasons unknown to me) while he was away serving our country in the military.

She (and my dad) moved to Minford, OH, to live with her family where she was eventually employed as a maid for the widower Clarence Kinker (and his large family). It was just a matter of time before the two fell in love, and married.

At the age of 18, my dad served in the Marines for eight years. He received his training at Parris Island, SC. He fought in the Korean War.  After his military time, dad fell in love with my mother, Janice Lou Eagle. At the time of their marriage on June 12, 1960, mom was nineteen and my dad was twenty-four.

A humorous experience my mother recalls during her wedding ceremony involves the smell of fish, which assaulted her nose frequently throughout her marital nuptials.

It was later discovered the shirt my dad was wearing had been packed with fish before he had gotten it for his big day. My parents began their new life together in Columbus, OH, with a modest new home filled with all new furniture, a love gift from my dad to my mother. 

Three children were born to mom and dad. I (Robert) was first. Next came my sister, Kimberly (Kim), and last was my brother James (Jimmy).

We were charter members of a Baptist church in Columbus, OH. My dad was co-owner of a barbershop in Bexley, OH. My dad enjoyed golfing. He occasionally volunteered his hair cutting services to clients in nursing homes (that had no way to get to him).

Our home was always full of antique clocks (and pocket watches) dad collected and restored back to their original working condition. (The sound of ticking clocks became unnoticeable to us all after awhile in our Bexley home.)

Life drastically changed for my family when my forty-two year-old dad was killed in a car accident on his way to an auction. My thirty-seven year-old mother supported me and my siblings (me-14, Kim-13, and Jim-11) as a school bus driver.

My dad had many admirable qualities that I hope to emulate throughout my life, and pass on to my daughter. He was wonderful provider for our family. He found his greatest purpose in life serving others. He was a perfectionist with his appearance (and his home) which were both important to him.

His magnetic personality caused him to emotionally connect with others easily. From what I remember, he smiled and laughed a great deal. As a family we went on memorable family vacations. (Many included my paternal grandparents.) My dad had opinions about almost everything. He could be very passionate about them with my mother.

I don’t remember my dad and me having the best of relationships. Though I knew he loved me (in his own unique way), I really didn’t pay much attention to him until He was no longer there.

As a man in my fifties, I now better understand now some of the feelings and frustrations he had to feel as a family man. Today, there are so many questions I wish I’d asked him (as a teenager) about his family history, the proper way to grow into manhood, and personal things like his likes and dislikes.

I assume he would have loved the spouses both me and my sister chose. I believe being a grandfather would have been one of his greatest joys in life. Would my dad have seen his rugged determination in the way I handled our eight miscarriages, the deaths of both my brother and stepfather, and my cancer (Lymphoma)? I hope he would have been pleased.

For some of you, I Thessalonians 2:11 may be the childhood you wished had, but the reality is that it may not have happened this way. “With each of you we were like a dad with his child, holding your hand, whispering encouragement, showing you step-by-step how to live well before God.”

Can I ask of favor of you if you have a father that is still alive? My opportunity for a face-to-face conversation with my dad has passed. (Speaking for both my sister and me, we wish a dad chat were possible.) If forgiveness needs to be given out to someone who doesn’t deserve it, give yourself the gift of emotional freedom. NOW! There is so much knowledge about your family and life in general that can be imparted from your father (if he’s open to this).

No matter what your relationship is with your dad a sincere “I love you” tends to melt the hardest heart and open up doors of communication.

One day you will find yourself taking on many of your dad’s traits? Why not get a head start in understanding how you got them from the originator of those habits?

Dad as a boy

Healed

Read the following bit of wisdom by renowned Spiritual Leader, Iyanla Vanzant. “There is no greater battle in life than the battle between the parts of you that want to be healed, and the parts of you that are comfortable and content remaining broken.”

The above quote reminds me somewhat resetting a leg (or arm) after it’s been dislocated. From my limited understanding, it can be rather painful for the patient to have the messed-up bone pushed back into its proper place.

This has to happen if there is any hope of the bone healing normally. The pain of healing is absolutely necessary. In this example, the injured person must make a decision for needed change.

To become all that God wishes us to be, we must die to ourselves by moving outside our comfort zone to places of ministry that the Heavenly Father can use all your talents (and abilities).

It can’t possibly be pleasant for a seed to give up its familiar shell to create something greater than itself. (John 12:24-25) Farmers everywhere are thrilled that happens regularly (or we’d all be starving)

Isaiah 41:10 (MSG) is a promise from the Almighty that you can depend on during times of testing. “Don’t panic. I am with you. There’s no need to fear for I am your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady. Keep a firm grip on you.”

Iyanla Vanzant

Prayer Is the Answer by Joseph Murphy

“Prayer is the answer to every problem in life. It puts us in tune with divine, wisdom which knows how to adjust everything perfectly. So often we do not pray in certain situations, because from our standpoint, the outlook is hopeless.

But nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is so entangled that it cannot be remedied. No human relationship is too strained for God to bring about reconciliation and understanding. No habit so deep-rooted that it cannot be overcome. No one is so weak that he cannot be strong.

No one is so ill that he cannot be healed. No mind is so dull that it cannot be made brilliant. Whatever we need, if we trust God, He will supply it. If anything is causing worry or anxiety, let us stop rehearsing the difficulty and trust God for healing, love and power.” 

*Author and minister, 1898-1981

The author of this piece.

Restless

Have you ever struggled with this thought in your life: “Is this all there is?” You feel guilty asking that honest question. You are aware that God has blessed you with more material goods than you rightfully deserve.

You have a wonderful family that loves you (including the pets); a career that interests and challenges you. Your health is good. You have friends that make you a better individual. You have a Heavenly Father that always has your best interest at heart.

That should be enough to make anyone content, right? It seems like you are unsatisfied with your life as you wait for the next big event to arrive.

Luke 12:23 (MSG) adds an additional insight into the above question: “There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.”

This verse implies that there is “more” to our existence than just our basic needs. I believe the answer to this challenge is found in Mark 12:31(MSG) “Love others as you love yourself.”

Have you ever noticed that when you are entirely focused on your problems that the world seems rather nasty (and void of joy)?

When you are focused on the welfare of others (whether that’s through volunteering somewhere or even Facebooking encouragement to friends), you get a new perspective on life. (Galatians 5:13)

Take your abilities (what impassions you), and use that to help those in need. Remember, God never intended His creation (you) to live alone away from community. We need each other.

With this new attitude of giving, events around you don’t seem quite as awful as they once were. Your life seems to have more purpose than you ever imagined. Gratitude to God seems to be overflowing out of you to everyone in your circle of acquaintances.

*Inspired by the sermon “We Believe: What Is Your Future?” Pastor Charlene Markarian, April 24, 2016, Eastside Community Church, Gahanna, OH

Drink Up!

Alcohol (in the form of wine) was a reality in Jewish society during biblical times. Wine was served at meals (Luke 22:14-30), at weddings (John 2:1-11), and as a medical aid for an upset stomach. (I Timothy 5:23)

When wine and myrrh were combined together, it was used as a pain reliever for crucifixion victims.  (Mark 15:21-24) Wine (along with oil) could be used cleanse a wound before bandages were applied. (Luke 10:25-35)

Whether you are addicted to alcohol, or have no issue with it, there are some reminders the Bible wishes you to know on this important topic:

1.  Psalms 60:3, 78:65 – Excessive alcohol consumption can cause confusion and loudness by the person doing the drinking.

2.  Proverbs 31:4-5 – When government officials get drunk, they fail to know right from wrong. People are affected by the bad choices they make.

  

3.  Proverbs 23:29-35 – Being drunk can cause bloodshot eyes, a splitting headache, nauseous stomach, slurred speech, double vision, and the inability to feel pain (when one is hurt). My diagnosis of the above is a morning-after hangover.

4.  Proverbs 23:20, Ephesians 5:18 – Do not be controlled by alcohol. Instead be drunk on God. Your life will be controlled by Someone - God or Satan.

The Devil wants complete destruction in your life, and the Heavenly Father desires absolute restoration. Which will you choose?

5.  Proverbs 21:17 – Excessive drinking (and the pleasure that accompanies it) can lead to poverty both financially and emotionally.

6.  Proverbs 20:1 – Getting drunk can make you mean, quarrelsome, and choose to make unwise decisions.

7.  I Timothy 3:1-3, Titus 2:1-4 – Because of the influence they have on other individuals, both elders (bishops) and seniors (male and female) should not be drunk.

8.  Acts 2:1-15 – Getting drunk causes a person to do things that they would never think of doing if they were sober.

If you have a problem with alcohol, chances are that you already are aware of that fact. Hoping this problem will disappear with your efforts is a losing battle. (It won’t work.) There are people out there that want you to be whole.

Reach out and find someone as if your life depends on it-because it does. Why not check out the chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous closest to you? All you have to lose is the burden that has taken away the best part of you.

Grateful

Laughter is a great way for me to relax, and take my world into perspective. I can always make room in my life for one of God’s sweetest gifts to me. (Job 8:21, Psalms 126:2, Ecclesiastes 3:4).

Golden Girls is a situational comedy (sitcom) that makes me smile, chuckle, and feel good, which I always need in my world. Possibly, you may have viewed the television (TV) show when it originally aired on the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) from September 14, 1985, to May 9, 1992, or maybe you currently view it in rerun status on one of the many channels that carry it.

Golden Girls centers on four older women who share a home in Miami, FL. The all-female ensemble consists of the characters of the level-headed Dorothy Zbornak (played by Bea Arthur); her blunt Sicilian mother Sophia Petrillo (played by Estelle Getty); the naïve St. Olafian Rose Nylund (played by Betty White); and the sexual Southern belle Blanche Devereaux (played by Rue McClanahan).

 

Many people are familiar with some part of the Golden Girls theme song, “Thank You for Being a Friend” by Andrew Gold. If you are not familiar with the message of this song, please take a few minutes to read my revised version below.

Thank you for being a friend
Traveled down the road and back again
your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant

I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And if you threw a party
Invited everyone you knew
You would see, the biggest gift would be from me
and the card attached would say,
“Thank you for being a friend”

If it's a car you lack
I'd surely buy you a Cadillac
Whatever you need, anytime of the day or night

I'm not ashamed to say
I hope it always will stay this way
My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And when we both get older
With walking canes and hair of gray
Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear
I will stand real close and say,
“Thank you for being a friend”

And when we die and float away
Into the night, the Milky Way
You'll hear me call, as we ascend
I'll see you there, then once again
“Thank you for being a friend”

Did you know the book of Proverbs says a great deal about friendship? Here is my summary:

1.  Proverbs 17:17 - Friends love each other during both good and bad times.

2.  Proverbs 18:24 - For you to have a friend, you must show yourself friendly.

3.  Proverbs 22:24-27 - Don’t be friends with an angry person because that kind of behavior is contagious (just like gambling).

4.  Proverbs 27:6 -You can trust that when a friend tells you the painful truth about yourself that they want you to be a better version of yourself.

5.  Proverbs 27:9 - A close, sweet friendship refreshes the soul of each friend.

6.  Proverbs 27:17 - A friend can make help another friend achieve his (or her) goals.

7.  Proverbs 27:19 - Just as your face is the mirror to your heart, friends are the reflection of each other emotionally.

Anyone with a good buddy feels gratitude for this important relationship. The chorus of Ray Boltz anthem, “Thank You,” might be the reaction the beneficiary has to God for the valuable gift of someone’s close friendship:

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am a life that was changed

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave

Make a commitment today to invest yourself into the life of someone who desperately needs the unique friendship only you can offer. Being the difference in another human being’s existence will bring you many rewards beyond your wildest imagination. Give it a try sooner (than later).

Golden Girls is one of my favorite shows.

No Expiration Date

I and my younger siblings grew up in the Bexley home of a single mother (father died). From the age of fourteen (when it happened) to my current age of fifty-two, I’ve gained some insights and opinions on fatherhood that I believe could be of value to you.

(Unlike food that has an expiration date; fathers are forever needed in the life of their children, and have no shelf life. The role of a good father is crucial for well-rounded child development. It is not optional.)

(The role of fatherhood recently came to mind after a discussion with a close friend (“Crandall”) after my Thursday morning men’s group had concluded.) Here they are in no particular order as they come out of my brain:

1.  As much as a single mother may try, she cannot be both mother (and a father). She does not have the skills to help a male child deal with manhood. (Only other male role models brought into the boy’s life can do that.)

2.  With the interaction a child’s father has with his (her) mother; a son learns how to treat a woman, and a son becomes knowledgeable in how a woman should be treated.

3.  Without a father in a child’s life, there is often a void that there is a desire to fill with destructive behavior (whatever that might be).

4.  There is always a need for father advice that is given because of a desire for you to have the best life possible.

5.  The role of father-in-law and grandparent done right can have benefits far lasting benefits into one’s family life (and for generations to come).

6.  Being a father often means your child will develop their idea of their Heavenly Father based on their relationship on you. (Not to put any pressure on you, but this could get scary.)

Two of my favorite songs on fatherhood are both performed by Christian artist, Bob Carlisle, who has both a son and daughter. When it comes to the unique relationship between a father and daughter (as I know), the song “Butterfly Kisses” puts a lump in my throat. Here is part of the song:

With all that I’ve done wrong

I must have done something right

To deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses

I couldn’t ask God for more

Man, this is what love is

I know I’ve gotta let her go

But I’ll always remember

Every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses

I first became aware of the song “Father’s Love” in the movie, Jack Frost. Though I dearly loved my complicated father, our relationship never reached the level expressed in the chorus of this song. (He may have felt this way, but I never remember him expressing it.)

There is no power on earth like your father’s love

So big and so strong as your father’s love

A promise that’s sacred,

A promise from Heaven above

No matter where you go always know

You can depend on your father’s love

Scriptures provide many examples of both good and bad fatherhood, it also gives some worthwhile precepts about this endeavor. Below are a few of them:

a.  God considers the role of fatherhood so important that He is willing to step into His role (as protective Heavenly Father) when an earthly father is no longer available. (Psalms 10:14, 27:10, 68:5, James 1:2)

b.  A son makes his father joyful with intelligent actions. (Proverbs 10:1, 29:3)

c.  A father will encourage, comfort, and advise their prodigy in love. (I Thessalonians 2:11-12)

d.  Pick your battles. Do not expect perfect behavior from your children. That will upset you both when they fail. Speak to them in love, and treat them as you would want to be treated. (Ephesians 6:4)

An altered description of the word “father” given in the dictionary is a male who starts something. That is an excellent definition of what great fatherhood should be.

A worthwhile father can create so many great traits in their child-whether those qualities might be trust, loyalty, kindness, or love.

Any father has the ability to provide their offspring with all the emotional raw materials to become a responsible adult (along with God’s help).

Literally, godly fatherhood can be the difference between light and darkness. (Don’t think it is ever too late for fathering opportunities because it is never too late for any man to start the journey to wonderful parenting.)

Knowledge Is Understanding

It’s hard to do a good job at whatever you are endeavoring to do if you don’t know what is expected of you. That is even truer within the body of Christ (church). Unless one knows the spiritual gifts God has given him/her how will they ever know what they enjoy doing, or felt lead by the Almighty to perform with the local body of believers they fellowship with. (I Corinthians 1:12-26)

“The Spiritual Gifts Inventory” to follow will help you decide what your spiritual gifts are. The Heavenly Father does not want you to be confused about this topic. (I Corinthians 12:1) Years ago when my wife took “The Spiritual Gifts Inventory” her primary gifts were Miracles and Mercy. Mine were Helps and Exhortation. (No surprise there.) Discover what yours are.

DIRECTIONS: On a blank sheet of notebook paper, you will be creating five columns. (Please leave space between each column.) Column one will be numbered1-24. Column two will be numbered 25-48. Column three will be numbered 49-72.

Column four will be left blank for totaling the rows you have created.  Column five will be numbered letters A through X. (These letters will determine your primary spiritual  gifts.)

On a scale of 1 to 5 (one the least important to 5 the most important), read each of the 72 statements below. Use the above scale as you complete each blank. Total each row. Put that number in the total column. 

The highest scores will be your primary gifts. Use the chart below to determine what it is. (Note that each gift has also been provided with a biblical reference that will help to better explain it.)

1.  I enjoy organizing services and events.

2.  I enjoy starting new churches.

3.  I enjoy working with my hands.

4.  I can detect insincerity.

5.  I pray for the lost daily.

6.  Encouraging others is a high priority.

7.  Believing God for my daily needs is important.

8.  Helping others see God in their finances is important.

9.  I pray for the sick.

10.      I enjoy doing the little things others miss.

11.      I enjoy having people at my house

12.      I enjoy spending hours in prayer.

13.      Education is important to me.

14.      I motivate others to get involved.

15.      I dislike seeing others hurt.

16.      I believe God can use me to do miracles.

17.      I enjoy sharing the gospel with others.

18.      I’ve devoted time to use my voice better (singing or preaching).

19.      Caring for the hurting is important to me.

20.      Others willful sin really aggravates me.

21.      I enjoy serving behind the scenes.

22.      I enjoy creating Bible outlines.

23.      I was used to interpret a heavenly language.

24.      I enjoy the book of Proverbs (more than any other book of the Bible).

25.      I enjoy managing details.

26.      I prefer to pioneer new ministry projects.

27.      I consider myself a crafts person.

28.      I sense situations that are spiritually unhealthy.

29.      I am concerned about seeing the lost saved.

30.      I try to come across as loving and caring.

31.      I enjoy asking God for the impossible.

32.      I give offerings above my tithes.

33.      Miraculous healing is for today.

34.      Helping others is important to me.

35.      Creating a warm and welcoming home is important to me.

36.      I pay for world situations.

37.      I want to learn about God’s kingdom.

38.      I prefer to take the lead whenever necessary.

39.      I am sensitive to sad stories.

40.      Miracles happen when I am nearby.

41.      I would enjoy living in another country to benefit the gospel.

42.      I enjoy serving the church through worship.

43.      I enjoy connecting, caring, and coaching others.

44.      Confronting someone with sin in their life is not difficult.

45.      I’m bothered when people sit around and do nothing.

46.      I share biblical truth to help others grow in their Christian walk.

47.      I pray in tongues daily.

48.      God gives me unique insight to scripture.

49.      I enjoy creating and easy and enjoyable task list.

50.      I enjoy church building ministries.

51.      I enjoy building with my hands.

52.      I am good at pinpointing problems before others.

53.      I enjoy sharing the gospel with strangers.

54.      I enjoy encouraging others.

55.      I trust God is watching over me in every situation.

56.      Making more money means I can give more.

57.      I enjoy healing the sick (when God allows it)..

58.      I enjoy being part of a process.

59.      I enjoy making total strangers feel at home.

60.      I am a prayer warrior.

61.      I enjoy helping others understand biblical details.

62.      I enjoy delegating responsibility to get the job done.

63.      I enjoy helping the less fortunate.

64.      I enjoy seeing God’s miraculous power.

65.      I enjoy teaching the world for Christ.

66.      I enjoy leading others in vocal (or instrumental) worship.

67.      I enjoy walking with someone in times of distress.

68.      I enjoy hearing passionate and clear teaching of the scripture.

69.      I enjoy   doing small things others ignore.

70.      I prefer to teach the Bible topically than verse-by-verse.

71.      Praying in the spirit is encouraging and important to me.

72.      I enjoy making wise choices (during difficult times).

A.  Administration - The ability to organize multiple tasks and groups of people. (I Corinthians 12:28)

B.  Apostleship - The ability to pioneer new churches and ministries. (Galatians 2:7-10)

C. Craftsmanship - The ability to plan, build, or work with your hands. (Acts 18:2-3)

D. Discernment - The ability to discern between right and wrong. (I John 4:1-6)

E.  Evangelism - The ability to lead lost people to Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-14)

F.  Exhortation - The ability to encourage other through all avenues of the Bible.  (Hebrews 10:24-25)

G. Faith - The ability to believe in God for the supernatural.  (Romans 4:18-21)

H. Giving - The ability to give for the advancement of God’s kingdom.  (Mark 12:41-44)

I.    Healing - The ability to use their faith (and prayers) to heal others. (I Corinthians 12:9, 28)

J.   Helps - The ability to work in a supportive role in the church. (Romans 16:1-2)

K.  Hospitality - The ability to create a welcoming environment in any situation. (I Peter 4:9)

L.  Intercession - The ability to pray for those in need. (James 5:14-16)

M.Knowledge - The ability to clearly explain the Bible. (Colossians 2:2-3)

N. Leadership - The ability to lead or influence people to a biblical (right) way of thinking. (I Timothy 3:1-13)

O. Mercy - The ability to feel empathy for those in need. (Matthew 9:35-36)

P.  Miracles - The ability to help redirect the outcome of someone’s life through prayer, faith, and divine direction. (I Corinthians 12:10, 28)

Q. Missionary - The ability to reach others outside your culture and nationality. (Romans 10:15)

R. Music/Worship - The ability to sing, dance, or play an instrument to help others worship God. (I Chronicles 16:41-42)

S.  Pastor /Shepherd - The ability to care for the personal needs of others by mending and nurturing life issues. (I Timothy 3:1-7)

T.  Prophecy - The ability to clarify scriptural truth and in some cases predicting God’s plan.  (I Thessalonians 1:5)

U. Service - The ability to do small (or great) tasks in servicing the body of Christ. (Titus 3:14)

V.  Teaching - The ability to learn and study the scripture to bring understanding to others. (Acts 20:20-21)

W.        Tongues - The ability to pray (or speak) in a heavenly language to encourage others. Interpretation of this heavenly language may also accompany this gift. (I Corinthians 12:10)

X.  Wisdom - The ability to apply biblical wisdom in a practical way to produce the character of Christ in others. (I Corinthians 2:6-13)

*Adapted from the EPIC (Empowering People in Christ Church Membership Manual by Dax Welsheimer