The Source of Wisdom and Gifts
ICS Daily Devotions
Daniel 1:17, 20 (NKJV) As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams..…And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.
Daniel was given a wise and understanding heart, just like King Solomon. Wisdom is applied knowledge. It took wisdom to translate everything they had studied into practical applications that would bless the community and the king. God had also given Daniel the understanding of dreams and visions. Therefore, he was able to interpret dreams and visions for the king. It was a spiritual gift to Daniel in the role that God had placed him in to serve King Nebuchadnezzar. The role of an advisor to the king was God’s call and purpose in Daniel’s life.
What has God called us to do? God wants us to incorporate our spiritual gifts into our work, just as Daniel did when interpreting dreams and visions. The corporate world is increasingly open to the spiritual realm, but it often turns to the wrong sources, such as Geomancy, New Age practices, fortune tellers, spiritists, and mediums. So why can’t we be bold enough to serve God in the corporate world and utilise the gifts of word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, gift of faith, gift of healings, gift of prophecy, gift of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues? The king found Daniel and his friends to be ten times better than the magicians and astrologers!
We also have the gift of anointing, which is not restricted to an illuminated understanding of the Scriptures but enables us to function based on God’s calling in our lives. The anointing is the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It is God’s empowerment and enablement for our calling and role.
When we walk in God’s calling, His grace is available to us. Grace is an inner strength that makes us resilient and enables us to do the work without crumbling when times are tough. We will be able to bounce back after being pressed on all sides. When we are anointed for His purpose, spiritual gifts are given to us to make us skilful in serving Him.
The anointing is a spiritual enablement that comes upon us and flows from within. However, there are limitations, as the anointing will only be within what God has called us to do. Unfortunately, many Christians operate in areas of what they want to do rather than what God has called them to do. Therefore, it is wise to align ourselves with God’s calling by seeking to understand His will. The burden will be light, and the yoke will be easy when fulfilling the calling.
Sermon Series: Vessel for His Glory
