7 EXERCISES TO HELP YOU DISCOVER
YOUR UNIQUE LANGUAGE WITH GOD
INTRODUCTION
"UNIQUENESS IS GOD'S GIFT TO
YOU. CREATIVITY IS YOUR GIFT
BACK TO GOD.” - MARK
BATTERSON
Every year, Vinelife Church has the privilege of hosting a beautiful
worship and arts gathering called Resound. It's a chance for those
in our community and others around the Colorado region to spend
an entire weekend drawing near to Jesus and being inspired
through fresh teaching. As men and women come away from this
event, our prayer is that they are able to discover a fresh glimpse of
their unique "sound" in Christ. Through teaching about the
importance of "capturing your history with God", there are many who
walk away challenged and inspired to be diligent in recording the
words and promises of God over their life. We've found that so much
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of this discovery is the ability articulate with fresh language how we
are uniquely created and loved. This starts with trusting that the Holy
Spirit still speaks, and that we have the ability to hear His voice. We
pray this e-book is a helpful step for you to enter into a meaningful
conversation with God and that these exercises help you step into
new language to describe your unique identity in Christ.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us
anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things
he planned for us long ago. - Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
It's difficult to wrap our minds around this - that we are each a
masterpiece in the eyes of God. Somewhere in your being is
inscribed the numbers: 1/1
YOU ARE A WALKING MASTERPIECE
Have you ever stepped foot in a museum or art gallery that left you
speechless? It's an awe-inspiring experience to be in a single place
where the best work of human artistry is collected to be appreciated
and known by generations hundreds of years later. In that space,
you discover paintings, sculptures, and design intentionally crafted
out of the vision, heart, and handprint of the presiding artist.
A subtle glance reveals, often in an inconspicuous place on each
work, the signature of the maker. This is usually a scribble and a
number. This number isn't a barcode or serial number for
manufacturing purposes. It's an indication of how unique each
creation is. It shows how many others were made exactly like the
one you are looking at. The lower the number, the more rare and
scarce each work is.
And what sets a masterpiece apart from another? They are all one
out of one - never replicated since the first original. It was never
made before, and will never be made again.
With that picture in mind, let's read Paul's encouragement to the
believers in Ephesus:
YOU WERE AN IDEA IN THE MIND OF
GOD BEFORE YOU EVER TOOK YOUR
FIRST BREATH - BEFORE ANYONE
TOOK THEIR FIRST BREATH.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made with intricacies, quirks,
perspectives, gifts, talents, and experiences that speak of the
inexhaustible creativity of our Maker.
You were an idea in the mind of God before you ever took your first
breath - before anyone took their first breath. Ephesians tells us that
Jesus was overflowing with love for you before the foundations of
the world were laid.
But the purpose of your uniqueness has multiple layers. Not only
should this truth solidify your experience of the depth and richness
of God's love for you, but it should lead you to another place. The
second part of this passage in Ephesians describes to us that we
were uniquely fashioned - not as an end in itself - but for the
purpose of stepping out into the good things He planned for us.
Growing in your awareness that your heavenly Father affectionately
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fashioned you out of the overflow of His heart, you become fueled to
partner with the good works He destined you to display as you walk
this earth.
WHAT IF I’M NOT CREATIVE?
You might feel uncomfortable with describing yourself as "creative".
Maybe you don't feel creative, or don't consider yourself one of
those "artsy" people that dress funny and seem to be overly in touch
with their emotions. It's ok, you don't have to be like that.
It's important that we understand the difference between "creative"
and “artistic." While you may not be an artist, you are inherently
creative because you were made by the Creator. Whether you know
it or not, you are creating something with your life. Your words, your
actions, your work ethic, and your love are all shaping the lives of
the people around you. This is how God designed us to live - to
partner with him as co-laborers or co-llaborators in displaying His
goodness through our lives. We bring God an offering of worship
every time we use what He has given us for His glory and for the
world's good. Author and pastor, Mark Batterson says, "Uniqueness
is God's gift to you. Creativity is your gift back to God."
"THE PLACE GOD CALLS YOU TO
IS THE PLACE WHERE YOUR DEEP
GLADNESS AND THE WORLD’S
DEEP HUNGER MEET.” FREDERICK BUECHNER
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SEARCHING FOR MEANING
Around the world, humans are searching for meaning. Looking deep
within. Searching far outside. All of this is an attempt to learn
something about ourselves and whatever "purpose" we may have on
earth. The human heart intrinsically knows there is more to its
existence beyond a complex biology. Biology or the scientific study
of life is important, but isn't thorough enough. If we are to truly study
life, we must be true students of the Life that existed before us - the
Life who lovingly brought us into being. The difficult part is - we don't
always know how to put words to our unique composition.
YOU CANNOT HAVE A GENUINE
ENCOUNTER JESUS WITHOUT
LEAVING CHANGED.
The journey in discovering our unique purpose often begins with the
understanding that mankind is the crown of all God's creation. We
were created in the likeness of a loving God to grow in friendship
with Him and overflow in love to the world around us. When sin
entered the picture, the image of God in us was stained and our
union with God was broken. We lost the ability to see ourselves in
light of how God sees us.
winnable game of trying to derive meaning from internal or external
searching.
However, as we come into Christ, we don't have to spin our wheels
trying to find our uniqueness. We can ask Jesus for His thoughts
and intentions towards us. This is not a time for introspection, but for
encounter. God already knows us from the inside and out. He has
freely given us the brilliant Holy Spirit who searches all things...
"...For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths
of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except
the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no
one comprehends the thoughts of God except the
Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of
the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we
might understand the things freely given us by God.”
1 Corinthians 2:10-12
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You
know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my
thoughts from afar.”
Psalm 139:1-2
You cannot have a genuine encounter Jesus without leaving
changed. God loves to meet us in a way that leaves us with a better
thought of Him and who we are in Him.
When we lose our connection with God, we are left to ourselves to
sort out who we really are. Many people live today anxiously
searching and guessing about life's true meaning. Rather than
asking their Maker about what He says, life becomes an un5
WHEN
GOD
SPEAKS
UP
All throughout Scripture, we read stories of God encountering men
and woman who are afraid, ashamed, and uncertain of their future.
In Judges chapter 6, we meet a man named Gideon who appears to
have little self-esteem and is discouraged by the circumstances he
and his people happen to be in. We read that God sends an angel
to address Gideon as "a mighty man of valor." Despite how Gideon
thinks, God has another thought about him.
A teenage virgin girl named Mary was visited by an angel with the
wonderful yet disturbing news that she would give birth to a child
who would be the long expected Savior of the world. The angel
greeted this frightened young girl as the "highly favored" one. This
would most likely not have been how she would have described
herself, but God was certain to confirm her identity.
In the book of Acts, we meet a man named Saul notorious for killing
Christians and attempting to stop the spread of the Gospel. Most
would consider him a great candidate to be used for God's
purposes. But when Jesus encounters Saul on the road to
Damascus (Acts 9), he invites him into a new destiny. Not only did
Jesus pick Saul to do great things, but he refers to him as "a chosen
instrument" to spread the Gospel. Saul, later named Paul, would be
the one to stumble into the wonderful revelation that we are God's
masterpiece!
One of the most powerful identity exchanges in Scripture is between
Jesus and the fisherman-turned-disciple Peter. Among all of the
disciples, Peter seemed to be the slow-thinking, fast-talking guy who
couldn’t quite get his ducks in a row. Despite his challenges, he was
one of the few closer friends of Jesus that went with Him
everywhere. In Matthew 16, we read about a conversation between
the two…
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi,
he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son
of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say
Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the
prophets.”
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I
am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son
of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah,
for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood,
but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are
Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the
gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:13-18
What’s fascinating about this passage is that as Peter announced
Jesus’ true identity, Jesus turned the conversation around to
announce Peter’s true identity. The confession of faith that came out
of Peter’s heart and lips was the key for him to receive a new
revelation from God. What if this is true for all of us? When we see
Jesus for who He is, He invites us to take up our place in His story.
When our lives are fully surrendered to his majesty and glory, we can
be trusted to walk confidently in what heaven has to say about us.
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We could read story after story of encounters with God that left
people with a new identity and new language. While these accounts
in Scripture are special, they are not meant to be the exceptions. Of
course, you may not have angels showing up to greet you, but
you've been given something better. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to
whisper, comfort, guide, convict, and confirm that we are sons and
daughters of God. We have access to the source Himself!
WHEN WE SEE JESUS FOR WHO
HE IS, HE INVITES US TO TAKE UP
OUR PLACE IN HIS STORY.
Maybe your name has never been changed, and you've never been
blinded by a bright light, but the Father's intention is for you is to
walk confidently in your heavenly identity. It's time to start listening.
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HOW DOES GOD
SPEAK TO YOU?
THE LANGUAGE OF GOD
Throughout the Scriptures, God interacts with His people
in a variety of different ways. God has never been limited
to just one way of communicating to human hearts. It's
important to know some of the creative ways the Lord
can speak to us.
FRIENDS
PROPHECY
1 Cor. 14:3
Proverbs 27:5
SONGS &
POETRY
Psalms
The list above could go on and on. Jesus is the Word of God and
He is still speaking. While we should be careful to discern if the
Lord is indeed speaking to us, we should expect that God is
always wanting to reveal Himself to us.
Even for Jesus, the words of His Father were His life and
sustenance. He did not want to live a day on this earth without
HOLY
SCRIPTURE
2 Timothy 3:16
CREATION
DREAMS
Romans 1:20
Acts 2:17
WISE
COUNSEL
Proverbs 15:22
WHISPERS
VISIONS
1 Kings 19:20
Acts 9:3
being totally immersed in the heart and intentions of His Father.
Jesus said, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but
by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4
THE QUESTION IS: ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?
DO YOU REMEMBER THAT TIME...?
All of this is an invitation to cultivating a lifestyle of listening
and responding. We must also remember. One reason it is
important to intentionally invest time in recalling the words of
God in our lives is because we are all incredibly forgetful.
The comforting thing is - we are not the only ones who
forget things. Throughout the Old Testament, the children of
Israel forgot about God almost every other chapter. In the
same way, we forget the work and words of God in our lives
that shaped us in times past. We forget the promises gifted
to us and the hope that sustained us in desert seasons.
God's solution in the Old Testament was to raise up voices
sent to His people to remind them of what's true. These
messengers and prophets would call them back to their
story and bring to mind the powerful encounters with God
that were evident in their history. One of the most stern
declarations in all of the Scriptures is the call to
“REMEMBER".
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a
scroll as something to be remembered and
make sure that Joshua hears it…” Exodus 17:4
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and
that the Lord your God brought you out of
there with a mighty hand and an outstretched
arm. Deuteronomy 5:14
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Remember the command that Moses the servant of
the Lord gave you after he said, ‘The Lord your God
will give you rest by giving you this land.’ Joshua 1:13
But we don't need to wait for prophets and messengers to
remember our history in the Lord. With a little intentionality and time
with Jesus, we can begin to recall the wonderful work of God in our
lives in a way where we never need to forget again.
Our culture is marked by busyness, speed, and noise. It's the air we
breathe and what we've grown to know as “normal". When it's
difficult enough to track the activity of our daily schedule, what do
you think happens to our ability to stay in touch with the work of God
in our lives?
Pastor Bill Hybels once said "the pace at which I was doing the work
of God was destroying the work of God in me.” This is wisdom not
just for pastors and leaders, but for all who desire to grow in the
fullness of life in Christ. One way to combat living at a speed that
keeps us disconnected and unaware of the abiding Presence of
God is by having intentional tools that serve to anchor us in
relationship with Jesus.
A great place to start is by creating a Masterpiece Journal. This is a
tool that can serve as a place for you listen to God, respond to what
He says, and remember the conversation for years to come. This is
a place for you to discover your own unique identity and allow God
to unfold language that is specific to your design. God builds on
your memories.
intentionality and the ability to see how God wants to bless the world
through you.
WITH A LITTLE INTENTIONALITY
AND TIME WITH JESUS, WE CAN
BEGIN TO RECALL THE
WONDERFUL WORK OF GOD IN
OUR LIVES IN A WAY WHERE WE
NEVER NEED TO FORGET AGAIN.
CAPTURING
YOUR
HISTORY
WITH
GOD
Part of the art of remembering is the practice of writing. What is not
written is forgotten. When God gave Moses the law on top of Mt.
Sinai, He could have simply spoken the 10 commandments, but
that's not what we read. God literally cut out some rock and wrote
the commandments into stone with His finger. God did not want His
people to forget what He said.
While you may not be a "writer", everybody has the ability to write
down significant moments, phrases, Scriptures, and reflections. In
the following pages, you will find several discovery exercises that
will help you get started in the practice of journaling God's work in
your life in a fresh and compelling way.
Having a journal like this is not about being self-absorbed. It's about
carefully tracking the story of God in your life! This requires
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LAUNCHING
INTO
IT
The following discovery exercises were created as a launching off
point for developing your own language with God. They are not
meant to limit you in any way. We'd recommend you to start with
these exercises and writing prompts, but then allow the Holy Spirit to
lead you into new places. Your Masterpiece Journal is completely
personal to you and there is no wrong way to use it.
As you begin filling in the pages of your journal, it's important that
you invite the Holy Spirit into the process with you. You might start
feeling anxious or frustrated if you are uncertain of what to write
down. That's OK. This is a relational tool that can help you
experience God in new ways. It is not something that needs to be
forced out of obligation or duty. When you sit down to write, focus on
your friendship with Jesus. As you experience His love and delight
over you, begin journeying into each exercise at whatever pace
seems appropriate.
CREATE
YOUR
OWN
JOURNAL
The big idea of the Masterpiece Journal is that everyone has a
single place where they are writing down their own prophetic words,
legacy scriptures, dreams, and so on.
We've developed one version of the Journal that is a three-ring
binder with sections where you can record the different ways that
Jesus speaks to you. It's a great starting point if you want to dive in,
but it's certainly not the only way to start your own journal.
If you'd like, you can purchase your own journal and design it the
way you want it. You can create different sections, or you may
decide to write start to finish as one continuous thought.
If you have children, this is a great way to start helping them track
their history with God from a young age. Create a journal for each
child and begin tracking important Scriptures, prophetic words, and
other insights that you feel will help them as they grow older.
ONE
LAST
WORD
Finding your language with God is a great first step for any Christ
follower. But you must know that your promises, dreams, passions,
and gifts are not the most important thing about you.
Think about Abraham. He waited all his life to be given the promise
of a son who would later have offspring that would be as numerous
as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. One day, God
asked Abraham if we would sacrifice his son, his one promise from
God, as an act of trust and obedience. Abraham was willing and the
Lord provided another way for Abraham to bring a sacrifice, thus
sparing his son Isaac.
There are times that God invites you to surrender the things you hold
most dear - even the promises and words God gave you Himself. He
wants to invite you into a lifestyle of being laid down before Him - no
matter where the journey goes.
We gladly surrender our lives to God, allowing Him to shape us,
redirect us, and redefine us. We can trust that God intends to work
all things in our lives for His glory and our good. A life of glad
surrender is the true masterpiece the world needs to see!
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DISCOVERY EXERCISES
DISCOVERY
EXERCISES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
LEGACY SCRIPTURES
PROPHETIC WORDS
DREAMS
TESTIMONIES
ENCOURAGEMENT
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
EQUIPPING GIFTS
DISCOVERY EXERCISE #1
LEGACY SCRIPTURES
JESUS ANSWERED, “IT IS
WRITTEN: ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE
ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON
EVERY WORD THAT COMES
FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.’” MATTHEW 4:4
The Bible is a collection of 66 books written over a 1,500 year
period. We believe the Scripture was divinely authored through
human hands and that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and
profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in
righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
When we use the phrase “God’s Word”, it is important to know there
are different understandings we can draw from. In the New
Testament, there are two different words for “word”. In Greek, those
two words are LOGOS and RHEMA. Logos, many scholars agree, is
the written word of God - the collection of 66 books we just referred
to. Logos also refers to Jesus Christ, “the word (Logos) became
flesh” (John 1:14). Rhema, however, is understood to be the spoken
word of God. While we believe that all of the written (LOGOS) word
is authoritative and profitable for all believers, it is the spoken
(RHEMA) words that become the sustenance for our spirits. So
what’s the difference?
Hebrews 4:12 says that “the word of God is living and active.” Have
you ever read the Bible and had an experience where it seemed like
a verse jumped off the page and grabbed hold of you? Or maybe as
you were reading a phrase, passage, or chapter, something sparked
in your heart and you felt like God was speaking directly to YOU?
This would be considered a Rhema word, because the Holy Spirit
continues to speak to our hearts today!
You might wonder “Yes, but with over 31,102 verses to choose from,
where do I even begin?”
Over time, you may have written down specific verses that are close
to your heart. Maybe these verses have been anchors for your soul
in tumultuous times. Or, they have served as faithful reminders when
God’s favor is tangible and sweet.
EXERCISE:
Spend time reading and meditating on Scripture. In a posture of
humility, invite Jesus to speak through His Word. Pay attention to
verses or passages that resonate in your spirit and write them down.
Over time, reflect on verses you’ve written down and see how Jesus
might continue to speak through His Word.
QUESTIONS:
• What words, phrases, verses, or longer passages are you drawn
to when you open the Bible?
• Has there ever been a Scripture spoken over you by someone
else?
• Are there stories in the Bible that consistently bring you hope and
encouragement?
• What passages best describe your relationship with Jesus?
• Describe any experiences where you have felt Jesus, the Word,
has been written in your heart and it seemed as though you could
have written the words of the Bible yourself.
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DISCOVERY EXERCISE #2
PROPHETIC WORDS
…THE ONE WHO PROPHESIES
SPEAKS TO PEOPLE FOR THEIR
UPBUILDING AND
ENCOURAGEMENT AND
CONSOLATION. - 1
CORINTHIANS 14:3
There may have been times in your life where somebody shared with
you a feeling, thought, or sense that they discerned was from the
heart of Jesus. They may have not called it a “prophetic word”, but
as you listened to their encouragement, instruction, or Spirit
prompting, you knew that God was speaking to you through them.
Often times, words of prophecy speak into who you are becoming in
Christ and the contour of His unique purposes in your life. It is
important to remember and write down these moments to see how
your unique journey with Jesus is shaped over time.
In Acts chapter 2, we read about how the New Testament church
was marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Each of the
disciples was filled with new power and boldness to spread the
Gospel and be transformed into a brand new kind of community.
The Holy Spirit gave out new gifts to the church so they could build
each other up in the faith and calling.
Keep in mind, not everything spoken to you by another Christian is
prophetic. And even when someone brings to you a word, it may not
be 100% accurate or pure. This is why the Holy Spirit also gives us
the gift of discernment. If a word is given to you, it is important that it
bears witness with your spirit and confirmed by trusted leaders or
mature believers around you.
Scripture teaches that one way the Spirit-filled church is to
encourage one another is through the gift of prophecy. Jesus has
always loved building up his church through prophetic words that
come as disciples listen for His voice.
EXERCISE:
Write down any prophetic words the Lord has given to you directly
or through another person.
QUESTIONS:
• What was the prophetic word given to you?
• Have you written it out? If not, please do.
• Do you resonate with this word? Why or why not?
• Was there a specific Scripture that accompanied this word?
• What does this word reveal about who you are in Christ?
• What does this word reveal about nature of God?
• How will this word encourage you or comfort you in times to come?
• Have you embraced this word and are letting it change you or are
you waiting for it to happen to you?
• What would need to change in your thinking for this word to
manifest?
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DISCOVERY EXERCISE #3
DREAMS
AND IN THE LAST DAYS IT SHALL
BE, GOD DECLARES, THAT I WILL
POUR OUT MY SPIRIT ON ALL
FLESH, AND YOUR SONS AND
YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL
PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG
MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND
YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM
DREAMS - ACTS 2:17
One of the beautiful languages with which God speaks to us is
through our dreams. Culturally speaking, dreams are not something
to which we attribute much value. Because our subconscious is not
grounded in rational or logical thinking, we often assume that
dreams are interesting at best but more realistically peripheral to life
in the “the real world.” After all, how can we know our dreams are
significant, much less from God?
Interestingly, when we add up all of the dreams and visions in the
Bible and all of the actions related to those dreams and visions, we
are left with about one-third of all of Scripture! God does not hesitate
to meet us in our sleep and speak to us with metaphor and
symbolism. Here are some examples in Scriptures…
Joseph - Genesis 37:5-7
Mary - Matthew 1:20-21
Peter - Acts 10:9-16
When you think about it, we spend about one third of our lives
sleeping. If we are only paying attention to how God is speaking
throughout the day, we may be missing out on significant way that
God loves to communicate with His children. God visits us in
dreams to encourage our hearts, confirm our calling, warn us about
potential harm, and prepare us for His purposes.
There is much to be said about interpreting dreams with a biblical
framework and with Spirit-led discernment. For most of us, a good
first step is simply believing that God may want to give us dreams in
the night. A great practice is to pray for yourself and for your family
before going to sleep and ask Jesus to speak to you. When you
have dreams that you can remember, be sure to write them down.
Ask the Holy Spirit for revelation and be diligent in tracking what the
Lord might be saying. Over the years, you will find that your Godgiven dreams may help to shape your unique calling in the kingdom.
EXERCISE:
After a dream, write down the main facts (Daniel 7:1). Ask the Holy Spirit “What do you want me to know?”.
QUESTIONS:
• What was the dream about? (Use as much detail as you can)
• What is the Holy Spirit showing you about the dream?
• What were the symbols of the dream?
• Ask God, “Why this symbol instead of another one?”.
• What is peculiar to you about that symbol?
• What were you feeling in the dream? (Feelings may reveal context
and pinpoint important issues.)
Additional Resource: http://www.streamsministries.com/resources/
dreams-visions
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DISCOVERY EXERCISE #4
TESTIMONIES
AND THEY HAVE CONQUERED
HIM BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB
AND BY THE WORD OF THEIR
TESTIMONY, FOR THEY LOVED
NOT THEIR LIVES EVEN UNTO
DEATH. - REVELATION 12:11
into our divine purposes, but they are gifts of faith and power we get
to give away to others around us!
Furthermore, we must never forget the story of how Jesus found us.
No matter how simple or dramatic your salvation story is, it deserves
to be written down and remembered. As David writes in Psalm 51,
there are times when we need to return to the “joy of our salvation.”
Possible testimonies you may have:
• Salvation, Restoration, Redemption
• Miraculous Provision
Part of understanding our unique make-up in Christ is honoring the
testimonies or the stories of God at work throughout our life. Our
testimonies are our experience of Jesus. Nobody can give them to
us or take them from us. When we develop a habit of celebrating
divine breakthroughs in our lives, they become our strength and
courage to stand in Christ in the face of an unknown future.
Much of the anxiety, depression, and discouragement we face today
could be remedied by recalling specific stories of the love and
power of God in our past. Not only do our testimonies strengthen
• Comfort
• Wisdom
• Physical, Emotional, or Spiritual Healing
• Encouragement
• Boldness
• Faith
• Peace
• Favor
EXERCISE:
Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the testimonies of your life. Write
down the stories of God’s power both great and small.
QUESTIONS:
• Have you seen the power of God displayed in your life in ways you
can’t explain?
• How have the stories of God at work shaped who you are today?
• What powerful stories from your past does the Holy Spirit want to
remind you of today?
• Have your stories been used to encourage others?
• What testimonies do you have that can be given away as hope to
others?
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DISCOVERY EXERCISE #5
ENCOURAGEMENT
THEREFORE ENCOURAGE ONE
ANOTHER AND BUILD ONE
ANOTHER UP, JUST AS YOU ARE
DOING. - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11
“In my email application on my computer, I have a special file that is
simply titled ‘Encouragement’. Any time I receive an email with
words of encouragement, I save it in this folder so I can recall it later.
On weeks when I am having a bad day or doubts about my identity,
I go back and read through some of the emails. In a matter of
minutes, it’s amazing how quickly I can get recharged by
remembering the heartfelt words that my friends believe about me.”
- Luke Humbrecht
We typically underestimate the amount of encouragement the
human heart needs. We are wired to receive affirmation of who we
are and why that matters. This is not about a need for fluffy,
sentimental words that puff us up for a moment and then leave us
lonely again. The word “encourage” literally means to instill courage
into someone. Putting courage into someone’s heart goes further
than superficial compliments. Rather, it’s about reminding someone
of who they are and what they mean to you.
Over the years, you may have received meaningful words of
encouragement from parents, siblings, coaches, mentors, pastors,
leaders, friends, and even strangers. These words often speak to
our truest identity and lend us the gift of faith and belief when we
didn’t feel like we had those in and of ourselves. Proverbs 16:24
says that “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the
soul and health to the body.” It’s important that we have a deep well
of encouragement to fuel us even on the days when we are loaded
with questions and uncertainty. Furthermore, these words of
encouragement will build you up into the person you were meant to
be. As you overflow with courage, strength, and confidence you are
able to bring the same gift of encouragement to others in your life
that need it most!
Not only should we remind ourselves of these words, but remind
others as well. It’s something we all need.
EXERCISE:
Write down encouraging words you have have received in the past.
QUESTIONS:
• What were some of the most significant things spoken to you by
parents, teachers, coaches, co-workers, and friends in your life?
• What have others said about your identity in Christ?
• What character traits, abilities, and gifts have others recognized in
you?
• How has the Holy Spirit encouraged you?
• Was there an action step the Holy Spirit asked you to take? How
are you doing with that?
22
DISCOVERY EXERCISE #6
SPIRITUAL GIFTS
GOD HAS GIVEN EACH OF YOU
A GIFT FROM HIS GREAT VARIETY
OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS. USE THEM
WELL TO SERVE ONE
ANOTHER. DO YOU HAVE THE
GIFT OF SPEAKING? THEN SPEAK
AS THOUGH GOD HIMSELF WERE
SPEAKING THROUGH YOU. DO
YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF HELPING
OTHERS? DO IT WITH ALL THE
STRENGTH AND ENERGY THAT
GOD SUPPLIES.
- 1 PETER 4:10-11
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised his disciples that
the Holy Spirit would come to comfort, empower, and help them as
they navigated the new waters of being the redeemed people of
God. On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out
on this new community, new gifts were unlocked in each disciple for
the “common good” and building up of one other.
The New Testament refers to these gifts in Romans 12 and 1
Corinthians 12. These gifts are not meant to define our identity or our
worth, but to help us understand how the Holy Spirit operates in us
for the encouragement of others. As we come to discover and
understand these spiritual gifts, we can grow in them and take
responsibility for using them well. Some of these gifts you may have
recognized in yourself even as a child, or you may have
experienced them being activated when you were filled with the
Holy Spirit. Either way, it is helpful to know which gifts have been
given to you, so you know how best to fit in the Body of Christ.
EXERCISE:
Here are 2 lists of Motivational Gifts and Supernatural Gifts:
Romans 12 (Motivational Gifts)
• Exhortation
• Giving
• Leadership
• Mercy
• Prophecy
• Service
Spend time meditating on these gifts. Read the descriptions of the
Motivational Gifts and the Supernatural Gifts and ask the Holy Spirit
to show you which gifts come most naturally to you. Journal about
how your spiritual gifts express themselves in the local church, the
marketplace, neighborhood, or wherever you might have influence.
QUESTIONS:
• What are your top 3 spiritual gifts?
• Teaching
1 Corinthians 12 (Supernatural Gifts)
• Administration
• Discernment
• Faith
• Healing
• Helping
• Knowledge
• Have people confirmed that they see these gifts in you?
• How long have you been operating in your spiritual gifts?
• How have you used those gifts in and out of the church?
• How might you grow in your spiritual gifts?
• Can you think of specific times and stories where you were able to
encourage others with your spiritual gifts?
• Miracles
• Prophecy
• Teaching
Additional Resource: A more detailed personal spiritual gifts
assessment can be taken at DestinyFinder.com.
• Tongues
• Interpretation of Tongues
• Wisdom
To read a full description of each gift, please visit this website: http://iblp.org/questions/what-are-three-categories-spiritual-gifts
24
DISCOVERY EXERCISE #7
EQUIPPING GIFTS
SO CHRIST HIMSELF GAVE THE
APOSTLES, THE PROPHETS, THE
EVANGELISTS, THE PASTORS AND
TEACHERS, TO EQUIP HIS PEOPLE
FOR WORKS OF SERVICE, SO
THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST MAY
BE BUILT UP UNTIL WE ALL REACH
UNITY IN THE FAITH AND IN THE
KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF
GOD AND BECOME MATURE,
ATTAINING TO THE WHOLE
MEASURE OF THE FULLNESS OF
CHRIST. - EPHESIANS 4:11-13
One of the joys of coming to faith in Christ is finding our place in the
family of God. As Jesus draws us to Himself, He also draws us to
His beloved bride - the Church. While many people have been hurt,
jaded, or offended by past church experiences, it is still God’s
desire for us to work together to build up the Church into one that is
beautiful, healthy, and mature.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he writes about a different set of
gifts given to people by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of “equipping
the saints for the work of ministry”. Each of us have been given a
certain grace through which we most naturally serve and strengthen
others in Christ. These “equipping gifts” are not just reserved to
build up the church, but can be exercised in the marketplace and
even in your neighborhood.
Here are brief descriptions of the 5 equipping gifts. These
descriptions were adapted from DestinyFinder.com.
Apostle or Builder
Teacher or Trainer
The Apostle / Builder is all about the big picture, mobilizing
and organizing teams of people to accomplish a goal that
would be beyond them individually. People with this orientation
are focused on the vision, and they have the ability to rally
people to that vision.
The Teacher / Trainer loves to understand and explain things.
They are focused on truth and information and helping others
to learn and apply the truth and information they possess. They
are detail-oriented and like to study and communicate their
knowledge.
Prophet or Revealer
The Prophet / Revealer is focused on hearing from God; His
power and presence; quality and core values and creativity,
arts and/or music. Revealers want to impart and implement
what has been revealed to them or discerned by them: it can
be God’s word or will, the core values of an individual group, or
even a warning to help keep an individual or group on track.
Evangelist or Recruiter
The Evangelist / Recruiter wants to persuade others to do or
receive what he/she has experienced or has to offer. They
focus on quantity and they are totally convinced about their
cause or experience. They care about those outside the group
and they reach out naturally to include others.
Pastor or Connector
The Pastor / Connector is focused on quality inside the group.
They foster community and care deeply for each individual
within their group. They counsel and support and bring healing
and comfort as they connect people together.
EXERCISE:
Spend time meditating on Ephesians chapter 4. Read the
descriptions of the 5 equipping gifts, and ask the Holy Spirit to show
you which gifts come most naturally to you. Journal about how your
equipping express themselves in the local church, the marketplace,
neighborhood, or wherever you might have influence.
QUESTIONS:
• Does understanding your equipping gift confirm what you already
knew about yourself?
• Did you learn anything new?
• How might you grow in your equipping gifts?
• Can you think of specific times and stories where you were able to
serve and strengthen others with your equipping gifts?
Additional Resource: A more detailed personal assessment can be
taken at DestinyFinder.com.
26
EQUIPPING GIFTS
Masterpiece: 7 Exercises to Help You Discover
Your Unique Language with God
Written by: Luke Humbrecht
Original Artwork by: Alicia Lewin
Journals created by: Niki Nowell & Gwen Doherty
Visit us online at: www.vinelife.com
©2016 Vinelife Church. All Rights Reserved. Used
with Permission.