God offers change to those willing to receive it

Dear Chaplain: Can God really change people? The thieves I know keep on stealing, the liars I know keep on lying, and the drunks I know keep on drinking, even the ones that go to church. What is up with that?

— Signed, No Change Dear No

Change: The very first miracle that Jesus performed was turning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11). Jesus had the servants at the wedding party bring him 6 vessels filled with water, which is about 120 gallons. During the wedding he changed the molecular structure of the water (which houses bacteria) into wine (an antibacterial agent that kills bacteria and germs). This was such a mind boggling miracle because water wasn’t even an ingredient in the winemaking process. I don’t believe this was the first miracle by chance. In fact, it should most significant to believers and a constant reminder that if Jesus had the power to turn the water into wine in those vessels, he has the power to change us as well, because we too are vessels who can go from being filled with sin and corruption...to an agent of the Holy Spirit who stops sin and corruption through faith, obedience and prayer.

Paul in the Bible is an example. He hated Christians. He hunted them down like sport to persecute and kill them. Yet when he had an encounter with the Lord he was completely changed on the inside, and literally became the greatest evangelist of all time. God is more than capable of changing people, and there are countless biblical references and stories to support that belief. However, in order to be changed, one must be a willing vessels of that change. Our job is to keep praying for those in need of a transformation, both inside and outside of the church.

Dear Chaplain: What are gifts and talents from God? Does everyone get gifts and talents and how do I know what mine are?

— Signed, Show Me My Gift

Dear Show Me My Gift: God gives us gifts and talents to bless others and for the upbuilding of his kingdom. Spiritual gifts in the Bible are: prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, mercy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues, helping, and governing. Every one of us has a spiritual gift, and according to 1 Pet. 4:10, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” Further, Christ himself calls some Christians to ministerial offices. “He calls some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Eph. 4:7-16)

There are many surveys and tests available for you to take to find out what your spiritual gifts are, however, I would be cautious about their accuracy and reliability. I suggest you ask yourself, what would you do as an occupation if money wasn’t a factor? I believe your spiritual gifts and talents lie in things you do well naturally, and enjoy doing. Finally, pray and ask God to reveal the light he’s already placed inside of you. It’s those gifts and talents that will make you shine for him. Ask the Chaplain is written by Rev. Dayna Spence, an ordained minister, licensed evangelist, and chaplain who’s served as a hospital chaplain and is currently serving as a hospice chaplain Chester County area. Please email “Ask the Chaplain” at 4thechaplain@gmail.com or write to, PO Box 1284, West Chester, PA 19380.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Enjoying a Fun Day at Grove Church are (from left) Nicholas Davis of Downingtown, Delany Schiavino of Chester Springs, Laura Abate of Downingtown and Kathryn Boggess of Exton. This year’s Community Fun Day is Sept. 24.