[Apply a graidient to Text]

How can I apply a gradiant color scale to text? When I try to do it it does the gradiant to the entire canvas.

[Resize Single layer]

Im so green as to these types of products that Kermit looks like my brother...

Im having trouble resizing a single layer. When I try to resize it just applies to the entire collection. I do have the layer I want selected and all the other layers turned off. Can somebody point me in correct direction