Good day dear friends. We continue to study the Corinth church and Paul's urge to share financial assistance to the less fortunate. This came to life last night as we hear our missionaries from Laos share what is going on in that poor country. I was proud of the efforts of our church in starting two important projects, the goat and mushroom project. I also like that the participants of the program are obligated to tithe to the local church in gratitude for what God has shared through our efforts.
Here is our study guide for today: Thursday: In 1 Peter 4:10-11, we find some references to giving and generosity. Please look up that passage and read in it that which would speak to your heart. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you about your life and your heart.
Here is that passage from 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If you speak, you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If you serve, you should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)
God has first given to us. God has given to each of us a special gift. And each of these gifts should be received as a gift to give beyond ourselves. We are entrusted by God to share in various ways that gift that we have received. For example, Paul says, if our gift is speaking, we should speak "the very words of God" (v. 11) and if our gift is a gift of service, we should do so with the knowledge that God is with us and providing to us the strength needed to make such service possible. Whatever it is that we have as our gift, as we use it, we should use it in such a way that God would be praised through Jesus Christ.
What's your gift? How are you using it? Are you blessing and praising God with it?
PRAYER: Loving Father, thank you for the gift you have shared with me. Let me use it to serve others in such a way that You receive all honor and praise. I pray in Christ Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day!
e.v.
