Tag: use gifts
Good stewards of God’s grace
Scripture reading for October 17th: Lamentations, Psalm 137, 1st Peter 4
1st Peter 4: 7-11 “The end of all things is at hand, therefore, be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies–in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
God’s people have endured suffering in many different times in their history. Peter encourages the Church of Jesus Christ to remain self-controlled and sober-minded as the end of time approaches that they might pray effectively. Love for God and others must mark their lives and hospitality should be shown to fellow believers and godly service to all who are hurting and in need. Peter shares that this is the stewardship of God’s grace that is to flow through believers by the Holy Spirit and bring God glory. We are to be steadfast in love and show mercy in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jeremiah’s song of lament cited here is an example of self-control and godly thinking in a difficult time.
Lamentations 3:20-23 “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning and great is Your faithfulness.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness and new mercies each morning. Your unfailing and everlasting love gives me blessed hope in this difficult time. Fill me with the Holy Spirit today to use the gifts and talents You have provided me to serve You and others. Beholding Your glory and giving You glory is all my heart longs for in Your heavenly kingdom. May Your will be done on earth as in heaven!
Psalm 137:5-6 “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy.”