I thought maybe I should take a moment to explain how I am considering these verses, since the last few were longer and included sections from different dates. The current three methods follow (in no particular order):
1. I don't have a method of any sort. I just consider what the verses are saying to me.
2. I use the TEND method from www.marieldavenport.com.
3. I use a Bible mapping method where I write the verse out in different Bible versions, look up original meanings of words, and then consider what the verses are saying. I have only been including the consideration part. Otherwise, my posts would be exceedingly long.
This week the passage is 1 Peter 4:10-11.
July 29, 2023 (no method)
Prayer:
Psalm 118:25-26
25 O LORD, save us;
O LORD, grant us success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you. (NIV '84)
Passage:
10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it 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 forever and ever. Amen. (NIV '84)
Thoughts:
Verse 10
"Each one should use whatever gifts he has received"
God gives all of us gifts that He intends for us to use in service to God and others. Some may be obvious as in the gifts given to pastors. Others may be unseen like the people who clean the church. Yes, I believe it is a gift to be able to clean churches - and houses. It is a gift I do not appear to have been blessed with.
I struggle to recognize my gifts and if I am using them. It seems my days of using my musical skills are over. Maybe after Cara moves out? I don't have the energy to return to LWMS. One of my gifts was raising my kids. Now that is wrapping up. Now I have my books, which I believe are a gift from God, even if things don't look quite as I expected or hoped.
Verse 11
"with the strength that God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."
Even our ability to use our gifts comes from God. He gives the strength and knowledge that we need to carry out our acts of service using our gifts. God will show us our gifts, how to use our gifts, and will equip us to be able to use our gifts. When we use our gifts it is to bring glory to God and not to ourselves. A gift does not have to be seen to bring glory to God. One example is those who take care of setting out and cleaning up communion. What is seen is the end result, not the gift of service itself.
August 8, 2024 (Verse mapping)
Prayer:
Psalm 25:1-3
1 To You, O LORD, I life up my soul;
2 In You I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one whose hope is in You
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse. (NIV '84)
Outcome:
We should not be surprised when we are suffering. We live in a world full of sin and suffering. In addition, Jesus told us that as Christians we would suffer for following Him.
John 15:18-19
18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. 19 If you
belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong
to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world
hates you." (NIV '84)
John 16:33
33 "I have told you these things, so that in Me, you may have peace. In
this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus said we would have trouble, but He also reminds us that He has won the ultimate battle over the world. He rose from the dead and reigns in Heaven. He will raise us also to join Him in Heaven. That is what holds us up through our trials. We know Jesus is with us, strengthening us. Even better though is the knowledge that one day we will be free from this world and forever residents of Heaven.
Have you ever been made fun of for your faith, or the fact that you lead your life differently. I have suffered harassment because I was different. I have been made fun of for being a "goody-goody." It hurts. But I take comfort in knowing that my different is a reflection of my faith. I rejoice in knowing I share in my Savior's suffering, even just a small amount. I want people to see a reflection of Jesus in me. It is what my Savior asks of me and I want to live for Him.
What is this teaching me about God?
God knows what we, as believers, are up against in this world. Can He save us from it? Yes, and one day He will. For now, though, there is work for us to do for Him here on earth.
October 16, 2024 (TEND)
Take Time to Pray:
Psalm 95:1-2
1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before Him with thanksgiving,
and extol Him with music and song. (NIV '84)
Examine:
1 Peter 4:10-11
Notice
What do you see about God's character?
God gives everyone their own gifts and talents
God intends for us to use our gifts and talents to serve others.
God provides strength.
God is gracious.
What lessons are being taught? Is there a sin, promise, action, command or example being taught? Is there a warning being given?
Our gifts are to be used in service to others, showing God's grace. God's grace includes sacrificing His Son because He loved us. God's grace is His calling us to faith. God's grace works to build up faith to ensure salvation. We reflect God's grace when we serve others, possible sacrificing something (time, energy, resources) in the process. God grace is seen when we work to bring others to faith. When we work to build up each other's faith, we show God's grace.
We may not actually be speaking the words of God, but we should watch our tongue and be careful what we say.
We should not shy away from service, thinking we are not capable. God will give us strength.
As we serve, we should always recall why we are serving - to bring glory to God. All the credit for what we do is given to God.
Do
Consider how you need to respond to what God is teaching you?
Question
Where am I failing to serve?
How can I improve?
Response
I know I am failing in service to my family - mainly Rick.
I keep saying I am going to cook dinner. I set an alarm for tomorrow to start the chili.
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