“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
CHALLENGE
Seek God’s Will: Surrender your own ideas of what your life “plan” looks like, and ask God to direct you towards what He wants you to do to bring Him the most glory.
PREPARATION
- Praise God for who He is
- Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
- Allow His Spirit to draw you near
- Listen as He speaks to you
REQUESTS
- God, help us to build each other up, even when we feel we’re being torn down.
- Help us to use our gifts purely to serve Your purpose, not for recognition or reward.
- Make us aware of instances today where our gifts can be used to help others and serve You.
THANKSGIVING
- Thank God for hearing you.
- Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will.
OPTIONAL READINGS
- 1 Corinthians 1:25
- Romans 12:6
LIFE STORY
The last math class of the year was over. I stood at the door to bid farewell to “my kids,” my first year of teaching officially under my belt. There he was, bringing up the rear of the line for a change, rather than pushing his way towards the front to escape as quickly as possible – that boy – the one who from day one sauntered into the classroom, every bit of his body language sneering: “I don’t care, I never will care, and there’s nothing you can do to change my mind. Just try.” It had been a long year with many failed tests and late homework assignments. Many nights of me appealing to God: “This is too hard, this goes way beyond what I’m expected to do in my first year. Fine. He doesn’t care, neither do I!” Problem was I did. So, I never let up, always encouraging him even in the shadow of his “death stare.” Eventually his grades began improving and although he still never cracked a smile or looked like he was having fun, I could tell he was at least taking more pride in his work. Before he could leave on that last day, I pulled him aside and said: “You know, I’m really proud of you. You worked so hard this year and made a lot of progress because of it – you’re awesome and don’t you ever forget it.” And do you know what? He looked me right in the eye and said “Thanks.” And then he smiled at me.
THAT’S why I do what I do!
Contributed by: Jenne Lichty