June 20 – Tools For God’s Use

“…so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them:” – Romans 12:5-6 (ESV)

The passage from we considered yesterday led us to understand that all faith believers are members of one body in Christ Jesus. This is true even though as that body we have done quite a job of division of this body. So we have a plethora of what are called “denominations.” But God calls all believers to live and work together with unity, plurality, diversity, harmony, and identity – and we’ve failed spectacularly. The terms identifying these five goals have been well redefined by the powers and spiritual forces of evil we wrestle against; (Ephesians 6:12). Thankfully Paul did not end his instruction with verse 5.  Our success achieving the five goals comes by each member applying the spiritual gifts given to us. Spiritual gifts are tools, not toys. They are not to be used to attract people to ourselves but employed by God, through us, for His purposes and for His glory. Whatever our gifts may be—to do with speaking or with serving—they are given for the well-being of the church. God gives these gifts to be used as He intends so that body of Christ as a whole might be strengthened.

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Sourced from the Bible Teaching Ministry of Truth For Life, a daily devotional by Alistair Begg 

June 21 – Our Father Who Is In Heaven

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” -  Matthew  5:48 (ESV)
You therefore are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Luke 11:13 (NASB)

Father’s Day* is observed annually on the third Sunday in June in the United States and by citizens of the USA around the world. As we honor our earthly fathers and fatherhood on this day, we can remember that we have a heavenly Father who is the source of our eternal life and blessings we enjoy, because in faith we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Our first verse clearly states that the heavenly Father freely gives the Holy Spirit to all who believe. This is true since the beginning of the Christian Church on the Day of Pentecost.  We who believe by faith, have received the Holy Spirit from the Father at the behest of Jesus the Son of God.  We are told by Jesus in Luke that we are to be perfect just as our heavenly Father is perfect.  We know such perfection is impossible on our own. It can be done for us only by our heavenly Father and we receive it through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  We remember our fathers today and honor them as we can.  Remember our heavenly Father today and also give to him the honor and glory He deserves.   

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*When and Why Father’s Day

February 10 – Worried About Welfare of Loved Ones

“For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened…If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”  -  Matthew 7:8, 11 (ESV)

Our verse and promise today comes from the Sermon on the Mount as it is commonly called.  It could be the first major recorded discourse Jesus gave about living in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Facing needs in our lives is to be expected. Our resources run out and need replenishing. This is true whether physical, spiritual or material resources.  The promise in verse 8 give us encouragement to know that God provides for those who ask, seek, and knock for resources.  Even in extreme cases as Jesus expounds on these promises with examples from every day life.  How do we treat our neighbor, our son or daughter when they are in need?  We follow God’s example and we give those in need, especially those we love and are related to, an abundant supply of what they ask for.  So, certainly God will do that for us. We know that because we who have shortcomings in character, are selfish and greedy yet still provide for our own.  God who's love for us is infinite will most certainly do that as well and Jesus is who we have learned from on how He respond to our needs.

Next: Worrying about what serving will cost us.

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April 18

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

The verse reminds us that we can all serve God by using the abilities and gifts that He has given us. Peter was writing in this chapter about the different gifts God has given. He mentions speaking, serving others, showing hospitality, and showing love. These are all different forms of God’s grace which we can use to glorify Him. These gifts are given to us so that we can be a part of God’s work and plan. Be aware that He has given you some special ability for you to use today. You can administer God’s grace by using that ability today.