1 Peter_4
Scripture
1 Peter 4:10
“God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Observation-What does it say?
Peter is writing the church and encouraging them to continue living their lives for God. Peter reminds them in this chapter to remain disciplined in their prayers. Peter reminds the church to most importantly, continue showing deep love for one another by using their God given spiritual gifts to serve each other.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Jesus Christ came to earth to serve, not to be served.
What a humbling thought that is. That the God of the universe came down to earth to serve, and not to be served. Jesus definitely showed us the way and lead by example. From helping the sick and lame, to washing his disciples feet (yes,even Judas’ feet!), to ultimately laying down his life for this world’s sins. Jesus’ life of ministry was all about helping and serving others...no matter what obstacles he had in front of him!
So if I am to call myself a Christ Follower, I have to live my life the way Jesus did. That means serving others. Thankfully God has blessed not only me, but all of us with spiritual gifts and talents. Each of us has different gifts and talents too! It’s up to us to use these gifts and talents to go out in the world and help others. I know that by doing this each day, we can all do our parts by shining the light of Christ to others around us and make this world see in a tangible way the love Jesus has for them. 😊
“We love each other because he loved us first.”-1 John 4:19
Life Application
Give someone in need a helping hand.
Father God, thank You so much for sending Jesus to lead the way. Thank You for Your many blessing in my life. Thank You for blessing me with the gifts and talents that I have so I can help others. I pray that I don’t let these gifts and talents go to waste. Be my eyes and ears to look and hear for opportunities to help others around me in need. May Your light shine in those that I help and serve. May You get all the glory and honor. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
-Moses Gaddi
Psalm 91
Scripture
Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Observation-What does it say?
The writer of this Psalm (who was believed to be Moses), talks about taking refuge in God.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Moses went through the wilderness for 40 years. During that time, his source of protection and strength was God.
Life Application
What wilderness have you found yourself walking through? Find Rest and Comfort in the shelter and shadow of God’s wings.
Dear Lord, I pray that even through times of uncertainty, we would trust You and not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). May we find true rest, comfort and protection from You alone. Amen.
Listen to this song that is based on this Psalm. When I read this Psalm, I immediately thought of this song, “On Eagle’s Wings” covered by Shane and Shane. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9JfJw6Wf-4
-Michelle Gaddi
Ezekiel_10
Scripture Ezekiel 10:18Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim. Observation - What does it say?If Ezekiel has been a bit confusing for you, check out this short animated overview. https://youtu.be/R-CIPu1nko8Understanding - What does it mean?God, in his holiness, will not dwell with unholy people.The Israelites had worshiped idols in the very temple created for God to be worshipped and to dwell with his people. This intense idolatry led to the destruction of those Israelite idol worshippers and God’s glory departing from his temple.There is nothing like God’s presence. We were created to dwell with him. It’s where we will find every desire of our heart fully satisfied. Moses pointed out in Exodus 33 that God’s presence with his people would be the only thing that set them apart among the nations. For that reason, he pleaded with God to not send him anywhere that God would not accompany him. Israel lost the battle at Ai because Achan had sinned, causing God to not go out to battle with them. But once Israel cleansed their community by removing Achan, God's presence returned and they triumphed the next time they faced Ai. Life ApplicationI recognize that I’m not that special. I don’t have any particular gifts or talents that would enable me to change the world. I don’t have tons of money in the bank or access to other resources that would enable me to accomplish significant things (I’m not depressed… lol. Just follow me.). Bottom line is that the only thing that is going to set me apart and enable me to accomplish anything of great eternal significance, is the presence of God in my life.Therefore, I would be stupid to be nonchalant about dabbling in sin! Jesus calls us to be perfect as his heavenly Father is perfect. Paul commanded Timothy to cleanse himself of common practices so he could become an instrument for noble purposes. Jesus wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus commanding them to repent and return to their first love or else their lampstand (symbolizing God’s presence) would be removed from them.God, forgive me for my sins! Please examine our hearts and bring conviction of sin. May we never see your glory depart from us because we are living double lives, worshipping you one moment, but giving ourselves to sin the next. May your glory never leave us! Amen.
-Levi Thompson