1 Peter 4 - 5.27.26

Scripture

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so 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 for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10)

Observation

All of us have been given spiritual gifts. God expects us to be good stewards of the gifts. Our gifts are not supposed to be buried, but to be used. We are required to use our gifts to the full, to the best of our ability to God’s glory. Here Peter says that if you have the gift of speaking, speak as if God is speaking through you. If you have the gift of helping others, do it with all the strength and energy God provides (NLT). There is a parallel passage in Romans where Paul says the same thing - “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Rom 12:6-8)

Another parallel lesson is from Jesus himself in the parable of the talents. A master called three of his servants and gave them five, two and one talents each, and went on a journey. When he got back the one who had got five talents, had invested it and made another five. The one who got two talents, made another two. The one who received one talent, went and buried it. The servants who used their talents to make more, were rewarded. The servant who buried his talent was punished (Matt 25:14-30).

Application

If we are not sure what our gift is, let us prayerfully ask God to reveal it to us. Let us identify our gifts and start using them. Whatever your gift is, there is a need for it in the kingdom of God. Use your gifts for God. Get plugged into a ministry at church, and start serving.

If we look around in Desert Streams, we can see that each one of us is equipped with a different gift. One of my dear friends is a passionate gospel sharer. Another one is a gifted encourager. Another one is blessed with the skill of hospitality. Another one is an anointed musician with the amazing ability to lead the church into the holy of holies in worship. Another one is a skilled organizer. Each one of us is created differently and given different gifts so that we use it all for the glory of God. He placed people with gifts in the church so that his people would be equipped and built up. He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers to the church, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up (Eph 4:12).

Many years ago in my youth, I met a wise person who gave me a piece of advice that changed the course of the rest of my life. A life that only consumes and never gives is like a lake that receives all the water flowing into it, yet has no outlet. Its water becomes stagnant and unfit to drink. But a river continually pours out while receiving fresh water, and its waters remain life-giving. Be a river. This person encouraged me to find anything I can do to serve God. Inspired by this conversation, the very next Sunday I went to the church I attended at the time and met the leaders of a number of ministries. All teams were full, and they didn’t need a new person. I finally met with the superintendent of Sunday School, and pleaded with her to allow me to teach Sunday School. There were more than enough teachers in Sunday School at that time, and no additional teachers were needed. However, she was gracious to the then twenty-two-year old me, and allowed me to teach the 2 and 3 year olds in the nursery. I started teaching Bible stories to 2 and 3 year olds. As I taught the little kids faithfully, God added to me more teaching skills and more insights into his Word.

Prayer

Dear Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you for the gifts you have given me. Please help me to be a faithful steward of the grace that I have received, by using my gifts for your glory according to your will (1 Peter 4:10). When I finish the life that you have given me on earth, and come and stand before you, I want to hear you call me, “Good and faithful servant” (Matt 25:21). Enable me to live a life that merits that. Pour your spirit upon me. Make me a blessing. May your blessings flow through me to others you bring into my life. May my life be a drink offering unto you (Phil 2:17, 2 Tim 4:6). In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Asha Chacko George

1 Peter 3 - 5.26.26

SCRIPTURE:  1 Peter 3:8-9 “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

OBSERVATION:  Peter, the author emphasized an important truth that characterizes a genuine Christ-follower; basically someone who loves in thought, word and deed.

APPLICATION:  Believers honor God by doing good, being devoted to one another in love, honoring one another above ourselves, being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, sharing with the Lord’s people who are in need, practicing hospitality, AND …blessing those who persecute us.  We are not to curse the evil ones, but to bless them!  And when our enemies are hungry, we are to feed them, and give them a drink when they are thirsty. We as Christ- followers are not to be overcome with evil, but to overcome evil with good.  (Romans 12:9-21).

Forgiveness is also something we’ve been called to do as genuine Christ-followers, but it is not an easy thing to do, especially when we have been wronged, hurt, or sinned against!  BUT… If we love others the way God loves us, we will be willing to forgive, especially since He forgave us when we sinned against Him! 

PRAYER:  Lord, The last thing we feel like doing is blessing our enemies!  Only with Your love in our heart’s are we able to obey this command! When we end up suffering because of someone else’s evil deeds, You have called us to bless them, instead of curse them. That is only possible as we rely on Your love, power and strength!  You have called us to live good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse us of doing wrong, they may see our good deeds and glorify You. I pray Your love will fill my heart to overflowing for others.  I pray You will help me to follow Your example by the way You forgave the ones who wronged You, and the one’s who sinned against You.  Thank You for helping my life to reflect Your love as You fill me with genuine affection for all people. 

- Robin Orefice

Psalm 94 - 5.25.26

Scripture

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.”

Observation

The author of this psalm is crying out to God for justice. The author sees all the wickedness running rampant everywhere. But throughout all the chaos and evil that is going on all around, the psalmist knows that God sees it ALL. And instead of taking matters in his own hands, the psalmist decides to trust in God’s timing and judgment. The psalmist’s faith and confidence is in God. He knows that God will protect His people, and bring judgment upon the wicked.

Application

The Lord my God is the only protection I need.

Many of us out there invest in things that make us feel safe. We install cameras around our house. We will get a HUGE guard dog. We will invest in self-defense classes. Some of us will even buy all sorts of weapons to protect ourselves from possible intruders. And who could blame us?! It’s a crazy world out there! Just turn on the local evening news and you’ll see in the first 10 minutes of watching. But what I love about this psalm here, is that despite the craziness and lawlessness that was going on at the time, the psalmist chooses to trust in God’s divine justice. The psalmist knows that God is in control. He knows God is sovereign over it all. The psalmist knows that God will protect those who trust in Him and obey His ways. 

So, no matter how scary it is out there in this world, take heart! Trust in God’s unfailing love for His people. Let Him be our anchor, our rock that we can lean on. Allow Him to be our impenetrable fortress where we take refuge.

“The Lord will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭94‬:‭14‬ ‭

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬ 

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ 

Prayer

Father God, it is in You who I trust. You are my rock, my redeemer, my strength, and my shield. There is nothing too big or too small that You can’t handle. So no matter what comes my way today, I know that You are with me. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for guiding my path. May You give me the strength to stay the course and stay covered in the blanket of Your protection. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.🙏🏽 

-Moses Gaddi