For The Benefit Of Others: Devotion for Tuesday May 5, 2020

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Tuesday May 5, 2020

Topic: For The Benefit Of Others

Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1 – 11                       

On Saturday, we learnt that all we have are gifts from God and should be used for the benefit of others and to the glory of God. We shouldn’t pride ourselves on what was given to us. Among those gifts are spiritual talents (1 Corinthians 12:1) as Paul mentioned here. Paul states that the Spirit manifesting in us diverse gifts is meant to benefit all (1 Corinthians 12:7).

All Christian gifts and graces come from the Holy Spirit. He bestows different measures of grace and means of influence upon different individuals, but always for the wisest reasons. Wisest reason here is for God to be glorified at the manifestation of the gifts. Paul admonished us to use them well (Romans 12:6 – 8). Anything that is short of this is not of God. 

What are the spiritual and physical gifts God has bestowed on you? How do you use them? A young priest told me how a lady came to their church for prayers. He called on one of the senior priests to join him in praying for the young lady. The senior priest asked if the lady is a member of the Church which he answered on the negative. The senior priest said he will not join because the lady is a prayer collector and not a member of their church.

The young priest prayed for her and she left. She is presently a member of that church. If the young priest had told the lady what transpired, will that lady ever want to hear the senior priest or receive his prayers in that church?

We should not discriminate with our spiritual gifts. Freely we received; freely we should give in whatever we have be it spiritual or physical.

Food for Thought: How many people are benefiting from the gifts of God upon you?

Memory verse: 1 Corinthians 12:7

Prayer: May I use my gifts O Lord, for the benefit of all without discrimination in Jesus name.

Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Peter

Devotion for Friday January 12, 2018

Topic: Utilize Your Talents/Gifts – The Example of Peter

Text: Luke 5:1 – 11

Peter and his colleagues had toiled all night without anything to show for their efforts. Apparently, they were set to go home and rest because they were already washing their nets when Jesus appeared and requested to use their boat. Some people would have seen the request as adding to their frustration because it means they would stay longer. But Peter gave out his boat. He didn’t take time to consider the request. He acted promptly. 

Beloved, God is requesting to use that your property for the sake of the gospel. Will you oblige him? After using Peter’s boat, Jesus commanded them to go for a catch. Though Peter, as a professional fisherman tried to bring reason into the command, acted as commanded. The result was amazing and outstanding. It contradicted the laws and principles of fishing. For allowing Jesus use what he has, brought Peter into one on one with Jesus Christ the Saviour of mankind. That turned the story of Peter. 

Dear child of God, do you know that making what you have available for the Master’s use can change your life and destiny? Had Peter and his colleagues gone ahead to sell the fish, they would have made fortune out of the catch but they saw a far greater blessing in following Jesus Christ and thus they abandoned all and followed Him. That singular act and decision of Peter changed his life, story and also immortalized his name. Yours can be so if you will give your talent/gift for the Master’s use. Sing SS&S 798; Abu 239

Food for Thought: All we can hold in our cold dead hands is what we have given away. -Sanskrit Proverb

Memory verse: Luke 5:3

Prayer: Lord, as I give in charity and for the gospel what you have used in blessing me, may your blessings come upon me the more in Jesus name. Amen.

Use Your Gifts Efficiently

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Wednesday May 10, 2017

Topic: Use Your Gifts Efficiently

Text: Romans 12: 6 – 8         

God’s gifts differ in nature, power, and effectiveness according to His wisdom and graciousness, not according to our faith. He gives spiritual power necessary and appropriate to carry out each responsibility. God graciously bestows upon members of the church different talents and gifts, and we are to use them according to His will. It was never designed that all Christians should be equal as per talent. God designed that men should have different endowments. Everything is according to grace (favour) from God (2 Cor. 6:1) which should not be treated with disdain. Our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve others with what Christ has given us.

What are your gifts or talents? Here we have prophets, servers, teachers, encouragers, givers, leaders. It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts. Have you discovered them? How effectively are you using them to glorify God and serve humanity or are you hiding your talent? As Pastor, Teacher, Banker, Fashion Designer, Hair Dresser, Bible Study Teacher, Civil or Public Servant, etc, we all should use our gifts effectively and efficiently. Remember we will all give account of our stewardship here on earth no matter where you serve (Rom. 14:12).

Food for Thought: How effectively are you using what God gave you?

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:10

Prayer: God, help me to understand what my gifts are and enable me to use them efficiently and effectively 

Anointed For Excellence

MY DAILY COVENANT WITH GOD DEVOTIONAL

Devotion for Thursday February 23, 2017           

Topic: Anointed For Excellence

Text: Romans 12:6 – 13            

Paul listed in Romans 12: 6 – 8, some gifts and how best to use them. How many did he mention there? When you look at the list, is it possible for only one person to possess all these gifts? No! A prophet is often bold and articulate while servers (those in ministry) are faithful and loyal.

A teacher is a clear thinker and encouragers know how to motivate others to do well in their chosen career and in the worship of God. Those who are known givers are generous and trusting. Leaders are good organizers and managers of people and their talents. People with kind heart are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. Now you see that it is not possible for one to have all these gifts.

What matters most is the ability to identify your own gifts and ask how you can use them to build up God’s family. Note that this list is incomplete. No matter your gift, you cannot do the work of the church alone. However, you should understand that God who gave you just one or more of these gifts have anointed you to excel therein.

We should try as much as possible to be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. God requires us to build the His church together.

Food for Thought: 1 Peter 4:10 – 11

Memory verse: 1 Peter 4:10

Prayer: God, help me to use my gifts well to excel and glorify you. Grant that I will be thankful for other people’s gifts and to complement them. Amen.