ESSENTIALS FOR THE
SEASON:
PRAYER, LOVE, SERVICE
1 Peter 4:7-11
7But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be
serious and watchful in your prayers. 8And above all things have
fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a
multitude of sins.” 9Be hospitable to one another without
grumbling. 10As each one has received a gift, minister
it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11If
anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let
him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God
may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the
glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer is essential
Peter
admonished the believers that the end is at hand, the imminent return of Christ
for His church is near! This means that
there is shortness of time remaining, and so a motivation for you and me to
live for and serve Jesus Christ.
Prayer is of
high priority during these times of COVID-19 too. This time has become an end for others.
Prayer is essential in suffering, it requires to be clear, reasonable, sober
communication with God.
"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Love is essential
A Christian’s
unselfish love and concern for others should be exercised to the point of
sacrificially giving for others’ welfare.
Even while we see and accept the fault of others.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife,
“Hatred stirs up strife,
But love
covers all sins.”
1 Corinthians
13:4-7
“4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
“4Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
This week our
encouragement is for each of us to take up our phones and call some in your
household of faith, and then some in your family or networks.
One, find out how they are fairing on,
One, find out how they are fairing on,
Two, share a
scripture or spiritual principle
Three, pray with them
You are doing this with a consideration for love for that other one, prayerfully considering what opportunity lies therein for service as God’s workmanship.
Three, pray with them
You are doing this with a consideration for love for that other one, prayerfully considering what opportunity lies therein for service as God’s workmanship.
Equipped for Service – verse 10
1 Peter 4:10 tells us,
“10As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
“10As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
We who believe should be diligent in using
our spiritual gifts. Each gift is to be
used to serve or minister to others.
Let us keep this in mind, that God has
equipped us for service. That as we
serve:
1.
Each Christian has received a gift.
2.
The gift is a result of God’s grace.
3.
We are responsible for the use of that gift.
4.
We should use the gift for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
5.
We should serve through God’s strength.
Realize that you have been equipped for good works!
Think of that saint – that believer you are concerned about. Think of that relative that has been affected by the COVI-19 scenarios.
That elderly person in your rural area that you want to protect from the effect of the virus – consider what to do, go ahead and fulfill the doing.
Think of that saint – that believer you are concerned about. Think of that relative that has been affected by the COVI-19 scenarios.
That elderly person in your rural area that you want to protect from the effect of the virus – consider what to do, go ahead and fulfill the doing.
"We should serve through God’s strength."
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to
all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
As we close,
Prayer is essential, Love is essential and you are Equipped for service.
Prayer is essential, Love is essential and you are Equipped for service.
It is your turn to call and find how (put their name
down) is doing, share a scripture with them, and pray with (put their name) and
as you ponder follow the spirits leading as to how to serve or minister to
them.
Let us pray,
Let us pray,
Dear Lord Jesus,
We thank you for the season that is in front of us. We thank you that it does not hinder us from considering the opportunity that lies before us for fervent prayer. A prompting from You to serve and minister to others, truly knowing that each of us has a gift – we are equipped to serve and minster!
Lead us now, that you may be glorified among us in Your name,
Amen!
We thank you for the season that is in front of us. We thank you that it does not hinder us from considering the opportunity that lies before us for fervent prayer. A prompting from You to serve and minister to others, truly knowing that each of us has a gift – we are equipped to serve and minster!
Lead us now, that you may be glorified among us in Your name,
Amen!
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