|
|
|
|
Friday, Jan 13
|
|
DEVOTIONAL: “GROWING THROUGH SERVING"
|
My extended family enjoys playing a card game called Up and Down the River. If you’re not familiar with it, every player is required to “bid” the number of tricks he or she will obtain during the next hand. But get this: no one gets a pass! While playing a recent round, I had the highest score going into the final three hands. The next hand I was dealt did not make for an easy bid. I wanted to pass! But I placed my bid, and play began.
|
Sadly, I did not make my bid. Nor on any of the next three hands causing me to lose the game. To this day, I have still not won a game of Up and Down the River against my family! But every time I play, the requirement stands: bid each hand – no one gets a pass!
|
When it comes to serving, you may think “I’m not ready” or believe “others can do it better than I.” Don’t get me wrong – God is not calling us to serve without regard to our abilities. Instead, in 1 Peter 4:10, it says that each has received a gift and that we are to use these gifts as good stewards of God’s varied grace. This means no one gets a pass! Every believer has been gifted by God and we are called to use these gifts for His glory.
|
While how we serve at Riverwood or in our community may be negotiable and dependent upon our spiritual gifts, when we serve is non-negotiable. Like in Up and Down the River, when it comes to serving, no one gets a pass!
|
“But, Matt, I don’t feel equipped to teach in Kids Creek or lead a Growth Group right now.” As we look ahead to 2023, I encourage you to consider serving (or continue serving!) in some way. Here are three ideas to get you started:
|
- Are you able to shake hands and say hello with a smile? Consider being a door greeter on Sunday mornings!
- Do you prefer to serve behind the scenes? Consider serving on the Clean Team during the week or Tech Team on Sunday mornings.
- Do you enjoy meeting the physical needs of those in our community? Join us as we serve the community on the second Tuesday of every month at the Waverly Food Pantry.
Remember, when it comes to serving, no one gets a pass! If you feel God calling you to use your giftings in a new or expanded capacity, email [email protected]
|
Dear God, I thank you for the eternal gift you have given us through Jesus. I also thank you for the spiritual gifts you have given to me to use here on earth. Help me grow in serving! Help me discern how I can best use these spiritual gifts to serve you for your glory at Riverwood, in my family, and in my community. Amen
|
|
Feel free to open your Notes app to write down a thought or two from today's reading or write out your own prayer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
