The Influence of Self
One of the most meaningful parts of being a servant of Christ is being able to minister to and nurture others. Sometimes that comes in the form of preaching and teaching but not always. In the church, there are several ways to minister to the hearts and souls of those in need. Some use their talents to sing or play instruments. Some use the precious gift of time to serve around the grounds both inside and out. Others offer their professional knowledge as a gift unto the Lord. And others just stand in the gap to fill a variety of needs that arise in ministry.
When a baby is first born, there would not survive if someone wasn't there to nourish them. Introducing someone to the body of Christ is no different. There must be someone to stand in the gap until a new believer is strong enough to seek spiritual guidance for themselves through prayer and delving into God's Word.
No matter how big or how small your offering, your talents and giftings are enough. All you have to do is allow God to move through you and use those giftings to enlarge His Kingdom. I pray that song resides in your heart this week: I give myself away so you can use me...
Bible Scripture: I Peter 4:10 - As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Faith Application: Commit to praying every day this week and fasting one day a week. Pray when you want. Remember, you may not pray an hour a day but don't let an hour go by without communicating with God. On your fast day, fast whatever you feel, but let it be a sacrifice; let it be from the heart. Fast somethingthat has become an idol in your life and takes up your time and your energy in place of moments with God.
Prayer Focus: Lord, today we pray for those that desire to be used in a greater way for your Kingdom. You know the talents and giftings that are present around us. You know the abilities and the desires that live in our church family. God use them for the furthering of Your Kingdom. Use them to enhance the ministry we offer at Faith Temple. Use them to nournish the body and reach out beyond our walls and in to our community. Open our eyes to use every willing vessel to serve and to minister.
Family Activity: As a family, have a round table discussion. Have a pen and a piece of paper for each participant. On the top of the paper, write your name and then have everyone in the group pass their papers one person to the left.
After rotating papers, answer the following question:
What special abilities, talents, strengths, or giftings does this person have that might allow them to serve their church and the Kingdom of God?
(ie personality traits, musical abilities, professional knowledge, skills, physical capabilities, special interests, etc...)
After answering the question, rotate the papers to the left again and repeat until the original owner of the paper has their own page back. Answer the question one last time about yourself and then discuss how yourself and others see the potential in your to serve, minister, and nournish the body of Christ. How can you begin to use those talents to serve at Faith Temple?