Passage of the Day:
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully, Romans 12:4-8.
Reflection:
Until high school, church was merely a building that I attended once a week. When I was invited to join a Methodist during my junior year, I became all in. Every Sunday night I longed to attend this youth group. Later that summer, a church volleyball league took off on Wednesday nights. Teenagers from several churches came together to have fun and fellowship. By my senior year, I joined an accountability group and started a small group Bible Study at my parents’ house. This is what can happen when you plant yourself in the right church.
Prayerful Action:
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 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 4:10-11.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:
From my personal experience, the Holy Spirit will let you know about which church to attend and when you need to start serving. On a few occasions, I wanted to serve, but there wasn’t a place or position open for me. Sometimes, I started to plant myself only to abruptly move on a few months later. The apostle Paul compares the church body to a well-oiled machine. However, when a piece breaks or is missing, this void is obvious. Therefore, don’t dilly dally too long. Rather, eagerly seek out a place to plant yourself in the right church.
Song of the Day:
One of my favorite songs that I discovered during Covid is I Give Myself Away. If you’re struggling to find a church or unsure of where to serve, listen to the words of this song. May William McDowell’s lyrics serve as a prayer to help plant yourself in the right church.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 