Study Guide and Daily Devotion
Monday, October 3
Read Romans 12:4-8. List the different gifts and abilities Paul mentions in
this passage. God has given you unique talents and abilities that bring your
voice into the melodic chorus of the whole church. But without your willingness
to use these talents in ministry, your abilities will not make a difference.
Your purpose is only fulfilled when you decide to risk and share your talents
for others. In our congregation, every active member needs to be engaged in
some ministry. Consider at least three abilities you have to offer. Where
can you best use them?
Tuesday, October 4
Read I Corinthians 12:27-31. You are a part of Christ’s body and you
have a specific role to play. It is important for you to identify your own
spiritual gifts, skills, and interests in order to find a ministry where you
can be useful. You have a unique thumbprint and you shouldn’t let others
pigeon hole you into a ministry. Choose to be in a ministry that matches who
you are with where God is calling you. Choose wisely, but choose. Every follower
of Jesus Christ needs to be in ministry.
Wednesday, October 5
Read John 13:12-14. Bear in mind the modeling of Jesus, when he said, “you
must wash each others feet.” Servants need reminding that they need
humility in the midst of their passion for ministry. In doing your ministry
you do not need to control everything. Trust that God will have a part in
making things happen. Therefore, you don’t always have to have things
go your own way. Bend a little, so that others can also be in ministry. When
there is conflict, step back and try to see things from the other point of
view. At the same time be assertive in stating your own point of view and
then acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers. What opinion do
you hold that you are very passionate about? Does your passion sometimes get
in the way? How can you act more humbly? How can you become a better listener?
Thursday, October 6
Read Philippians 4:13. When you are in ministry you are going to need God’s
help. There will be more than a few times when you will feel like quitting
in your ministry, but God can rejuvenate your vision and give you hope again.
God wants you to succeed, and if you trust in God, then there is no limit
to what God can do in you. As Dr. Martin Luther King used to say to tired
and burned out civil rights workers, “keep on keeping on!” Paul
said it well, “Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak,
then I become strong.” When has God seen you through times when you
felt like giving up? What helps you to remain optimistic and open?
Friday, October 7
It is not surprising that more than half of Jesus’ parables deal with
money and possessions. Jesus is vitally concerned about the way you steward
your financial resources. Stewarding your possessions for God and others with
a generous heart is at the very core of your religious quest and purpose.
The sharing of resources among Christians is vital to doing ministry. Giving
a tithe to the church is not just about what the church needs, it is also
about what you need. Giving is spiritual practice of ministry. Financial giving
is a practical and spiritual discipline that lets you get in control of your
money rather than your money controlling you. Do you feel your financial giving
is adequate to your call to ministry?
First
United Methodist Church 