GPS-Get Real

SEP 22 / Sunday – Read Romans 12:3-5

Overview: The second key to a victorious life in Christ is to take a clear, honest look at ourselves. Reality check: The world doesn’t revolve around us and we are not nearly as important as we may/usually think we are.

23 / Mon – Spiritual gifts  |  Read 1 Timothy 4:14, Ephesians 4:11-13

We all have abilities and talents, given to us by God, even if we might think we don’t have much to offer. Do you hit a brick wall when trying to think of what your specific gifts are? Have you ever stopped yourself because you didn’t think you could do “that?” Not all gifts and strengths are the same. If we were truly “all ears” or “all thumbs” we would look silly and be of no use to ourselves or anyone else. Humbly serve God and others with what you have been given. He will be with you all the way.

24 / Tue – Living in community  |  Read Ephesians 4:16, Galatians 6:10

God made us to live in community with others, not only for worship but also to be there when one of them is experiencing hardships, which requires that the “whole body” is ready to take action and help out. A variety of skills need to be put into motion; leaders, cooks, drivers, money, counsel, and more. Also important is humbly accepting help. Have you or someone you know ever resisted help in times of hardship? Open your heart to these blessings offered in God’s love for you.

25 / Wed – Fame, success and wealth  |  Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19

The world is full of famous, successful people, and we might marvel at their talent, influence, and wealth. We might dream about being like them. Having one’s gifts pay off with earthly benefits is pretty cool. But it is also its own reward and requires a good look in the mirror, and humbling oneself to the fact that God gives us these gifts so that we can use them to serve Him and care for others. What would you do with the gift of vast fame, success, and wealth?

26 / Thu – Hospitality  |  Read Hebrews 13:2, 16

Hospitality is defined as the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way. Offering a cool drink or a meal to people has been the norm for friends and strangers alike throughout history. Warm, friendly, and generous also apply to being open to them and really getting to know them and their lives. If you’re shy you might buy them a cup of coffee to open the door. You never know what impact you might have.

27 / Fri – Small but important tasks  |  Read Proverbs 16:3

What kind of tasks are you up for doing to serve the Lord? There are jobs both at church and in the community that seem very small and don’t come close to using our smarts and talents. But if they don’t get done, it will be noticed and affect others. A simple task like the weekly church mailing to shut-ins and others, the semi-annual highway trash pick-up. Very simple things that need to be done. No task is too small or unimportant. You will still be doing the Lord’s work within the church and beyond.

28 / Sat – Grace and works  |  Read Ephesians 2:8-10

Wait a minute, I thought we were saved by grace, not works. Of course, that is true. We are also called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, using our gifts and talents to do the work “God prepared in advance for us to do.”  Can you feel the Holy Spirit’s promptings? We need to submit our will completely to God’s and trust Him to lead us to where we are needed. Let His love and grace shine on others through us.