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DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Thursday, March 9, 2017
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May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems. Deb ♥
Today’s scripture reading:
How is God glorified when we use our abilities? When we use them as he directs, to help others, they will see Jesus in us and glorify him for the help they have received. [His generosity can flow through you.] Peter may have been thinking of Jesus’ words, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).
1 Peter 4:8-11 – Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you. Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. –1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Walter N. Maris (Missouri) titled his story “SERVING AT ANY AGE;” here is a portion of Walter’s story:
“Following a series of major surgeries, my older brother, Lewis, reminded me that growing old ‘ain’t for weaklings.’ Many of us will eventually have to deal with the struggles of aging. But there can be a silver lining. Generally, in our later years we retire or work less and have more time to devote to our spiritual life. . . .
“. . . Everyone can serve no matter the circumstances. Even if we have to use a cane or a walker, we can visit an ailing friend or make hospital calls, and we can always pray for others. When we share the love of Christ by caring for those who are sick or disabled and by encouraging their caregivers, God blesses all of us.
“If we make it a point to be aware of the many needs around us, we can find many ways to serve our Lord. God has equipped each of us in some way to be an agent of grace.”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – Regardless of my age, I can serve the Lord.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to love and care for others as you care for us. Amen.
To read the rest of the story in The Upper Room, click on the following link: http://devotional.upperroom.org/
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