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unchanging: The Ministry of the Church
Daily Devotions for April 14-18
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"...you also, like living stones,
are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood,
offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 2:5
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MONDAY, April 14
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I hope you were captivated by God's Word and Rob's message for the church yesterday. As a priesthood of believers, we are heirs of God's kingdom and are empowered to minister and serve. May all of us prayerfully consider how God has gifted us to serve each day and particularly during this season of our relocation. As you begin your week in God's Word, read 1 Peter 2:9-12. Peter suggests in this passage that there is something different about us as a result of Christ in our lives. What are some of the characteristics of a "people belonging to God"?
How does the world around us change when we live as a priesthood of believers?
What actions are you compelled to take as a result of this truth?
Pray today that you would live as one belonging to God. Ask Him for the conviction and courage to live a life that glorifies Him.
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TUESDAY, April 15
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As a priesthood of believers, we have been set apart for the work of the Lord. The problem is that we spend much of our time working our own agendas and seeking glory for ourselves. This happens when we compartmentalize our lives and our work. We fall into the trap of thinking of our work and God's work as two separate things. To the contrary, they should be one. In all we do, we should seek to please God. Today's passage is 1 Corinthians 10:31-33. It would be great to memorize these verses. Take a moment and read them now. Paul is speaking about the debate over eating food that has been offered as a sacrifice. While he speaks to the issue being debated, he broadens his thoughts to address all of our actions. According to Paul, what is the purpose of our actions?
Describe some of your own actions that you have never considered as being useful to God.
How do you think God might use your work to glorify Him and bring others closer to salvation?
Pray today that God would be glorified in all you do.
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WEDNESDAY, April 16
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Yesterday, we saw that all we do should be done for the glory of God. When we realize this, we often find a new enthusiasm to serve Him. It is not unusual, however, to get discouraged when we don't see the results we may desire. Consequently, we may burn out and cease to do our part. Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-8. According to these verses, who is responsible for growth?
What role did Apollos and Paul play?
How do these verses encourage you as a servant of God?
The results of our service are not always the fruit God is after. Our willingness to serve and obey the Holy Spirit's promptings are often the fruit God desires to see in us. Pray for diligence to do your part in God's plan. Ask God to share glimpses of how He is using you.
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THURSDAY, April 17
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Without question, we are God's "feet on the ground." I have heard it said that we may be the only Bible someone will read. What do those around us know about God from viewing our lives? That's a gut-check question for all of us. As a priesthood of believers, we must live our lives according to God's Word. Today's passage is an amazing exhortation to God's chosen people. Read 1 Peter 4:8-11. What are God's priorities for Christian living found in these verses?
How might your life be different if you lived by these words?
Write down a specific action you can take today to express the encouragement of this passage.
Ask God to help you use the gifts He has given you that others might be served and He might be glorified.
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FRIDAY, April 18
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Over the next two weeks, Pastor Rob will preach about the Lord's Supper and Baptism. This Sunday, we will focus on Jesus' command to remember His body and blood. This symbol of the crucifixion is at the heart of God's mercy and grace shown to sinful man. The life we have in Christ came at a great price. Take time now to read Isaiah 53. Write down your heart's response to reading this amazing prophecy.
Knowing that these words were written before the birth of Jesus, what do they say about God's great love?
Pray today that God would speak to you as you worship and remember Him on Sunday.
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Brian Hogan
Worship and Creative Arts Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
410 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.260.1600
www.wheatonbible.org
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