Check out all the previous New Year’s readings here.
New Year’s Reading | Day 3
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank Jesus that He came to serve us at Christmas, and ask Him to serve you today by opening your eyes more to who He is.
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 4:10-11
Read these verses three times slowly.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 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.
Reflection & Questions
In our New Year’s readings we are continuing to look at our priorities as we begin 2024. Today’s reading encourages us to look at how we are using our gifts and talents. Everyone has spiritual gifts, special abilities given and empowered by the Holy Spirit that are exercised for the betterment of the people of God. Peter says these gifts fit into two big categories: speaking and serving. You might say words and deeds. Some have gifts more in the “speaking” area and some have gifts more in the actions area. Whichever we have, Peter says use them to serve! “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,” he writes. And do you notice who empowers the speaking and the acting? God! Peter tells his readers to speak as if we’re saying “the very words of God” and act with “the strength God provides.” Serving is a way that we connect with God (we sense His empowerment of us) and with His people (as we better their lives through our gifts). It is an amazing system God has created!
Peter’s challenge to us in 2024 would be how are you going to use your gifts to serve the church?
- Would you say your gifts fall more in the area of speaking or doing? Or maybe a bit of both? How can you use this gift to help God’s people? If you’re not sure, email Pastor Ed at the link below and he will help you begin to figure that out.
- Are you on a TAG Team? If you aren’t, you can sign up today at crossroadsgrace.org/tagteam. We especially need help in our Next Gen department, production department and in hosts for growth groups this Spring.
Prayer
Talk to God in response to the reading today.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
