Serving Brings Contentment

“The end of all things in near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 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.”   1 Peter 4:7-11

I was just thinking this morning how many people fall into a rut. We get so consumed with our routines that no one, not even God, can get us out. Did you know that God has better things in store for your life than just having your day end well?

Peter is getting caught up in helping people to understand what it is to really live for God. He states that we are to pray purposefully, love deeply, love without grumbling, and use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.

I love the church. It is a place where we can do all of the things Peter lays out for us. This Christmas is about taking our eyes off of ourselves and ministering in Jesus’ name. In order to experience a Bright Christmas, we are to take the focus off of ourselves and care for others. That not only brings a Bright Christmas rushing in, but it brings life back into the church. It is at that moment that selfishness and discontentment fall off. New life and purpose in our lives, our families, and our church begin to emerge. That is why we have Operation Serve: Christmas Edition.

I just had lunch with Stuart Wyatt yesterday and he was sharing with me about his son Noah. We have adopted this family as part of our Operation Serve: Christmas Edition. Noah was born with Spina bifida. He is paralyzed from the arm pits down. Noah is 12 years old and has undergone surgery to open up his airway through his vocal cords. There are two other surgeries scheduled for January and February. We are in the process to know how best to minister to this family. Stuart is a pastor in Van Wert, Ohio. Please be in prayer for this family (Stuart, Amy, Noah, Alex, and Lily).

What can you do to serve others this month? We are encouraging everyone to look for ways to bring glory to God. There is an opportunity tonight to go out and serve with your church. Come to the church at 6:30 p.m. and leave with a group to carol at a nursing home or the house of a shut in. Many have already signed up or have planned to serve in some way. If you have not already let us know that you were coming, then call the church office (419-422-8660) to tell us how many are coming with you. We will assign you to a group. Teens, children, families are all welcome to join us. There are some Disciple Groups already planning to visit people or help with a particular project. Following our different serving points, we will gather in the Family Life Center for hot cocoa and cookies.

What a great service we had last Sunday. We are in the middle of an exciting Advent Season. This Sunday we will continue with our theme of forgiveness as we open our lives up for the Lord to fill us.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org