Better Words, Better Actions: PraiseLive's 30 Day DevotionalSample

This study could very quickly be called “Share Your Tools.” Every Do-it-yourself-er knows that it takes the right tools to get a job done correctly. Have you noticed the task almost always requires at least 1 tool you don’t have? Your tool kit may be missing just one socket or wrench. But, inevitably, that’s the one you need.  

I recently worked on a project that took me longer than expected, which, for me, is not uncommon. Of course, I needed a specialized tool to complete it. It’s not that I didn’t have one that could work; I just knew there was a better, safer tool. Thankfully, my son-in-law had that powerful tool, and I was able to use it to complete my project. 

In 1 Peter 4, Peter is wrapping up his letter to a church experiencing increasing persecution for their faith. The kind of oppression that comes when Christians choose to live differently than the culture around them. When the general population says, “Hey, we’re going this way.” And you, as a Christian, says, “Thank you, no. I’m going to live by different standards.”  

In those times, Peter reminds us to be self-controlled, love well, and serve one another. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:10.  In moments of great difficulty or uncertainty, it can feel like you are all alone and ill-equipped to complete the journey. It is in these moments that from our gifts, we can add strength to someone who feels weak, peace to someone feeling anxious, comfort to someone grieving, or simply lend the right tool at the right time to someone needing a helping hand. 

Reflection Question:

Today is a good day to find someone around you that could benefit from what God has uniquely gifted you with. We are all strengthened and encouraged as we seek to edify and bring value to each other. 

Praise + Prayer:

Father,
Show me how you want me to use the gifts that you have given me. Help me to steward them well.  Amen.

Action Idea:

Take a moment to ask Jesus who you can reach out to today with some act of kindness and generosity. Jesus gets all the glory when we commit to Better Words and Better Actions.