|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Be Still My Soul"1 (Lyrics) |
Our church has a group of volunteers — the men's work crew — who meet at the church every Wednesday morning from September to June to do odd jobs and minor repairs around the church building. Over the years, they have saved the church thousands of dollars. The men range in age from early sixties to mid-eighties. They have acquired quite a collection of tools to help with their projects, most of them donated by the men themselves.
Work projects have included:
- Replacing light bulbs in the sanctuary;
- Painting;
- Installing newly finished cupboard doors in the kitchen;
- Building new shelves for the church library; and
- Setting up the nativity display on the front lawn every November (a part of the "Festival of Northern Lights" that takes place in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, every year from mid-November to mid-January).
No job is too big or too small.
As well as doing their odd jobs, the men experience great fellowship working together and enjoying their coffee break each week.
What a great example of doing something that they enjoy, using talents that God has given them, to serve the church and others!
We all have unique gifts and abilities, and we can use them to serve God and His kingdom. All that we have is a gift from God, and should be used for God.
- 1 Peter 4:10
- Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God. (GNT)
- God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings. (TLB)
- Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. (NRSV)
How can you, like the men's work crew in our church, use the gifts and abilities that God has given you to serve and bless others?
Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)
Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)
Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have given each of us unique gifts to use to serve You and others. Help us to discover our gifts and to be willing to use them for Your glory. Thank You for those who are using their gifts to serve one another in the church and in the world around them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Sunday, September 8, 2024 – In Central British Columbia — Pray for the Cariboo House Churches in British Columbia as the people gather from across the Cariboo region to celebrate 35 years of mission outreach. Pray for a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit to empower people to reach out in their own communities.
terminal illness: "Update September 5, 2024: Gisele had the biopsy done yesterday but will not get the results for..." 
Thanks for the encouraging words, Dee.
Great story and prayers, Dee. Blessings!
Great devotional, Dee!
Thank you.
Thanks for a good word today Dee.
Blessings.
Grateful for your faithfulness in writing what you see around you, Dee.
Thank you, Dee. This is a message sorely needed by retired folks. We have so much to share with the world.
Much appreciation Dee. The scriptures really help out when praying for guidance regarding service to the church and others.
Thank you, Dee, for reminding us that we each have unique gifts and abilities that we can use to serve God and help to make this world a better place. May God richly bless you and your family.
Hi Dee,
I usually don’t open the computer on a Sunday, but I am glad I did today. There are indeed a lot of people doing God’s work in so many different ways. Thank you for this reminder this morning.
Blessings.
Hi Dee,
Thanks for another good devotional. Yes, we each have certain gifts to use and need be ever mindful in how we can serve our loving God and others.
Blessings to you for serving with your writings and other good deeds.
(B.C.)
Hi Dee,
How wonderful that the more seasoned gentlemen in your church have that opportunity to not only serve the Lord with their gifts and talents but to also have a time of fellowship as well. Thank you for reminding us that no matter how large or small our gift may seem to us it is of vital importance when used for the Lord’s glory in helping others.
I remember a long time ago we thought we were late as children and parents were running but they were running because the minister gave hugs before church but not within the last 15 min before church. Then at coffee hour children were coming up to him ‘excuse me I was too late to get my hug can I still have my hug?’ and children were lined up to get the missed hugs. What a way to get people to church early and keep them coming. I thought it was great.
(ON)
I have always thought that was a great way for the older men to serve. In the church, caring for one another and giving a helping hand to the poor and elderly (who often have small means) is part of what it means to be the body of Christ. In this age of litigation and such, a person could get in a lot of trouble unfortunately. Many good things used to happen that don’t now because of insurance and fear of being sued. How sad for us. As well, so many things are more complicated and beyond the expertise of older folks. Computer chips and other technologies in just about everything! Can we go back 50 years please and have a do-over? My dad could fix ANYTHING. That was before computers though. I like my computer, but it has changed our lives so much! How can we recover community?