June 24, 2026

“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11

This week we are right in the middle of Vacation Bible School at Mesa Christian Fellowship. VBS is a huge undertaking. Between volunteers and participants, we have around 200 people in our tiny church building during the course of the week. As you can imagine, this kind of event takes everyone serving in whatever capacity they are able. During this morning’s devotional time, our VBS director read 1 Peter 4:10-11 for us. I thought this was incredibly appropriate. The first thing we have to realize in v.10 is that we are called to be stewards. God has given us all the gift of his grace. That gift was not meant for us alone, but to be put into practice to bless others.

That truth, however, can be very intimidating for some of us. We might say, “But I don’t have any talents! I don’t have anything to offer!” God’s grace in your life means that God is working in your life. The next verse, v.11, tells us that we serve with the strength he gives us, not with our own talents. It works that way for a purpose. When we serve in our own strength, we get the glory. When we serve with the strength God provides, he gets the glory…and in all things, God should always get the glory! So, you not only can serve, but you must serve; because it is through your service, in your shortcomings and your weakness, that God is glorified.

Lord, let us serve willingly and joyfully, knowing that You give the power and You get the glory.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon