Jesus & Joe: A Coffee Devotional
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sin. Show hospitality without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 4:8-11
Grumbling – a secret displeasure not openly avowed
As I prepare for a house full of guests this week and even more in the weeks to come, I find my heart conflicted with two desires. One – the desire to serve the socks off my guests and be fully hospitable. And two – my desire for neat, tidy, peace and calm.
Rarely do those two things coincide.
But how encouraged I am today by Peter’s words. Hospitality is a gift given to us from the Father. We are called to serve, not in our own strength, but as a good steward of God’s grace to us.
If you have said “yes” to serving, then do it. Without grumbling. Without begrudgement. Without mumbling. If you are muttering frustrations then confess your secret displeasure about the whole thing and watch your heart begin to change. It’s amazing, really.
Do you know that the translation for {serve} as used here is the word {minister}! When you said “yes” to whatever it is — hosting Bible study, being room mom, company staying with you, filling in for a co-worker, helping an elderly parent — you are ministering to them. And ministry is an act of worship. Your service gives Glory to God.
But here’s the kicker. You ready?
When we serve or minister in our own ability… it is then we grumble. Self-effort produces this frustration. Like, every time. In everything. Period.
BUT! God will supply you with adequate strength and ability to serve. Why? So you will look like the hostess with the mostess? No.
God will supply you with strength and joy to serve in order “that in everything He may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
So — let us show hospitality today without grumbling. You’ve received the strength in Christ Jesus to do it and do it very well. Martha Stewart, watch out! To God be the glory.
Shannon Evans & Katelyn Comer! Random.org says you are the winner of Matt Chandler’s book Recovering Redemption! Congrats! Thank you ALL for your entries!! We will have MORE giveaways upcoming! (Shannon and Kateyln, email me your addresses! beckycrenshaw3@gmail.com)
“May you see redemption on this side of Heaven, my friend.” – JJ Heller, Someday
Becky Crenshaw 
This devotional is exactly what I needed today. My husband & I are getting read for his annual family reunion held at our home this coming weekend. Thank you for the timely devotional that helped me put everything in perspective. I DO need the Lord’s strength. & I DO want to serve him with a joyful heart. I need his strength & encouragement in everything that I do. I just loose sight sometimes of why I am doing things. Thank you for the scripture in John.
Two of my favorite words in the Bible are, “But God.” They are always followed by good news. This was a wonderful reminder. As often said, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips those He calls.” May God be glorified in everything we do.
Blessings.