Good morning and happy new year! Last month, we finished up 1 Corinthians chapter 3 with a focus on making the church mindful of boasting. Where Paul noted that the practice of boasting about ministers was similar to self-centeredness, when instead they should be boasting about God whom we all belong to and who is our source of every thing.

Today, we will continue to expand on the fact that ministers for Christ are servants and are responsible to God. Join me as we continue in 1 Corinthians chapter four.

Bible Verse – 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NLT

“1 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. ² Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. ³ As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. ⁴ My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

⁵ So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”

Reflection

In these verses Paul continued to explain that all ministers are servants of God. There interests should not be self-serving but motivated by serving God. His primary concern was faithful teaching of the gospel message. Paul didn’t get distracted or discouraged by other people’s opinions of him, because he remained focused on serving God and trusting God to be the judge. Only at that time will facts been known and even then God extends grace because of Jesus Christ. I trust each faithful minister will receive what God has for them.

Sisters and brothers, you may not be an official minister, but God has entrusted you with the truth of the gospel message. He has unveiled our eyes to those who believe and received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior so that we can experience His glorious truth and grace. Let’s remember as we serve in whatever capacity (e.g., in the church, community, job, school), that we do it all for the glory of God, not as followers of others, but for the glory of God. 

Are you ready? Ask God, how can you serve Him today and throughout the year.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for today’s verses. Thank you for reminding us that we should seek no glory of our own, but to serve you with the gifts you have freely given us. Lord, thank you for the ministers, Bible teachers and Christian leaders around the world who stepped out in faith and said yes to you no matter the cost. Lord, thank you for the example of Apostle Paul and his endless missions to address the church, and its’ members while remaining faithful to your word as a servant for Christ. Lord, continue to work in us and direct us each day to follow after you. Lord, we need you. Continue to surround us with your peace when chaos ensues. Keep us firmly rooted in your word and unmoved/unshaken by the distractions of the enemy. Lord, we desire to live for you and share your word boldly and faithfully. Equip us for the task for we are willing to humbly submit ourselves to you and serve.

Lord, be with each teacher/educator and student as they return to their educational locations. Lord, protect their learning environments. Keep homes/dorms, schools, campuses, and childcare facilities safe. Lord, be with parents/grandparents/guardians as they navigate through this semester. Lord, bless their families and increase safe quality time. Lord, be with those traveling to and from school, those flying out of state for college/school, and keep them protected from human trafficking and other dangerous situations.

Lord, be with those who are returning back to the workforce. Lord, bless this year. May it be a year of personal and professional growth. May it be a time of living, walking, and talking in alignment with your word. Lord, may we walk in your armor every day. Give us wisdom and discernment to accomplish the task ahead. Help us to recognize the spiritual battles and pray through while trusting you to fight our battles. Lord, we ask that you remove the spirit of evil, depression, anxiousness, and wastefulness from us, our homes, and schools; and replace it with your power, a sound mind, a willing heart, and your anointing.

Lord, heal those recovering from surgery and those enduring medical conditions. Lord, whatever is ahead we know you are already there, and you are with us now. Lord, you are faithful and victorious. You have done it before and you will do your mighty work amongst us again. We trust you and love you.

In Jesus name we pray all these things, amen. 

Sisters and brothers – Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!

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Next Bible Study

On Thursday, January 15, we will begin our next Bible Study. We will meet via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST. We will be studying One in a Million written by Priscilla Shirer.

Year End Contribution Statements 

A special thank you to those who contributed and supported this nonprofit ministry in 2025. Your contributions and in kind donations helped us to host three 12-week Bible studies, provide hygiene essentials and supplies to partner facilities, and have our annual retreat. We could not have accomplished what we did without your generosity. Year End Contribution Statements will be mailed/emailed in January 2026.

Board and Volunteer Meetings:

Here’s the schedule for our bi-monthly meetings, on the second Saturday of the month at 9:00 a.m.:

• January 10
• March 14
• May 9
• July 11
• August 8
• October 10
• December 12

Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. 

Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

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