Opening Devotion
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your
Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
You know what’s happening today? Serve St. Louis...
shine others see your good work and glorify God in
it’s a day to recognize that you are part of something
heaven. The world takes notice and recognizes God’s
bigger than yourself. This weekend, a light is being
handiwork. The community at large will get a glimpse
turned on in the St. Louis region. We all know there
of God on display today through you.
is a lot of darkness ... a lot of need in our community.
But you, and the thousands of others who are working
As you serve today, you will be reminding people
together today, are stepping into those needs and
that God cares and that He desires to put people and
shining God’s light into the darkness.
communities back together. So let your light shine
today. Meet needs. Bring Glory to God. Join in God’s
Matthew 5:16 says to “let your light shine before
plan for restoring lives and communities. And pray
others” and that’s exactly what you’re doing today
that the light that is shone today will continue to burn
shining and serving in the St. Louis region. When you
bright in our lives and community long after today.
QUESTIONS:
What is your attitude entering Serve St. Louis? Do you view this as a one-time event or a glimpse of
how God would have you operate in all areas of your life?
Where in your life might God want to shine light? Where do you need to invite God to heal your brokenness?
Which person or group of people in your life need to hear that God desires to redeem them and put them back
together?
What is one fear you have about participating in Serve St. Louis?
Why did you decide to participate in Serve St. Louis?
PRAYER:
Pray for the communities in which you will serve today.
Pray that you would go forth with a spirit of humility, service, and love.
Pray that God would use this experience to shape the way you view the world, and your role in it, as
God’s ambassador of light.
Closing Devotion
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for
us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
By serving today, you were given the gift of expe-
before us work to do that will bring Him glory. We
riencing what it is like to lean into who God created
can take the next step trusting that God has gone be-
you to be. Following Jesus’ example, you were
fore us, making the way and inviting us to follow Him.
created to give your life away, to let your light shine,
Go out from this experience knowing that you are
and to bring glory to God. Just doing good deeds is
participating in God’s incredible work of redemption.
not what God intended. He intended that your good
Serve St. Louis is not only an event, it is an invitation
deeds, the way you live your life, would be a vehicle
into a new way of life, an invitation into a lifestyle
that points people to Him. That when people see your
of serving and bringing God glory. This can happen
life, they would see Jesus and God would get the
wherever you find yourself – your family, your neigh-
glory. It is not about us; it is about Jesus. Our lives are
borhood, your workplace, or your school. God has
meant to point people beyond ourselves, the creation,
placed each of us where we are for a reason, and that
to God our Father, the Creator. Paul writes in
reason is to be His light, His ambassadors. May our
Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship,
lives be shining lights that illuminate Jesus, the King
created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God
of Kings, the creator and redeemer of all things.
prepared in advance for us to do.” God has formed
each of us with a unique purpose in mind and has set
QUESTIONS:
What brought you the most joy while participating in Serve St. Louis?
What was your biggest challenge while participating in Serve St. Louis?
How is God inviting you to give your life away?
What do you think about when you hear that God has already prepared good works for you to do?
How can you incorporate what you learned and experienced with Serve St. Louis into the rest of your life?
After meeting the people you served today, has God prompted you to stay engaged with this person/
persons? How might you bring the gospel to this person?
PRAYER:
Pray for God’s continued presence with those you served today.
Pray that God would grow seeds that were planted in your heart today
regarding how you serve in your day-to-day life.
Pray that St. Louis would be transformed by a movement of people following Jesus,
letting their light shine, and bringing glory to God.