Examining Service
When you’re asked to get involved in a service project, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Is it “SURE, I’d Love to,” or is it one of these three things:
- I Don’t have Time
- Someone else will volunteer
-OR-
- That’s Not what I do
Many of us revert to an early Moses or Jacob mentality, where we find ourselves fighting against God when it comes to service. We focus on our short comings to give us excuses not to make an effort. But if we look at the later actions of Moses and Jacob, we can see the convicting impact of all they did in our faith. So what’s the difference between these pillars of our faith and little old us?
In one word: Nothing
They were just as human as we are, had the same insecurities, same doubts, same worries, so how did they do it?
Well the church answer is faith, but we can break it down further into:
Reliance
Trust
-AND-
Prayer
Reliance, that God will provide the time and the opportunity to make an impact for God, and when I say impact that doesn’t have to mean the Hiroshima of revivals. But can often mean many small acts of faith putting a dent in the barriers that surround us.
Then there is trusting, that God values and will work through your efforts. At church on Sundays, I get so encouraged by a gentleman that sets up our pastor’s chair, table, and laptop. He is doing something so simple, most of us have no idea who he is, and yet he is instrumental to our pastor’s message. I know at times I would be lost without my notes or laptop, and I’m sure Pastor Gregg would say the same. So God works in that man every Sunday, and can do the same in you on a daily basis if you are willing.
And the last piece is Prayer, to ask and listen to His Guidance in our outward steps of Faith. EPH6:18 says , “And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests with this in mind, Be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.
I hope you make the effort to pray in your daily lives.
God will give each of us the courage, ability, and often the energy to step out in service. We just need to be aware of the needs that surround us and be willing to step away from our insecurities.
I encourage you to examine your attitude toward service and the needs of the people in your lives. Because, if Moses never made the effort to examine the burning bush, our faith and our world could be in a different place.
Which of the three excuses do you struggle with? (You can answer with more than one)
What does that say about your reliance, trust, and/or prayer relationship with God?
Who encourages you the most in the act of service?
Other encouraging verses:
Ephesians 4:16
Romans 13:11-13
Philippians 4:13
Mark 12:41-44
- I Don’t have Time
- Someone else will volunteer
-OR-
- That’s Not what I do
Many of us revert to an early Moses or Jacob mentality, where we find ourselves fighting against God when it comes to service. We focus on our short comings to give us excuses not to make an effort. But if we look at the later actions of Moses and Jacob, we can see the convicting impact of all they did in our faith. So what’s the difference between these pillars of our faith and little old us?
In one word: Nothing
They were just as human as we are, had the same insecurities, same doubts, same worries, so how did they do it?
Well the church answer is faith, but we can break it down further into:
Reliance
Trust
-AND-
Prayer
Reliance, that God will provide the time and the opportunity to make an impact for God, and when I say impact that doesn’t have to mean the Hiroshima of revivals. But can often mean many small acts of faith putting a dent in the barriers that surround us.
Then there is trusting, that God values and will work through your efforts. At church on Sundays, I get so encouraged by a gentleman that sets up our pastor’s chair, table, and laptop. He is doing something so simple, most of us have no idea who he is, and yet he is instrumental to our pastor’s message. I know at times I would be lost without my notes or laptop, and I’m sure Pastor Gregg would say the same. So God works in that man every Sunday, and can do the same in you on a daily basis if you are willing.
And the last piece is Prayer, to ask and listen to His Guidance in our outward steps of Faith. EPH6:18 says , “And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests with this in mind, Be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.
I hope you make the effort to pray in your daily lives.
God will give each of us the courage, ability, and often the energy to step out in service. We just need to be aware of the needs that surround us and be willing to step away from our insecurities.
I encourage you to examine your attitude toward service and the needs of the people in your lives. Because, if Moses never made the effort to examine the burning bush, our faith and our world could be in a different place.
Which of the three excuses do you struggle with? (You can answer with more than one)
What does that say about your reliance, trust, and/or prayer relationship with God?
Who encourages you the most in the act of service?
Other encouraging verses:
Ephesians 4:16
Romans 13:11-13
Philippians 4:13
Mark 12:41-44
Labels: Spiritual Java
posted by Valerie at
9:44 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home