"Serving: By The Book!"
Monday - Jesus Is Our Example
Mark 10:45
Mark gives us a look at Jesus that is uniquely different than the other Gospel writers. Matthew shows Jesus as Royalty, Luke points toward His humanity, and John highlights His divinity. Mark gives us the focus of Jesus’ coming to earth. That was to minister, and be an example of a minister {Phil. 2:6-8}. If Jesus came to minister, or to serve, then what must our posture be in this world that is diving headlong into destruction? We are to gird ourselves and prepare to minister/serve. Far too many Christians are standing around waiting for special favor, when our purpose is to minister to the lost. Let’s get our collective acts together and begin to serve.
Father, give me the insight and the courage to stand in the position of Jesus while I perform the services needed to save a lost soul today. Make "servant" my desire, not something to be shunned. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Tuesday - Foretold Of Old!
Zechariah 3:8
God never tries to sneak anything past us. If we search the Scriptures, we will find all the information we need on any given subject. God, in an effort to be fair, indicated to the prophet that the "Branch" would be a servant. Israel was to look for the "Branch, " to be a descendent of David, and a servant. This was difficult for them, for they desired a mighty man, someone cut from the same mold as David, a warrior. But Jesus came as a servant. We, many times, search for the majesty of Jesus, overlooking the humility of our Messiah. Jesus is the same man who raised the dead, healed the sick, confronted the agents of satan, and at the same time bowed Himself, girded with a towel, to wash the feet of the disciples. Are you strong enough, powerful enough, majestic enough to be a "servant?"
Father, help me, today, to understand the power of being a servant. All too often I misplace the majesty and the impact of being the minister, and not the ministered to. Move on my heart so that I might serve. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Wednesday - Deacons "R" Us!
Acts 6:1-7; I Timothy 3:10-13
The Greek word is "Diakonos!" It means servant, and we draw our English word "deacons" from it. One of the most important ministries in the church is that of the Deacon. In the early church, there was a conflict between the Hebrew and Grecian widows. The Apostles directed the people to select seven men who would serve as "servants" to these widows. They were to assist in meeting the physical needs of these women so the Apostles could devote their time to study and prayer. Being a servant allows those chosen to do other tasks to perform as God has directed them. Many times there are no curtain calls, no awards, sometimes not even a "thank you," but God sees and knows all. After all, He sent His Son to serve us. His Son has promised some wonderful things to those who follow His "servant" example. Serve on!
Father, remind me that there might be no glory for me as a servant on this side of Glory. Remind me that You are keeping a record and my reward is on the other side waiting. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Thursday - Choice of Masters
Matthew 6:24
Choices, choices, choices! One would think that choosing who to serve would easy. There are basically two sides to choose from: Good, and Evil! However, there are times when we find ourselves following the wrong leader. In his details, Matthew states that when we find ourselves attempting to serve two, we tend to dislike one, and cling to the other. This means one master will not get the quality service God wants us to give our masters. Selecting who to serve, what need to meet, or what category to cast your lot with, requires that you determine what God would desire. A good servant always keeps his master’s desires first and foremost. Did you select a definite master yesterday? What kind of quality did that master receive from you? Will you select that master today? Is God that master? Interesting questions, eh?
Father, choosing for me is not always easy. Please, Lord, direct me in such a fashion that I select You and none other. That way all I do will be pleasing to You because I am following Your lead. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Friday - Honor In Serving
John 12:25-26
We live in a world that frowns on the idea of being someone else’s servant. And, as good as it sounds, we find it difficult to be servants, even in the church. Christ points to some difficult thoughts here. We must choose whether we will sacrifice our lives in this life [Romans 12:1-2], and prefer the eternal [life] over the temporal. Christ further states that serving Him means following Him, and following Him means He has a place where for you, and ultimately, His Father will honor those who follow and serve Him as servant. Jesus, the epitome of service, promises a special reward for those who follow Him as a servant. Servants don’t get a lot of accolades here, but are we living for the here and now, or for eternal life? Remember Jesus says His Father will honor us. God, Himself, will say loud and clear: "Well done My good and faithful servant!"
Father, show me where I am to serve. I need to get busy! Amen
Saturday - Everyone Can Serve
Romans 16:1
In our contemporary society, the church has to choose whether it will be divinely directed, or politically correct. God has positioned the genders in His order, but that does not mean we all cannot serve as needed. Paul sends a letter to the church at Rome and commends a young lady by the name of Phoebe. It is believed that she carried a letter for Paul to Rome. There are no little jobs in the Kingdom. Every position is important and must be taken seriously. No matter who you are, or where you are, if you woke up this morning, God had a job for you. No matter your gender, age, race, nationality, ability or inability, He wants you to do something. Ask Him and follow through. Being a servant is its own reward.
Father, if You can use anyone, You can use me. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Sunday - When, Where, How, and To Whom?
Matthew 25:35-40
Someone is going to ask, "Who do I help? When do I help, where, and how?" Again, Matthew comes to our rescue. As we read this list of possible opportunities to serve, we find they are simple and every day things. Nothing too elaborate. God doesn’t ask us to heal the sick, or raise the dead. He takes care of that. He only wants us to meet those needs we see. Consider the list then determine to follow through on at least one. Being a servant isn’t difficult, just needed. When will you start?
Father, now that I know, I ask that You put me to work. In His name, Amen
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