A Heart to Serve

Happy Sunday!

Pastor David Winston preached today since Dr. Bill Winston and the ministry team are in India.  His message was entitled, "A Heart to Serve".

The Presidential Election in the United States of America has caused many to create memes about Jesus returning.  They say among other things, "Come Lord Jesus",  But the Word of God tells us specifically what will usher in the return of our Lord.  Matthew 24:14 says, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."(KJV).  Did you get that?  It's the Gospel of the Kingdom being preached in all the world that will signal the return of Jesus!  Even Matthew 6:33 encourages us, "But seek ye first the KINGDOM of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."(KJV).   Another translation of this scripture says, "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."(Amplified).  So the Gospel of the Kingdom involves God's way of doing right and being right!

The Business of the Kingdom is SERVICE.  Throughout His earthly ministry Jesus consistently taught about service.  During that time the nation of Israel was under Roman rule.  Romans were known for their great political and social structure, their military accomplishments, and their brutality.  They could see a person along the road, and command that person to stop what they were doing, and carry their bags.  The law stated the person only had to carry the bags for one mile.  Jesus gave a Kingdom guideline in response to this situation.  Matthew 5:41 says, "If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two."(Living Bible).  OUCH!  Two miles, Jesus?  I don't even want to go around the copy machine for this person!  Service is not convenient!  Look at Jesus as our example.  When his cousin, John the Baptist was beheaded, Jesus said, "“Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.”(Mark 6:31, Living Bible).  But the multitude followed them.  Jesus didn't turn around to the people and say, "Don't you know my cousin was just killed!  I'm grieving!  Can't I just get a moment to myself?"   NO, NO, NO!  Jesus looked at them and saw them with compassion.  He loved them and he chose to serve them and not be Self-Serving.  Read it for yourself, it's in Mark 6:34.

What are the benefits of serving others?  Great question!  So glad you asked!  Pastor David Winston taught us that serving; Purifies our motives, Keeps us submitted to God, and Expands the Kingdom of God.  When we decide to serve, God's Love and Power flow through us to the world around us!  Jesus encouraged us to make disciples, not collect church members!  Don't get me wrong, we need the local church and the Word commands us to come together!  Hebrews 10:25 says, "We must not quit meeting together, as some are doing. No, we need to keep on encouraging each other. This becomes more and more important as you see the Day getting closer."(Easy-to-Read Version).  But Jesus wanted us to make disciples by, "Teaching them to observe ALL things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."(Matthew 28:20, KJV).  Are you familiar with McDonald's?  Their signs say that they have served billions of hamburgers to their customers.  The way we serve others tells a story about us!  How many have you served?   The Apostle Paul said, "Work hard and cheerfully at all you do, just as though you were working for the LORD and not merely for your masters,"(Living Bible).  Do you realize that no paycheck can ever equal your true value?  They really can't afford to pay you what you are worth!  But God can!  He will repay you for your service to others!  He even says in Proverbs 19:17, "When you help the poor you are lending to the Lord—and he pays wonderful interest on your loan!"(Living Bible).  

How can you serve others this week?  Glad you asked!  You always ask the best questions!  We can serve others by doing "Random Acts of Kindness", by doing something good for God, by doing something nice for  someone in your household or immediate family,  and by praying about how you can serve your local church.  Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."(KJV).  We love this verse, we probably learned it in Sunday School.  But did you know the word "wait" doesn't mean sitting on your gluteus maximus doing nothing!  It means waiting on God as a good server would do in a fine restaurant.  It means being prepared for the next request.  It means listening for God's instructions for you.  It may be simple.  He may say, "Treat that obnoxious co-worker to coffee today."  He may say, "Wash the dishes."   He may say, "Get to work on time."  The sky may not open up like the red sea, and you may not see a burning bush but serving opportunities are all around us!

Living a life of Service, looking for more opportunities to serve.  Love and prayers, Cynthia