ARE YOU HERE TO SERVE OR BE SERVED?
“Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit do we have if we pray to Him?’” ~Job 21:15
Let’s take a moment to ask ourselves, and really consider, just what is being asked here. Think about it, mull it over, toss it around your brain, meditate on it.
Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? He is God. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the beginning and the end. He is the creator of heaven and earth. He separated the oceans from the dry land. He knows each and every one of us intimately because He formed us in the womb. He knows what we need, when we need it and before we even recognize our need for it. He is our help in times of trouble. He is our strength when we are weak. He is our living Redeemer. He is the Rock of our foundation. He is our loving Father, filled with mercy, grace, love, joy, abundance, peace, strength, wisdom, knowledge and so much more.
And what profit do we have if we pray to Him? OH, the benefits of praying to the Lord are endless! Prayer is what keeps us centered. Prayer is the most direct means of communication with God. Prayer is not one-sided, as some may think. There are quiet times of listening in prayer, just as there are moments of tears. Prayer brings us closer to our Father. Prayer allows us to see His glory more and more. Prayer can break down walls, loosen chains, free from bondage. Prayer can strengthen weak knees and lift hands that hang down. Prayer changes lives, empowers us to do what the Father has asked us to do, helps us to understand and discern His will for us as well as know what He doesn’t want. Prayer is placing trust in God.
Many of us sit in our Sunday services singing along or if we don’t feel like singing, listening to the praise and worship songs; we’ll hear a good sermon; agree with our pastor as he prays; say hello to friends and then leave and go about our day. We consider it a great day if our service was short enough to afford us the extra time to do everything we sat in church thinking about doing. Sound like you? If so, I’ve got news for you – you are growing pew-fat and expecting to be served rather than serve. Those of us that come to church out of habit or to make ourselves feel good are spiritually wasting away. If there is no application of God’s word throughout the week and no prayer to maintain the relationship; if there is no acknowledgement of God at any other time besides inside the church, how can we effectively serve the Lord? How can we effectually minister within the ministries that God has placed us? There are even some who don’t serve God in a ministry because it cuts into their time! Time was created by God for us, He can help with time management. How dare we call ourselves Christian if we can’t even follow Christ’s example?
If God has called you, and you call yourself by His name, but expect to be served rather than serve, then perhaps it’s about time that you sat in His presence and bowed before Him in prayer, recognizing that He is the Almighty and it is good to serve Him. Open up the bible that’s been sitting there, collecting dust on the coffee table, get into His word and learn who the author is. Repent, make a new commitment and keep your vow to serve Him.
Let’s Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we give You thanks and praise for blessing us with this day! This is the day that You have made, we will rejoice and be glad in it!!! You are the creator, the giver of life, our hope, our peace, our shelter! You are love, and You are faithful, full of grace and You are beautiful! Oh, to just sit in Your presence and gaze upon Your beautiful face! Father, it is our prayer that You forgive those that have grown fat, but are still spiritually starving. Father, renew their hearts and their love for You. Speak into their hearts, into their spirits, into their souls and may they have an unforgettable encounter with You that will bring revival into their lives. Father, there are many who are just going through the motions, expecting to sit back and let everyone else take care of what needs to be taken care of, may You place within their hearts a sense of urgency, a sense that they are missing something because they are not serving You with their whole heart. Draw them closer to You. May You assist with time management those who say they have no time, help them recognize where their priorities should be and remove from them that which is no longer something they need to spend time on. Father, we love You, we praise You, we give You glory and honor!!! In Jesus name, Amen.
Today’s Attitude of Worship: Take some time to reflect on who the Almighty is in your life; whether or not you attend your church to be served or to serve; if, when and how you apply the word of God to your life. If your relationship to God is not your highest priority and you only go through the motions of church, seek the face of the Lord. He will guide you, He will speak to you, and He will help you get back on His path in His perspective.
Additional Scriptures: Isaiah 29:13; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 19:24; Psalm 106:36; Matthew 20:28
Shalom,
Prudence
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