Thursday July 30, 2009
I am busy. Don’t bother me. Are we really “busy”, or are we just busybodies? In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he says, “We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.” (2 Thess. 3:11)
I am challenged by the thought of using each moment of the day in a way that serves the people around me. Take hold of the challenge today of turning “busyness” into being busy SERVING God and those He has placed around us. It might mean just “re-posturing” our heart in what we do. Our work might be a service to our community or to specific individuals but to us it has become, “busyness”. As the Lord changes our heart the difference might simply be a smile, a new level of energy and anticipation that we put into what we are doing.
Prayer: Lord, open my eyes to opportunities for serving that are all around me. Amen
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
A CALL TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVING
Wednesday July 28, 2009
Christ has a lot to say about SERVING. There are several examples to draw from as well. The following encounter recorded in Matthew’s Gospel gives us a strong challenge in the way that we approach serving. Today, let’s open up our hearts and evaluate our motives as we serve.
Matthew 20:20-28
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus calls us to the highest level of serving. We are too often tempted to serve in ways that gain us recognition in the eyes of those around us. Another temptation that we are faced with is, we will serve when it is comfortable or convenient. In Paul’s letter to the Romans he says, “Each of us should please his neighbor for his own good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please Himself.”
Take some time today to evaluate your motives in serving and pray for the strength and the heart to serve in ways that Christ has called us to serve.
Prayer: Lord, penetrate deep into my heart today and reveal the true motives of my heart. Open my eyes to the needs around me and guide me into serving where you would have me to serve. Amen
Christ has a lot to say about SERVING. There are several examples to draw from as well. The following encounter recorded in Matthew’s Gospel gives us a strong challenge in the way that we approach serving. Today, let’s open up our hearts and evaluate our motives as we serve.
Matthew 20:20-28
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus calls us to the highest level of serving. We are too often tempted to serve in ways that gain us recognition in the eyes of those around us. Another temptation that we are faced with is, we will serve when it is comfortable or convenient. In Paul’s letter to the Romans he says, “Each of us should please his neighbor for his own good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please Himself.”
Take some time today to evaluate your motives in serving and pray for the strength and the heart to serve in ways that Christ has called us to serve.
Prayer: Lord, penetrate deep into my heart today and reveal the true motives of my heart. Open my eyes to the needs around me and guide me into serving where you would have me to serve. Amen
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Serving with our Hands in the Workplace
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Have you ever done something only because you knew you were being watched? We fail to stop and realize that God is always watching us. Our highest calling is to honor Him, not man. The incredible part of doing that is, our workmanship and our demeanor will surprise the people we “work for” from day to day.
Today, think about ways that you can serve, with your hands, those you work for. Take some time to read through the third chapter of Colossians and meditate on the verses below.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
Serve a co-worker today by cleaning up their workspace for them. Buy them a pop or lunch or… Remember, it is for the Lord, not for man. Share your ideas with others by posting them below.
Prayer: It is our desire to honor you, LORD, in all that we do and say. Be my help today as I strive to serve those around me with my hands, in Jesus Name. Amen
Have you ever done something only because you knew you were being watched? We fail to stop and realize that God is always watching us. Our highest calling is to honor Him, not man. The incredible part of doing that is, our workmanship and our demeanor will surprise the people we “work for” from day to day.
Today, think about ways that you can serve, with your hands, those you work for. Take some time to read through the third chapter of Colossians and meditate on the verses below.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
Serve a co-worker today by cleaning up their workspace for them. Buy them a pop or lunch or… Remember, it is for the Lord, not for man. Share your ideas with others by posting them below.
Prayer: It is our desire to honor you, LORD, in all that we do and say. Be my help today as I strive to serve those around me with my hands, in Jesus Name. Amen
Monday, July 27, 2009
Hands Extended to our Family
Monday, July 27, 2009
As we continue to look at the theme of “SERVING”, this week I want to draw our attention to, “SERVING WITH OUR HANDS”.
Yesterday, the sermon focused on having a heart fixed on Christ. We learned how that heart shapes our words to SERVE in a Christ honoring way. With the same heart our actions are also shaped in a Christ honoring way. What does Scripture teach us about what that looks like in our day to day lives? That will be our focus this week.
Let’s begin right in our own homes. How can we use our hands to serve those we love most? We have learned that meaningful touch is important in relationships especially in the home. Parents, take the time daily to give your children several hugs throughout the day. Do the same with your spouse. Take time to use your hands to play games, to help with chores…
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 5:22-6:4
Take some time to reflect on these verses and consider ways that you can serve your family this week with your hands. Be creative. Take time to post ways that you think of. Your ideas may help someone else Extend their Hands to their family in a new and meaningful way.
Prayer: Lord, this week we want to surrender our hands to you to be used in ways that honor you and those around us that you have called us to serve. Amen
As we continue to look at the theme of “SERVING”, this week I want to draw our attention to, “SERVING WITH OUR HANDS”.
Yesterday, the sermon focused on having a heart fixed on Christ. We learned how that heart shapes our words to SERVE in a Christ honoring way. With the same heart our actions are also shaped in a Christ honoring way. What does Scripture teach us about what that looks like in our day to day lives? That will be our focus this week.
Let’s begin right in our own homes. How can we use our hands to serve those we love most? We have learned that meaningful touch is important in relationships especially in the home. Parents, take the time daily to give your children several hugs throughout the day. Do the same with your spouse. Take time to use your hands to play games, to help with chores…
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 5:22-6:4
Take some time to reflect on these verses and consider ways that you can serve your family this week with your hands. Be creative. Take time to post ways that you think of. Your ideas may help someone else Extend their Hands to their family in a new and meaningful way.
Prayer: Lord, this week we want to surrender our hands to you to be used in ways that honor you and those around us that you have called us to serve. Amen
Friday, July 24, 2009
Words offered in Prayer
Friday, July 24
We have looked this week at ways that we can serve God and others with our words, (Words that encourage and build up, words that teach and words that express our worship to God). Our final focus for this week will be on WORDS spoken in PRAYER. Paul’s letter to Timothy carries instructions to believers in Ephesus where Timothy was located at the time.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. I Timothy 2:1
Paul places a strong emphasis on the importance of prayer. It must take priority over every thing else that we do. If we take this instruction to heart, will it make a difference in the effectiveness of the other uses of our words that we have looked at this week?
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for our prayerlessness. Prompt us throughout this day to stop what we are doing and pray.
We have looked this week at ways that we can serve God and others with our words, (Words that encourage and build up, words that teach and words that express our worship to God). Our final focus for this week will be on WORDS spoken in PRAYER. Paul’s letter to Timothy carries instructions to believers in Ephesus where Timothy was located at the time.
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. I Timothy 2:1
Paul places a strong emphasis on the importance of prayer. It must take priority over every thing else that we do. If we take this instruction to heart, will it make a difference in the effectiveness of the other uses of our words that we have looked at this week?
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for our prayerlessness. Prompt us throughout this day to stop what we are doing and pray.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Words that Worship
Thursday, July 23
With words we express our excitement about things that happen in our lives. The birth of a new child, a promotion at work, our favorite team just won the playoffs and on and on goes the list of things that can cause excitement in us that makes us want to tell someone.
Take some time today to tell God how much you love Him. Reflect on the goodness of God in your life, then open your mouth and speak, out loud, your praise and worship to Him.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied
as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
Psalm 63:2-5
Words are a big part of our everyday life. Today, as we take time to worship God with our words of praise to Him, let us also worship Him in the words that we speak to others, words that will bless and encourage, not tear down and destroy.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,
and with it we curse men,
who have been made in God’s likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.
My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:9-10
Prayer: Lord, I will worship You with my words today. Amen
With words we express our excitement about things that happen in our lives. The birth of a new child, a promotion at work, our favorite team just won the playoffs and on and on goes the list of things that can cause excitement in us that makes us want to tell someone.
Take some time today to tell God how much you love Him. Reflect on the goodness of God in your life, then open your mouth and speak, out loud, your praise and worship to Him.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied
as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
Psalm 63:2-5
Words are a big part of our everyday life. Today, as we take time to worship God with our words of praise to Him, let us also worship Him in the words that we speak to others, words that will bless and encourage, not tear down and destroy.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,
and with it we curse men,
who have been made in God’s likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.
My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:9-10
Prayer: Lord, I will worship You with my words today. Amen
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Words that Teach
You have heard the statement, “You learn something new every day.” There is probably a lot of truth in that statement. In light of that statement, what are you contributing to the learning of those around you? You might be tempted to say, “I don’t have anything to contribute.” There is something in all of our lives that can contribute to the learning of others.
Today, I want to remind us that our words are used to TEACH. Proverbs highlights for us the good of receiving and giving instruction.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction.
Proverbs 16:20-21
Deuteronomy reminds us that we have a responsibility to teach others those things that God has taught us. “Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9
Share with someone else a new insight or a lesson that God has taught you recently from the Bible or from life. Be in tune to what others are saying as well. Who knows, you might “Learn something new today!”
Prayer: LORD, you are the master teacher. Thank you for the Word that you have given us to live and grow by each day. Be our helper today as we strive to be a conduit of that knowledge to others. Amen
Today, I want to remind us that our words are used to TEACH. Proverbs highlights for us the good of receiving and giving instruction.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction.
Proverbs 16:20-21
Deuteronomy reminds us that we have a responsibility to teach others those things that God has taught us. “Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9
Share with someone else a new insight or a lesson that God has taught you recently from the Bible or from life. Be in tune to what others are saying as well. Who knows, you might “Learn something new today!”
Prayer: LORD, you are the master teacher. Thank you for the Word that you have given us to live and grow by each day. Be our helper today as we strive to be a conduit of that knowledge to others. Amen
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Words that Build
For Tuesday July 21
Bethany, my granddaughter, likes to play with a stack of hollow building blocks that stack inside of each other. When I get down on the floor to play with her I like to stack the blocks on top of each other. Bethany’s favorite part is to knock them down.
Yesterday we were challenged to take inventory of our words, knowing that they have the power to pierce or to bring healing, to build up or to tear down. Today, let’s specifically consider ways that we can serve others with our words by BUILDING them up and not tearing them down. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” We all know that we don’t have to go too far or listen too hard to hear mean and hurtful words that are spoken daily to others. What a challenge we have to guard our speech from being influenced by the conversations around us each day.
Take a hold of the challenge today to not only guard our tongues from speaking “down” to those around us but to intentionally speak words that will “encourage” and “build up” those around us today. Do you know someone that struggles with a low sense of self-worth? Can you begin to make a difference in that person’s life today by sharing words that will build them up? Have you consistently spoken to your child or spouse or co-worker, or… and found that they have built a shell around themselves that you can’t get inside of? Begin today to serve them with your words that BUILD and not tear down. It may take some time but you may be surprised by the doors that will open up. Submerse your words in prayer. They possess power to shape the lives of those that we speak to.
Prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Amen
Bethany, my granddaughter, likes to play with a stack of hollow building blocks that stack inside of each other. When I get down on the floor to play with her I like to stack the blocks on top of each other. Bethany’s favorite part is to knock them down.
Yesterday we were challenged to take inventory of our words, knowing that they have the power to pierce or to bring healing, to build up or to tear down. Today, let’s specifically consider ways that we can serve others with our words by BUILDING them up and not tearing them down. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” We all know that we don’t have to go too far or listen too hard to hear mean and hurtful words that are spoken daily to others. What a challenge we have to guard our speech from being influenced by the conversations around us each day.
Take a hold of the challenge today to not only guard our tongues from speaking “down” to those around us but to intentionally speak words that will “encourage” and “build up” those around us today. Do you know someone that struggles with a low sense of self-worth? Can you begin to make a difference in that person’s life today by sharing words that will build them up? Have you consistently spoken to your child or spouse or co-worker, or… and found that they have built a shell around themselves that you can’t get inside of? Begin today to serve them with your words that BUILD and not tear down. It may take some time but you may be surprised by the doors that will open up. Submerse your words in prayer. They possess power to shape the lives of those that we speak to.
Prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Amen
Monday, July 20, 2009
Piercing or Healing?
For Monday, July 20
Yesterday we heard a timely message on TRUST. We are going to focus on SERVICE over the next few weeks. Our TRUST in God equips us to most effectively serve. How? True sacrificial service to those in the world around us makes us vulnerable and open to attack from those who do not understand our motives. We must be walking in complete TRUST and know our heart or we might hear words coming off our lips that would bring harm and destruction rather than good.
This week our focus will be on “Serving with our Words”. Let’s trust God to guide the words that flow from our lips so that they serve those we speak to and that God be honored through them. Read the following scriptures that focus on the harmful way that words can be used.
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:7-10
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:18
Reflect and share with others how the wrong words can get in the way of us effectively serving others.
Prayer: “LORD, set a guard over my tongue today. Let my words serve those around me who hear them.” AMEN!
Yesterday we heard a timely message on TRUST. We are going to focus on SERVICE over the next few weeks. Our TRUST in God equips us to most effectively serve. How? True sacrificial service to those in the world around us makes us vulnerable and open to attack from those who do not understand our motives. We must be walking in complete TRUST and know our heart or we might hear words coming off our lips that would bring harm and destruction rather than good.
This week our focus will be on “Serving with our Words”. Let’s trust God to guide the words that flow from our lips so that they serve those we speak to and that God be honored through them. Read the following scriptures that focus on the harmful way that words can be used.
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:7-10
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Proverbs 12:18
Reflect and share with others how the wrong words can get in the way of us effectively serving others.
Prayer: “LORD, set a guard over my tongue today. Let my words serve those around me who hear them.” AMEN!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Let's ...Get the Job Done!
Alex Haley had a picture in his office of a frog sitting on a fence post. When he was asked, “why do you have a picture of a frog sitting on a fence post”, his response was, it reminds me that I did not get to where I am all by myself. In life it takes the knowledge, the skill and the participation of many to do something well. Whether it is the building of a structure, the putting together of a large event, shaping a program that effectively addresses a need in the world or the formation of a single Christ honoring life, it takes the mind, the will and the courage of many to do it well. I recently read an article about Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. The writer said, “In the four decades since Neil Armstrong became a household name, he has also increasingly become an enigma, a ‘reluctant hero’.” It is said that Neil Armstrong could have been extremely wealthy if he had chosen to spend more time in the eye of the public. An auction house said, “If Armstrong spent just one afternoon signing autographs he could make a million dollars, but he always refused.” Why did he refuse to be the center of so much attention? When asked, Armstrong said there were 400,000 people that worked on that [Moon landing] program in various different ways and he thinks he did not deserve all the credit just because he did the flying part.
There are some principles for life that stand out in this story. First, let me re-iterate what I have already said, “If we choose to be a lone ranger in life we will miss out on opportunities to pour ourselves into something great as well as the opportunity to invest into the lives of others.” We will also miss out on something greater that God wants to do in our own lives. There is so much work in life to be done and you have been gifted to help out in some way. Part of that work is just in going to work everyday, being an example of Christ to those who work alongside of you then coming home at night to love your spouse and your children in ways that “build” them up and honors Christ.
The second principle that shouts at us is the truth that humility needs to be reflected in our lives if we are going to maximize the results for what we do. Just as soon as we begin to feel a bit prideful we shut ourselves off from others and the greater wisdom that we may have gained. Many leaders in history have brought tremendous harm and destruction on those around them because they chose to do things their way. Many others have invoked much good because they were willing to humbly solicit the wisdom of many and do what was right. In an unsolicited speech that President Ronald Reagan gave to a group of candidates running for congress in 1988 he responded to the several complements they had shared with him. In a humble manner he said, “I don’t think I did anything. The American people decided to “right” the ship and I was the captain they put on the bridge when they did it.” As we faithfully live out our daily lives, be guarded against any temptation that would say, “I deserve better than this.” Serve in the way that Christ has served us.
The last principle that I want to highlight is that of “doing our part”. Embrace the courage and the willingness to get our hands dirty in order to get the job done. The frog would not have made it to the top of the fence post without the help of someone getting him there. We would have not made it to the moon if someone had not been willing to get into the spaceship and fly it. We would not have experienced the positive economic changes in the 80’s without a leader that would humbly listen to the wishes of the country and embrace the courage to lead for change.
Embrace the truth that God wants to use you to accomplish great things. Don’t try it alone. It leaves an empty feeling in the end. Let’s think together, work together and pray together and …get the job done.” Read Ephesians 3:7-13!
Keep on keeping on,
Pastor Phil
There are some principles for life that stand out in this story. First, let me re-iterate what I have already said, “If we choose to be a lone ranger in life we will miss out on opportunities to pour ourselves into something great as well as the opportunity to invest into the lives of others.” We will also miss out on something greater that God wants to do in our own lives. There is so much work in life to be done and you have been gifted to help out in some way. Part of that work is just in going to work everyday, being an example of Christ to those who work alongside of you then coming home at night to love your spouse and your children in ways that “build” them up and honors Christ.
The second principle that shouts at us is the truth that humility needs to be reflected in our lives if we are going to maximize the results for what we do. Just as soon as we begin to feel a bit prideful we shut ourselves off from others and the greater wisdom that we may have gained. Many leaders in history have brought tremendous harm and destruction on those around them because they chose to do things their way. Many others have invoked much good because they were willing to humbly solicit the wisdom of many and do what was right. In an unsolicited speech that President Ronald Reagan gave to a group of candidates running for congress in 1988 he responded to the several complements they had shared with him. In a humble manner he said, “I don’t think I did anything. The American people decided to “right” the ship and I was the captain they put on the bridge when they did it.” As we faithfully live out our daily lives, be guarded against any temptation that would say, “I deserve better than this.” Serve in the way that Christ has served us.
The last principle that I want to highlight is that of “doing our part”. Embrace the courage and the willingness to get our hands dirty in order to get the job done. The frog would not have made it to the top of the fence post without the help of someone getting him there. We would have not made it to the moon if someone had not been willing to get into the spaceship and fly it. We would not have experienced the positive economic changes in the 80’s without a leader that would humbly listen to the wishes of the country and embrace the courage to lead for change.
Embrace the truth that God wants to use you to accomplish great things. Don’t try it alone. It leaves an empty feeling in the end. Let’s think together, work together and pray together and …get the job done.” Read Ephesians 3:7-13!
Keep on keeping on,
Pastor Phil
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