Daily Devotional: Thursday, Dec 3
Speaker: Greg Rohlinger
Theme: Whatever it Takes
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Salvation is Here by Hillsong United; Run by Hillsong United; You'll Come by Hillsong United; Unfailing Love by Chris Tomlin.
Read: Matthew 23:5; Philippians 2:1-8
Think: Pastor Ben has been speaking lately about the Dangerous Church... and what we want for our church! A place where the grace shown to us by our Lord and Savior is readily shown and granted to each other. A place where all are wanted and all are needed. A place where Jesus is the hero and not ourselves. Where Jesus is lifted up, and we are all willing to serve one another and the world. One of the quotes from Ben on a recent weekend really hit me between the eyes:
"Be very cautious of people who are eager to lead but unwilling to serve"...see Matthew 23:5.
Jesus, Son of God, was himself a servant. It bears repeating, Jesus Son of God, was himself a servant. Think about that; this is certainly not the leadership model that is often taught or ascribed to in the regular world. That alone should give us pause for thought. I love how Jesus calls us to a radically different life; the contrast could not be clearer; be willing to put YOUR LIFE aside and put others before you (Philippians 2:1-8). Jesus always sought to do the will of his Father who sent him.
Maybe you are like me and at times fall into the trap of doing the right things for the wrong reasons. These might even look like servanthood, but when I turn the mirror on myself and examine carefully, I find that my motives were sometimes more about glorifying myself than serving others and glorifying my Savior. God wants my service for sure, but most of all he wants me to love him with my whole heart, put that first and the service he asks of us will follow.
Do: Seek the Lord with all your heart. As Ben has been challenging us each week, say yes to Him before you know the question. Follow Him before you know the assignment. Serve others as the Lord directs.
Pray: Heavenly Father you have called us to a radically different life, a life where others are served before us, a life where you are lifted up and glorified. Help me this day to put my life and my plans aside and serve those you have placed in my path. I love you with all my heart. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church. |
