Theme: Love Serves
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Hosanna (Praise Is Rising) - Paul Baloche, Run - Hillsong, Cannons - Phil Whickam, 'til I See You - Hillsong
Read: Psalm 23:1-61; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Think: On Sunday Pastor Nick talked to us about ‘Love serving’. As Nick was speaking on Sunday I thought Jesus’ plan was the perfect remedy for compassion burnout- which means, we are oftenly hit by so many emotional and stressful events that we feel unable to help. This kind of helplessness often leads to us doing nothing it all.
Jesus wants to heal those enduring hardships but He also wants to heal us from the feeling of helplessness. Many people know the 23rd Psalm but how often do we notice that the wording is such that He “makes” us lie down in places of rest, green pastures with fresh waters when it all gets too much to handle.
When we are serving God we all have different tasks to do, some smaller than others but equally important and to God and He will always make sure we have the rest we need to do the job He gives us. Only by resting in Him, allowing others to minister to us and following His lead can we serve with God’s heart and not burnout under our own strength.
Sometimes it is hard to either feel our service is enough, especially when we are a less mature Christian than others but the joy of serving God is that He has different tasks for each of us- ideally suited to where we are in life. One of my most precious gifts from a friend was to have her watch my colicky baby while my husband was away so I could shower without hearing him crying….. to her it was nothing and took no longer than 30minutes but for me it was a huge blessing during a difficult time. Afterwards I felt cared for and blessed.
Do: Take a moment to think about where you serve God and think about how it affects people it touches. Remember it may be valued more by those who receive it than those who give it. Also think about someone who has served God and blessed you, if possible take a few moments over the next few days to let them know how appreciated it was and is.
Pray: Lord, Thank you that you give us Your strength to meet the need we aim to serve and the blessing of encouragement from others as they follow You. Please help us remain aware of the needs around us as we go about our day to day lives.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.