Ps 35:27
…may they always say, "The LORD be exalted,
who delights in the well-being of his servant.
When we serve God is delighted. I don’t think it is the magnitude of what we do as much as it is we are just doing something. Christians are held back if they sit around and wait for God to tell them what to do in service. If you can’t think of anything start simple. Fill a cooler up with ice and bottled water and hand it out to people who are panhandling. Everybody can use some cool water. (Matthew 10:42)
Pray for incentive from God to get serving.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
John 4:27-39 Bible Study
the woman at the well experiences freedom and honesty before God
Jesus knows us
Jesus knows us
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
green
Psalm 8:6
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
The created world is neither random nor meaningless. While some people might say they disagree with this, my hunch is they live as if it is true. They probably have checking accounts and insurance to say the least.
So, to care for the world takes a strategy that we humans live out in many different ways, from family to government and so on. Christians just happen to trust that God wants us to care for the world with love and justice. We are not called to worship nature nor exploit it. Who would have thought that the best, true, environmentalists could turn out to be normal followers of Jesus?
Where can you improve your own environmental sensitivity? Pray for guidance in this.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
putting all things under their authority—
The created world is neither random nor meaningless. While some people might say they disagree with this, my hunch is they live as if it is true. They probably have checking accounts and insurance to say the least.
So, to care for the world takes a strategy that we humans live out in many different ways, from family to government and so on. Christians just happen to trust that God wants us to care for the world with love and justice. We are not called to worship nature nor exploit it. Who would have thought that the best, true, environmentalists could turn out to be normal followers of Jesus?
Where can you improve your own environmental sensitivity? Pray for guidance in this.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
responsible
Nehemiah 5:15
15 The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way.
When those in authority exploit their positions for their own pure gain, they are not serving, they are embezzling from God. God transforms criminals; he doesn’t assist them in their life of crime.
Pray for justice from those who have fiscal responsibility in our government.
15 The former governors, in contrast, had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides forty pieces of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because I feared God, I did not act that way.
When those in authority exploit their positions for their own pure gain, they are not serving, they are embezzling from God. God transforms criminals; he doesn’t assist them in their life of crime.
Pray for justice from those who have fiscal responsibility in our government.
Monday, January 28, 2008
serve
1 Kings 3:9
9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
In order to serve God we need God. This is different from the way we usually do things. Normally to serve means to fulfill a need that someone has for service. With God there is no need. He wants us to serve so others will be blessed, not him. He wants us to grow while we serve. We are never able to serve others the way God would have us serve on our own. That’s why for those who are open to his power, God shows up.
Pray for God to show you a new area of service.
9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
In order to serve God we need God. This is different from the way we usually do things. Normally to serve means to fulfill a need that someone has for service. With God there is no need. He wants us to serve so others will be blessed, not him. He wants us to grow while we serve. We are never able to serve others the way God would have us serve on our own. That’s why for those who are open to his power, God shows up.
Pray for God to show you a new area of service.
Friday, January 25, 2008
serve together
2 Sam 11:11
Uriah replied, “The Ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents, and Joab and my master’s men are camping in the open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife? I swear that I would never do such a thing.”
God’s leaders are servants. Just like Jesus. They share the life of the community along with others on the team. They don’t separate themselves and have standards for the team they aren’t willing to follow themselves. Leaders don’t ask people to do what they aren’t willing to do.
Pray for ways to join with others in service.
Uriah replied, “The Ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents, and Joab and my master’s men are camping in the open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife? I swear that I would never do such a thing.”
God’s leaders are servants. Just like Jesus. They share the life of the community along with others on the team. They don’t separate themselves and have standards for the team they aren’t willing to follow themselves. Leaders don’t ask people to do what they aren’t willing to do.
Pray for ways to join with others in service.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
risk
2 Sam 7:8
8 “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel.’”
When we see God’s hand behind what we are already doing we are willing to stretch and accomplish way more than we thought possible. Don’t be surprised, however, when the willingness comes first. Many times when we come to that place in our faith journey when we have a willingness to risk, God showing up follows it. This is the way it works.
Where do you need to take more risks for the Lord?
8 “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel.’”
When we see God’s hand behind what we are already doing we are willing to stretch and accomplish way more than we thought possible. Don’t be surprised, however, when the willingness comes first. Many times when we come to that place in our faith journey when we have a willingness to risk, God showing up follows it. This is the way it works.
Where do you need to take more risks for the Lord?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
mutual
1 Sam 25:41
41 She bowed low to the ground and responded, “I, your servant, would be happy to marry David. I would even be willing to become a slave, washing the feet of his servants!”
This doesn’t sound like much of an acceptance of a marriage proposal! Marrying a king has some interesting connotations. However, to be mutually serving each other is a solid principle to live out in any marriage. When each spouse focuses on the other spouse’s strengths and encourages him or her to build on them.
Pray for two married couples you know to be strengthened.
41 She bowed low to the ground and responded, “I, your servant, would be happy to marry David. I would even be willing to become a slave, washing the feet of his servants!”
This doesn’t sound like much of an acceptance of a marriage proposal! Marrying a king has some interesting connotations. However, to be mutually serving each other is a solid principle to live out in any marriage. When each spouse focuses on the other spouse’s strengths and encourages him or her to build on them.
Pray for two married couples you know to be strengthened.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
John 4:1-26 Bible Study
Jesus offers freedom from everything that keeps us from being our best true self
the Samaritan woman at the well
the Samaritan woman at the well
build
1 Sam 22:14
14 “But sir,” Ahimelech replied, “is anyone among all your servants as faithful as David, your son-in-law? Why, he is the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household!
Loyalty is absolutely essential when we serve God together. I have to trust you have my best interests at heart, and you have to trust the same about me. This doesn’t mean we will always agree. We will focus on a common key mission and encourage each other to build on our strengths that will help further that mission.
Who do you need to develop more trust with? Do.
14 “But sir,” Ahimelech replied, “is anyone among all your servants as faithful as David, your son-in-law? Why, he is the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household!
Loyalty is absolutely essential when we serve God together. I have to trust you have my best interests at heart, and you have to trust the same about me. This doesn’t mean we will always agree. We will focus on a common key mission and encourage each other to build on our strengths that will help further that mission.
Who do you need to develop more trust with? Do.
Monday, January 21, 2008
results
1 Sam 18:5
5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.
When it comes to serving the Lord, faithfulness is essential. Follow through is critical. But what about success? Results are in the hands of God. We are not in charge of results.
However, lack of success can mean many things besides waiting for God’s timing. Maybe you don’t have a passion for that ministry. It isn’t what God intends for you to be doing in the first place. You need more equipping to be effective.
What is a key area you can work on this year?
5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.
When it comes to serving the Lord, faithfulness is essential. Follow through is critical. But what about success? Results are in the hands of God. We are not in charge of results.
However, lack of success can mean many things besides waiting for God’s timing. Maybe you don’t have a passion for that ministry. It isn’t what God intends for you to be doing in the first place. You need more equipping to be effective.
What is a key area you can work on this year?
Friday, January 18, 2008
loyal
1 Samuel 16:21-22
21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, "Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him."
When we serve those who lead, we serve God. In David’s case, it means even serving a leader (Saul) who is less than admirable. We aren’t the ones to decide to only serve people we agree with. If our service leads to sin, we can choose not to, but we must be willing to suffer the consequences.
Pray for government officials you tend to disagree with.
21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, "Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him."
When we serve those who lead, we serve God. In David’s case, it means even serving a leader (Saul) who is less than admirable. We aren’t the ones to decide to only serve people we agree with. If our service leads to sin, we can choose not to, but we must be willing to suffer the consequences.
Pray for government officials you tend to disagree with.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
respect
1 Samuel 12:24
24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Serving God is an all out effort. It certainly includes total respect and, yes, even a fear of letting him down. I sense a deep connection to God, but I am never laid back like we are buddies. I can be a friend of Jesus, but I can’t forget he is my creator after all.
How can you connect more intentionally with Jesus today?
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Wednesday, January 16, 2008
John 3:14-30 Bible Study
What is God's plan for the world?
What is your purpose in God's plan?
Dana explores the most popular verse in the Bible in context
What is your purpose in God's plan?
Dana explores the most popular verse in the Bible in context
seek
1 Samuel 3:9
9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' "
At this point, Samuel didn’t even know God. Eli is wise to teach Samuel it is still his responsibility to make himself available to God, even if he doesn’t trust in him, yet. Actually, the very act of calling himself a “servant.” is an indication that trust is coming.
Pray for people you know who are seeking faith.
9 So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' "
At this point, Samuel didn’t even know God. Eli is wise to teach Samuel it is still his responsibility to make himself available to God, even if he doesn’t trust in him, yet. Actually, the very act of calling himself a “servant.” is an indication that trust is coming.
Pray for people you know who are seeking faith.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
reward
Ruth 2:12
12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
We don’t serve in order to be rewarded by God. We don’t have to. Through Jesus, we are already fully loved and accepted by God when we realize we are fully loved and accepted by God. We are rewarded when serving, however. How can we not help feel a sense of “well done” when we totally give ourselves for the sake of others?
Pray for God to guide you to a new avenue of service.
12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
We don’t serve in order to be rewarded by God. We don’t have to. Through Jesus, we are already fully loved and accepted by God when we realize we are fully loved and accepted by God. We are rewarded when serving, however. How can we not help feel a sense of “well done” when we totally give ourselves for the sake of others?
Pray for God to guide you to a new avenue of service.
Monday, January 14, 2008
choose
Joshua 24:15
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
To serve God is always a choice. Even within families it is a choice. If you have a spouse or children, they are ultimately responsible for their own faith.
However, with children, before they are old enough to decide for themselves, you speak for them when it comes to God. If Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, you want to help them connect with Jesus any way you can. What kind of monster would keep this gift away from their kids? Best place to start is to model the faith yourself.
Pray for parents to nurture the faith of their children.
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
To serve God is always a choice. Even within families it is a choice. If you have a spouse or children, they are ultimately responsible for their own faith.
However, with children, before they are old enough to decide for themselves, you speak for them when it comes to God. If Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, you want to help them connect with Jesus any way you can. What kind of monster would keep this gift away from their kids? Best place to start is to model the faith yourself.
Pray for parents to nurture the faith of their children.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
staying in the city
is God calling you to live in the city?
even if it feels like exile in Babylon?
well...
even if it feels like exile in Babylon?
well...
Saturday, January 12, 2008
focus
Deuteronomy 10:12
12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
To fear (awesome respect), follow, and love God, you serve him completely. One out of three, or two out of three doesn’t work the way God intends. Focus, action, and affection toward God brings meaning, purpose and joy.
Pray for God to immerse you with his glory.
12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,
To fear (awesome respect), follow, and love God, you serve him completely. One out of three, or two out of three doesn’t work the way God intends. Focus, action, and affection toward God brings meaning, purpose and joy.
Pray for God to immerse you with his glory.
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About Me
- Dana
- Pastor from LIFEhouse Church in Northridge CA, focusing on the theme, "How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk."
