Something to Think About

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 NKJV

These verses are not about our salvation. They are about the quality of our service to the Lord and the rewards we will or will not receive for our service. Are we working in our own power and might, or are we following the Holy Spirit's direction? It will be very clear on the Day. God knows the motives of our hearts and that is what will be judged. 

Are we making the most of the opportunities we have to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we responding in obedience to Him?  Something to think about...

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for Your Word! Help us to understand it fully and live our lives accordingly, by Your mercy and grace and with Your power and strength. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

In Service

Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
Romans 15:1-2 The Message

We love to quote Scriptures about being strong, such as Ephesians 6:10 - Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. And Isaiah 40:29 - He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Perhaps one of the most favorite ones to quote - Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. However, the great Truth contained in our Promise for Today keeps echoing in my Spirit - Strength is for service, not status. I believe it is the nuts and bolts of our Christianity.

Yes, love is the driving force behind all we do (or should be). I would contend that we cannot effectively serve others without love, but we also cannot love as Christ loved without our hearts and minds being changed to want to serve. Matthew 20:28 NLT, For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

So, again, Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”

Prayer:

Father, 

           Strengthen us for Your service. Help us to grow into the masterpiece You have designed for us to be, created anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things You planned for us long ago, according to Your Word in Ephesians 2:10. Open our eyes to see the needs of those around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Real Living *

Then he called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. “If any of you wants to be my follower,” he told them, “you must put aside your own pleasures and shoulder your cross, and follow me closely. If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.
Mark 8:34-35 The Living Bible

Today, I attended the Celebration of Life service for Samuel Duane Tucker, co-worker and friend. Three hours of friends and family telling stories and sharing favorite memories of a giant of a man from East Texas! Longest service I've ever been to, and amazing. Another friend said, "It was by far the best memorial service I've ever attended!" 

There was no pretense. Nothing contrived. Just honest folk telling the tapestry of Sam's life, thread after beautiful thread of loving and giving and total commitment - first to His Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ - which taught him how then to love others, give of himself and be totally committed to those in his life. 'Service' was the operative word to describe Sam. My heart is so full!

He didn't preach his Christianity. Sam lived it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live. Sam was living proof of what it means to really live.

Prayer:

Father,
          I pray comfort for Debra, Rachel and Katie and all the other Tuckers and friends who have been left behind. I pray for anyone reading this who has lost someone dear to them and still feels the overwhelming pangs of grief. I thank You for the peace that was prevalent in today's service, and I pray, Father, that You would manifest Your peace that truly passes understanding to those in need of it. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen