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| May is the month in which we remember those who died in war and celebrate the blessings of our mothers. The citizens of North America have much for which to be grateful. Yes, we are in troubled times in our countries and many struggle with finances and families and health. Yet we are blessed because of those who serve us, both as mothers and military.
Have you ever considered the types of service? We think of military service, restaurant service, professional services, health care services and even worship services. What is the difference? Surprisingly there is no difference. The same meaning for military service is used for worship service. God views all service to others as part of our worship of Him. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Now I can hear some of you disagreeing with me. You consider it an outrage to compare the paper boy who gets up in the wee hours of dawn to the combat soldier who put his life on the line to defend that paper boy and the rest of us safely snuggled in our beds. I am not saying they are the same. There is no higher sacrifice or “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13) But both are laying down their lives in the service of others. Each time we choose to serve another human being we are laying aside ourselves in order to serve them. And this pleases God greatly. 1 John 3:16 says, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” Each person is uniquely created for a specific area of service to other people. Frankly I cannot comprehend why anyone would voluntarily enlist in the military. It is not in me. And while others could never envision themselves preaching the Word of God to others or listening to people as they share their broken hearts, I am enthralled by the preaching and humbled by the trust. It was what I was created to do. The service you render to your fellow human beings, whether you earn money for it or not, is worship to and of God. It is what He created you to do. It is your purpose. Enjoy it and thank God for it. Worship Him in it and with it! Take time this month to thank those who serve you, especially our mothers and the men and women in military service, current and past. And thank their families for their service too. Then take pride in your area of service to others. Do it for the glory of God! Godspeed, Renee Bingham |
“Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,” Romans 1:1
As a bond-servant, one who had yielded their will to God’s will, we are positioned to receive a call from God. Paul was called to be an apostle, a ‘sent one.’ What are you called to BE? Notice it did not say ‘to do’ but ‘to be.’
Once our hearts – our mind, will and emotions – are yielded to God, He can trust us with His purpose for us. Many people are still searching for their purpose and call. Until we yield our will and way, we would only corrupt God’s call by trying to ‘do’ instead of simply ‘being’ who we are to be.
Today, ask God to reveal where you still maintain control. Then ask Him to help you yield. Now be ready to receive your life call and purpose.
God needs bakers, nurses, moms, dentists, mechanics, engineers as well as ministers and Sunday School teachers. Your call will bring you great joy and delight. It will be what God created you to be. You will be ‘in your element’ and ‘in the zone.’ The God Zone that is!
“Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,” Romans 1:1 New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Paul introduces himself as a bond-servant of Christ Jesus. A bond-servant is “one who fully gives himself to another’s will.” Paul gave himself fully to Jesus’ will. It was the secret of his life. He was completely given to Christ’s will.
Our challenge is to do the same as we focus on Jesus.
It is a choice made of our own free will and volition to come under the Lordship of Christ, accepting His will, His Word, His way as my way of existence. I do nothing unless HE initiates it. I say nothing unless He inspires it.
What power will be contained in those words!
What great peace will prevail in a life governed by His will!
Ask Jesus to bring you to this point. “Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.” John 5:19 New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Holy Father, draw near to us today.
We need Your Presence.
We need Your beauty.
We need Your rest.
In Your Presence is fullness of joy.
Circumstances are overcome.
Needs are met.
Desires are fulfilled.
Draw us into Your Divine Presence.
Let us bask in Your sweetness.
Let us inhale fresh life and vitality.
Fill us Father.
Fill us with Your Presence.
Cleanse us from the depths of our souls and spirits.
Create in us a new and right spirit,
A spirit that desires You as much as You desire us.
Restore to us the joy of our salvation.
We invoke Your Presence with us here today.
Make us mind-full of You, O Lord.
Let us rejoice in You today, Heavenly Father.
Bless Your Holy Name.
Bless You and thank You O Lord.
Amen.
20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 1 Corinthians 15:20-25
“The first-fruits, or the first sheaf of ripe grain was required to be offered to the Lord, and was waved before him by the priest, as expressing the sense of gratitude by the husbandman, and his recognition of the fact that God had a right to all that he had; Leviticus 23:10-14. The word, therefore, comes to have two applications:
(1) That which is “first,” the beginning, or that which has the priority of time; and,
(2) That which is apart and portion of the whole which is to follow, and which is the earnest or pledge of that; as the “first” sheaf of ripe grain was not only the first in order of time, but was the earnest or pledge of the entire harvest which was soon to succeed.” (Bible.cc)
Christ was raised with mighty resurrection power to Read the rest of this entry »
San Antonio Nitro Jam 8:30 a.m. Grandstands @ San Antonio Raceway, TX Kids On Track service too!
Rockingham Civil Wars 1000 a.m. Behind the tower @ Rockingham Dragway, NC
Farmington Bracket Race 11:00 in the Grandstands @ Farmington Dragway, NC
TPR Bracket Race 9:45 with CORE @Tulsa Raceway Park, OK
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18
Jesus is acquainted with every, EVERY! trial and temptation you and I will ever encounter. I’ve read this verse hundreds of times. I’ve thought of how Jesus was betrayed by the disciples. I am pained when I think of his family publically calling him crazy. Family and best friends, his posse, betrayed him, devalued him, didn’t believe in him!
And of course I have shed tears of sorrow and repentance as I consider the sufferings Jesus endured in Gethsemane, the beatings in Pilate’s court and the torture of the cross. What a savior!!!
But only today did it dawn on me that Jesus was acquainted with fear and doubt. He was made like us in every respect. Jesus was tempted with fear and doubt! Those are the two monsters I face regularly. They battle my mind to make me doubt whether God will do for me what He did for Jesus.
So where do I find that Jesus faced doubt?
Read the rest of this entry »
