Devotional Time with God

Which of the six characteristics of real servants offers the greatest challenge to me?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 264

The characteristics list is:

1. Availability
2. Attention to Needs
3. Do the best of their abilities
4. Equal dedication
5. Faithful to their ministries
6. Low profile

Currently my biggest challenge is making myself available. Perhaps I’m keeping myself too busy at work and home. Or perhaps I’m always waiting for an opportunity to arise. That’s actually my 2nd challenge, not being sensitive enough to figure out the needs of others. I’m always focused on the needs of someone higher up than me (and I don’t mean God). I should continue to look around and be aware of the needs of other believers, my peers, neighbours, and even strangers! The bible says in Galatians 3:10 (NIV):

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

As the need arises, I must take the opportunity to help. My struggle is when it’s inconvenient, it’s going to stop me from serving.  Saddleback Church is 21 miles from my house and $10 toll fees (both ways).  I’ve chosen this church because of its great leaders and wonderful teaching. Now I realize “sacrifices” has to be made to make myself available to serve. I know God will use me to serve Him and I will be available when He calls.

Lord, please give me the ears to listen to your calling, and the heart to serve you with all of my mind and strength. Amen.

In what way can I see myself passionately serving others and loving it?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 240

I love when I see others succeed, or accomplish their goals. When I can help, that is especially rewarding, because I have the chance to serve. Sometimes it’s no wonder I am always in a technical support role. My job has been described as a “Thankless Job” or a “Slave to the System”. If I love this job, all the thanks that I ever need is from God. When God uses me because I’ve been gifted by Him and I whole-heartedly like it, I am shaped to serve God.

A rather contextually appropriate verse comes from Ephesians 6:5-8 (NLT):

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

What is holding me back from accepting God’s call to serve him?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 233

Lately I’ve been short with my time and confused on how I can fit into the church’s many ministries. I have a full time job, tasks at home to help raise my daughter, and help my wife. Plus I have not found a ministry at church that would take my abilities. I am good at handling systems, troubleshooting computers, and maintaining web services. Currently, Saddleback hires professional help to maintain all of their web needs. It is a matter of time before I can find a place for me, and for my family too.

Meanwhile, I will be scheduling a Class 301 to determine my S.H.A.P.E. This is necessary for me to determine where I fit in the church. But first I must do my Class 201. 🙂

The PDL book mentions that God will be angered and remove my eternal rewards if I do not serve, as mentioned in Romans 2:8. However in reading the entire verse, I believe Pastor Rick might be simplifying this a little because it says:

But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.

I read the entire passage, God says He will be angered if I refuse to heed God’s word, refuse to serve, and live a wicked life. The whole chapter is a warning for the Jews to obey the law and not do evil (ie. break the 10 commandments). In conclusion, even though I must serve, I do not believe God will be angered by this. God will be disappointed. I’m sure He will find a way for me to realize this and serve Him and His people.

Does my level of involvement in my local church demonstrate that I love and am committed to God’s family?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 137

Saddleback Church is huge. I mean BIG. There are over 30,000 people in attendance, many small groups to choose from, and many ministries to participate in. Sometimes it is difficult to fit in a church that size. Fortunately, it’s a church that encourages spiritual growth. I may not know everyone, but I am getting to know a few already. Jeff and Katie are the current host of the small group that we attend. Previously, we’ve known several others.

I have to become more active in the church. We’ve already attended Class 101 and must now take it to the next steps (201, 301, etc.) It is my goal to use my God-given talent for the church to use. I have a life time to establish this, but I’m praying that it will be sooner. I am putting in time, talent, and treasure for God’s work through the church.

You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT)