Sunday Words of Encouragement November 12, 2023 - Serving in Action.

I am attending church with my son and family while in Illinois. His pastor and wife just returned from a missions trip to Africa where one of the local ministers, even in a situation of having little, noted: “We are blessed and we need to bless others.” The pastor then prayed over many Samaritan boxes that had been gathered by the church and will be mailed to bless children around the world.

The message was presented by a female Veteran. She noted that female veterans may often be overlooked. She served 30 years ago and has had to mourn the deaths of coworkers over the years. She learned last year as she had a series of losses that, ever (or especially) when mourning people others don't know, we shouldn’t mourn on own. It is an unhealthy place to bear losses alone. We are better off acknowledging and being accountable for the pain.

Veterans started their time of service by saying goodbye to families and friends. Once established in their new surroundings, they made new families and friends. They fought for freedoms, some at home and some in the field. Some faced emotional warfare, while others faced physical warfare. Most veterans share an unspoken bond. The Veteran honors did not come for free but had to be earned. Veterans go through huge changes in their lifestyles. Each veteran should stand tall and be proud. And we should all give thanks for the service of veterans and families.

The message then incorporated the lessons that have been the focus for the past several weeks: the Language of Worship. First there was Prayer as worship; then Praise; then reading the Word;
Serving, and finally, Giving. This week’s focus is on Serving. Even the Son of man, Jesus, came not to be served, but to serve. Mark 10:45. Acknowledge God and serve.
We are to be living stones to build into a spiritual house. 1 Peter 2:5.
Use the gifts of the spirit to build up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:10-12.
All Worship is a form of communicating with God. Ministry happens when we worship.

Even Jesus served for the Glory of God. He said in John 5:30 “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

Military service teaches taught the speaker these lessons:
1. Respect for authority which is non-negotiable. Withholding respect is a slight on your character, not the leaders.
2. Most leaders lead with a big picture. Each person in the assignment has to determine the details. They have to learn to “do the next right thing”. Commit to the vision of the mission. The worker’s attitude has to come into adjustment to meet the assignment. Learn God’s mind and will for the assignment.

We are to serve rather than seek high position or honor. Mark 10:35-45. Serve with humility, not seeking honor. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10.
Serving with humility brings us to the foot of cross, to the Spirit of Christ.

I think this song fits today: Spirit Lead Me.

A Verse for Today:
Mark 10:45 NIV
45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Lord, help my attitude to seek Your Will for the every day assignments of my life.