Monday, September 5, 2011

Serving the Lord by Ann Elaine Broughton





“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galations 6:9 NIV).

This is Labor Day, a day set aside to honor those who work. As Christians, we are to labor for the Lord every day. Jesus spent every waking moment doing His Father’s work, and He also wants us to do the work that He calls us to do. “As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me” (John 9:4 NIV). Think about Jesus’ ministry.
From morning until night, He healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, and preached the good news to the poor. His ministry was selfless. He served in complete humility and loved everyone. The way Jesus worked is the way we are to work. We are to be His hands and use them to serve others. We are to be His lips, and tell others about God’s wonderful love for them. Please don’t stop at just reading the Bible and praying. It is so important to put your faith into service.
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17 NIV). This statement from James is so true. It is not enough just to believe in God. “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder” (James 2:19 NIV). You see even the demons believe in God, so you have to do more than just believe. You must display in your life the character of a Christian: you must serve Him and live a life that is pleasing in the Lord’s eyes.
This Labor Day consider how you are working for the Lord. Examine yourself and see if your life portrays the virtues of a Christian. Do the words you speak demonstrate to others that you love the Lord? Are you helping others in complete humility? Are you not complaining about your service for him?
Dear Lord,
Help me to work for you every day in complete humility. Help me to speak words that you would be proud of. Help me to witness to others who are in need of the Father’s love.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Perseverance: A devotion by Ann Broughton

“ And not only this, but we also exult in tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance proven cha...