Serving Purposefully

Here’s the link to our YouTube site…this is the video of me putting this challenge into a message for each of us https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey989vY6ba0 

Serve Purposefully – Seth Morrison once state that “it’s important to know your why, before you know your how. Meaning, know why you’re doing what you’re doing, before you focus on how you’re going to get there.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0SS4FY1PlY

Why Serve?

• All for HIS Glory!!! For HIS Name’s Sake!!! For HIS Fame!!! This is what we’ve been entrusted by Him to do. He’s constantly examining our hearts motive in this area of serving.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
    
  • Colossians 3:17 (ESV) And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
  • 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV) If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
    • The two words “so that” in 1 Peter 4:11 also mean “for the purpose that,” and “in order that.” There’s your answer to the why…for the purpose that in ALL things God will be praised. That should be your aim / intended result. Remember, sin is missing the mark. What and or whom are you aiming your service and praise at? You can only do ALL things through Him Who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13). 
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NLT) For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

 
How to Serve?
With Purpose…Cheerfully Willing, NOT Grudgingly (not out of duty)…

• 1 Peter 5:2 (NLT) Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
• Giving Service…2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV) So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
• Gladly…
  • Psalm 100:2a (ESV) Serve the LORD with gladness!
    • The Old Testament was a time of blessing and cursing. Deuteronomy 28 lists many blessings for obedience, and many curses for disobedience. Pay attention to how serious the Lord took this idea of serving in just these few verses from that entire chapter…Deut. 28:45-48
      • 45 All these curses will come on you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the Lord your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you. 46 They will be a sign and a wonder to you and your descendants forever. 47 Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, 48 therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you.

Wholeheartedly (give it your all for Him)…

• Ephesians 6:7 (NIV) Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,
• Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

In the Power of His Might…

• Ephesians 6:10 (NKJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
• 1 Peter 4:11 (NIV) If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

May you be reminded of your purpose in life each day. Why do you do what you do? Why should you and why do you serve? And how are you serving? Just something to take into consideration since we’ve seen how seriously the Lord takes our service to Him and others.  
Practicing His Presence,
Nate

Song / Prayer...
Make me a servant like you, Dear Lord
Living for others each day
Humble and meek,
Helping the weak,
Loving in all that I say.

Give me, Lord, a servant's heart
Here's my life, take every part.
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.
Help me draw so close to You
That Your love comes shining through
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart,
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.

Make me a witness like You, dear Lord,
Showing the love of the cross,
Sharing Your Word till all have heard,
Serving whatever the cost.

Give me, Lord, a servant's heart
Here's my life, take every part.
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.
Help me draw so close to You
That Your love comes shining through
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart,
Give me, Lord, a servant's heart.