First Love - Why do we Serve?
Studying videos of the actions of fast bowlers shows that there are so many variables that can be adjusted and focused on. Fast bowling is a complex and intricate series of rather unnatural movements. It seems that fast bowlers need to constantly revisit the basics. An unbalanced run-up or underdeveloped core strength will introduce subtle errors that grow in influence over time until the bowler finds it difficult to bowl consistently and avoid injury.
Jesus warns the Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) that serving God is built on a loving relationship with Him. When we neglect our personal relationship with God, the foundation of our lives, we begin to lose focus and risk serious spiritual injury. The answer is to continually revisit the basics, and build up our spiritual core in acts of love toward God, for the sake of loving Him. A healthy, disciplined life focused on Scripture, Prayer and meditation on God’s Word aligns our lives and provides a genuine and devoted motivation to serve God and His Church in truth and with love.
Scripture
Ephesians 4:11-16 ESV And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Bible Study
Who builds the Church, and who will be able to prevail against the Church? Matthew 16:15-18
Who provides for and cherishes the Church? Ephesians 5:29-30, and who provides the leaders to guide people to God and His truth, and to help them to grow in their relationship with Him? Ephesians 4:11
What works will members of Jesus’ Church do when they have been equipped by the leaders that Jesus has provided to teach, encourage and correct them? Ephesians 4:12
Members of Jesus’ Church who have been equipped by her leaders, are able to discern false doctrine. As they grow, what do they learn to speak and how do they learn to speak it? Ephesians 4:15
When all is done according to God’s Word by the leaders and members of the Church, then what does the Church builds itself up in? Ephesians 4:16
We are called to stand up for and fight for the truth, but sometimes when we do this something else can happen which Jesus does not commend the Church in Ephesus for. What is that? Revelation 2:4
Who is the One who can take away a Church? What must we do so that our Church continues to grow and glorify God? Revelation 2:4-5
Prayers
Dear Father God, Thank You for keeping Your Church for thousands of years. Thank You for providing for Family Church, and protecting us through the last year of turmoil and difficulties. Thank You for the people You have blessed us with and for the wonderful work they have done for Your Kingdom. Please anoint our leaders Lord God, to faithfully teach, guide, encourage and correct all the members of the Church so that we may continue to discern false teaching and speak the truth in love together. Please draw us all to repent for neglecting our first love, the love of You Father. Please forgive us and equip us all do the works ministry and grow up in love. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship
I'm caught up in Your presence
I just want to sit here at Your feet
I'm caught up in this holy moment
I never wanna leave
Oh, I'm not here for blessings
Jesus, You don't owe me anything
More than anything that You can do
I just want You
I'm sorry when I've just gone through the motions
I'm sorry when I just sang another song
Take me back to where we started
I open up my heart to You
I'm sorry when I've come with my agenda
I'm sorry when I forgot that You're enough
Take me back to where we started
I open up my heart to You
I'm caught up in Your presence
I just want to sit here at Your feet
I'm caught up in this holy moment
I never wanna leave
Oh, I'm not here for blessings
Jesus, You don't owe me anything
And more than anything that You can do
I just want You
Service
Serving others stems from a deep love of Jesus and appreciation for what He has already done for us. This week let’s take time to return to the principle of loving God for who He is, and doing the things like prayer, meditation and Scripture reading for the sake of spending time with Jesus and just loving Him. He is the first and most important love in our lives, and everything else stems from that love. When we have done that, we can ask the Lord Jesus Christ to guide us into every area of service that He has prepared for us to do.