Serving in the Kingdom (2)

 

'To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given...' Matthew 25:29 NLT


Your value in a job is determined by the value you add to the job. So when you go to work each day, God holds you accountable for adding, enhancing and improving things in your workplace. That's the way its supposed to work anyway.

I love the story Jesus told of the three men who were each given money. One was given five bags, another two, and another one. The first two '...went and traded with them, and gained...' (Matthew 25:16 NAS) They showed skill, initiative, and made 100 percent profit. So they were commended by their master. But the third man just punched the clock, called in sick, didn't train, try, dare or do. So his job review didn't go too well. And Jesus said something that ought to make us all sit up and take notice: 'To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.' That means if your attitude and work ethic are poor, you're in trouble with God. So, let's stop and think about your job. If Jesus were your supervisor, would you do your work any differently? How would you answer the phone, type documents, treat your employees, or teach your pupils if Jesus were checking your work? As a citizen of God's Kingdom you need to periodically review your attitude on the job, solicit feedback on how you can grow, demonstrate love and grace to those you work with, make your company profitable, and enjoy the work you do. You are Loved!

Serving in the Kingdom (1)

 

'...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.' Mark10:43 NIV

My niece and her husband have yearly passes to go into Disneyland; something I couldn't understand because I've only been there a few times. I asked them why do they go almost every week to the park, and they shared because it's magical. There is something different there that draws people. We all know that Disneyland is referred to as 'the Magic Kingdom'. Something I didn't know is that for those who work there, one value is emphasised above all others. It's what puts the 'magic' into that kingdom. What is it? Servant-hood! Employees are told that when you walk through those gates, you serve. You treat every encounter with people as if they were your personal guest. If they need directions, you escort them. If they ask a question you've heard a hundred times, you answer it as if you'd never heard it before. There's a ride called the Jungle Cruise, and the most common question asked about it is, 'How long is this ride?' So the staff is given a prepared, standard answer: 'The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.' But one employee had been asked it once too often, so when a couple asked, 'How long is the Jungle Cruise?' he said, 'Three days.' The couple got out of the line, left the park, went back to Disney Hotel where they were on their honeymoon, packed up their suitcases, checked out, and came back to the line at the Jungle Cruise. The next day that Disneyland employee was gone. Someone else was standing at the line to say, 'The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.' When you represent God's Kingdom you're supposed to go out of your way to facilitate people, love them and meet their needs. Why? Because Jesus, the King in this Kingdom, said, '...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...' (Matthew 20:28 NIV) You are loved...

Carry God's Presence With You (3)

 

'...So He is first in everything.' Colossians 1:18 NLT

Last one this morning on Carrying God's Presence with you...I looked this up and the Ark of the Covenant is mentioned in Scripture about 180 times. Isn't that amazing! Every bit of activity in the outer court and inner court of the tabernacle was for one purpose, to lead you into the Holy of Holies where God's presence was.

Old Testament symbols, such as the Ark, are a picture of New Testament realities. In this regard, the Ark, which was the most important piece of furniture in the tabernacle, is a picture of the Christ we love and serve. He is Lord. He is supreme. There's no one like Him. And He alone is worthy of all praise! Paul writes: 'Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see - such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before everything else, and He holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is His body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So He is first in everything. For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through Him God reconciled everything to Himself...' (Colossians 1:15-20 NLT) If your faith is 'me-centered', you'll get nowhere with God. But when your faith is 'Christ-centered', then everything Christ has becomes available to you! You are loved...

 

Carry God's Presence With You (2)

 

'...I am the Lord your God...who directs you...' Isaiah 48:17 NIV


Yesterday we begin to look at a three part series on taking God's presence with wherever you go...The Ark of the Covenant represented three things to the people of Israel because it represented God's presence in their lives. Each of us need these three things in our life as well. Let's look carefully at each:

(1) Victory. When Israel went into battle they must have looked strange to their enemies because the priests who carried the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of the army. Indeed, when their enemies saw it they may have laughed and said, 'What's that all about? What's the big deal with the box?' But after they had been humbled by defeat they realized they weren't fighting man, but God. And when you are in right standing with God He will go before you and fight your battles. And the great thing is God has never lost a battle. (2) Guidance. When the Israelites needed direction, God spoke to them in the place where the Ark rested in the tabernacle. And they discovered what you will discover: when you seek God's guidance and listen to Him, you won't get it wrong. His guidance system is infallible: '...I am the Lord your God...who directs you in the way you should go.' (Isaiah 48:17 NIV) (3) Prosperity. Prosperity simply means, 'Having enough to do the will of God.' And that's how much God wants you to have, no more and no less. When the Ark rested for three months in the house of a man called Obed-Edom, all that he had was blessed and multiplied (2 Samuel 6:10-12). Could you use more victory, more guidance and more prosperity? Spend time in God's presence, and then carry it with you wherever you go. You are loved...

Carry God's Presence With You (1)

 

'The poles...are not to be removed.' Exodus 25:15 NIV

Thanks to everyone who came and supported Teen Challenge yesterday, and for those of you who helped feed them after service. I am always blessed when they come and share their testimonies.

I love this picture of Danny as he was in the kitchen singing while getting more water for the carpet shampooer. He was here taking care of God's house and happy to be doing it. One of the points in my last message was we need to take God's presence with us where ever we go.

Look at the Israelites for example, the Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God in their lives. When the Philistines captured it, they were smitten with tumors. When they placed it in their temple, their god Dagon fell to the ground (1 Samuel 5).

The moral of this story is - don't mess around with the things of God! Even if you are not prepared to serve God; at least be wise and revere Him.

When Israel conquered the Philistines, David decided to bring the Ark, the symbol of God's presence, back home to Jerusalem. Now, when God designed the Ark, He put rings on the side of it, and poles through those rings, saying it must only be carried on the shoulders of special priests. But somebody thought of 'a better way', so they put it on a new cart pulled by an ox. And that's when everything went wrong. When the Ark started to slip off the cart, a well-meaning bystander decided to steady it. And he died for it! You say, 'That's pretty extreme.' There's a lesson here for those who want to package God's presence, market it, and 'take it on the road'. Who is qualified to carry God's presence? Only believer-priests who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, are washed by the Word at the laver, who fellowship with God at His table, who worship Him at the altar of incense, and who walk in the light of truth represented by the seven-branched lampstand. '...the Lord added to the church...' (Acts 2:47 NKJV) If we are going to carry God's presence and build His church, we've got to do it His way! You are Loved...

Storms in Life...

 

'The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves...' Matthew 14:24 NKJV


In life each of us will encounter something that will challenge us beyond what we may think we can handle. The prophet Jeremiah could tell you the height of the waves and the speed of the wind in his storm. He realized how fast he was sinking, so he shifted his gaze. 'But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.' "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him."' (Lamentations 3:21-24 NRS) When Jeremiah turned his eyes away from the waves to look to God, he started to recite a quintet of promises: (1) 'The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.' (2) 'His mercies never come to an end.' (3) 'They are new every morning.' (4) 'Great is Your faithfulness.' (5) 'The Lord is my portion.' The storm didn't cease, but Jeremiah's discouragement did. Paul talks about 'speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.' (Ephesians 5:19 NKJV) Worship music is a great help. They help you to get your eyes on the One who walks on the water and calms the storm. 'Great is Thy faithfulness O God my father, there is no shadow of turning with Thee. Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not, as Thou hast been, Thou forever shalt be. Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All Thou hast promised Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.' You are loved!

Are You Ready (2)

 

'...Underneath are the everlasting arms...' Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV

I love my picture today, and thanks Melissa for all the new pictures I can draw from.

Picture this: A father and his two small children are playing. He's in the swimming pool, and he invites them to run and jump into his arms. One does, the other doesn't. The one who doesn't, watches gleefully, applauds and jumps up and down. But when her dad invites her to do the same she shakes her head and backs away. Is that you?

Living on the edge of the pool, never taking the plunge, happy to experience life vicariously through others? Preferring to take no risk, rather than any risk? For fear of the worst, you never enjoy the best. You say, 'But I'm not sure what I'm jumping into!'

Read this: 'Underneath are the everlasting arms.' Foolishness is closing your eyes and jumping before you know there's even water in the pool, or that your father has said, 'Come, I'll catch you.' Faith is knowing that the only way to conquer your fear of the water is to take the leap, because the One who is calling you has been there for you from the moment you became His child. Nothing is more important to Him than your safety, the development of your faith, and your total success in life. God told Joshua, '...arise, go over this Jordan...to the land which I am giving [you] ...Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.' (Joshua 1:2;7 NKJV) Note the words, 'Arise, go, be strong.' In other words: Get Ready...take the plunge! You are loved.