365 Challenge - SERVE

365 CHALLENGE – Pray, Give, Serve

March Emphasis – SERVE

It is impossible to separate the message of Christianity from the good works that must follow as a result. Jesus constantly challenged his followers to use their life and deeds as a means to glorify God.

Matt 5:14-16
14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. -NIV

Every believer has both the privilege and responsibility to use their time, talents and gifting to promote and advance God’s Kingdom

1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - NIV

Here Are Some Thoughts On SERVING:

1. Serving is ESSENTIAL to Spiritual Growth
-our motto is “Growing Upwards, Serving Outwards”
-Spiritual maturity only comes as we grow UP in our relationship to the Lord
and OUT in service towards others

2. You Have a PURPOSE
Eph 2:10
10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – NIV
-You have a divine design. Until you figure it out, life will not make sense

3. Only What is Done For ETERNITY Will Last
-Don’t buy the lie of giving your best time, best talent, best resources
for this world and its toys and accolades. Don’t waste your life, make an
eternal difference!

4. EVERYONE has a Part
-God has designed His Kingdom so that everyone is needed! Christianity is
NOT a spectator sport. Participation is required! Every believer needs to
be both receiving and giving to be spiritually healthy.

If you & I want to experience all that God has for us. If we want God’s Kingdom to be our priority. If we want to make a difference in this world for God’s glory. WE HAVE TO GET INVOLVED. God isn’t looking for perfect people, talented people, super spiritual people…No, God is looking for AVAILABLE people. People ready and willing to make their lives available to serve Him

How Do You Make Yourself Available?

1. Be Spiritually prepared…not perfect, but open to Christ.
2. Listen & Open Your Heart
3. Obey when the Lord Prompts You
4. Volunteer – Find a Need and Fill It

Make a decision in 2011 to SERVE God with greater priority and greater capacity. After all, who knows what God can do in your life in ONE YEAR! Our Church in ONE YEAR!

Take the Challenge!

Blessings,
Darren