Devotional for the Week 15 May 2005

This Week's Devotional | 2004 Devotionals | 2005 Devotionals

Devotional For the Week 15 May 2005

SHAPED FOR SERVING GOD — The Purpose Driven Life – Part 5

“From the very beginning God decided that those who came to Him - and He knew who would - should become like His Son...” Rom 8:29 (LB)

“God wants us to grow up ... like Christ in everything.” Eph. 4:15 (Msg)

“We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:10 (NIV)

“Your hands shaped me and made me.” Job 10:8 (NIV)

Spiritual Gifts Heart Abilities Personality Experiences

“Each one should use whatever gift he’s received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

MY 4th PURPOSE IS TO SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS

“Ministry”

Jesus: “Your attitude must be like My Own, for I did not come to be served, but to serve...” Matt. 20:28 (LB)

LEARNING TO SERVE LIKE JESUS

1. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING AVAILABLE

“Two blind men... shouted, ‘Lord, have mercy on us!’ ... Jesus stopped and called them. ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ He asked.” Matt. 20:30-32 (NIV)

“Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.” Prov. 3:28 (TEV)

2. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING GRATEFUL.

“Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard Me. I knew that you always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here...’" John 11:41-42 (NIV)

“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Ps. 100:2 (KJV)

“It is He who saved us and chose us for His holy work not because we deserved it but because that was His plan...” 2 Tim. 1:9 (LB)

3. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING FAITHFUL.

“I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.” John 17:4 (NIV)

“The one thing required of servants is that they be faithful...” 1 Cor. 4:2 (TEV)

“Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.” 1 Cor. 15:58 (MSG)

“He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other Christians.” Heb. 6:10 (NLT)

“'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things so; I will put you in charge of many things.

Come and share your master's happiness!” Matt. 25:21 (NIV)

Prayer Response

Let's pray. "Father I realize that I was shaped to serve You by serving others. Forgive me for the times I’ve put a “Do not disturb” sign on my heart. Help me to see the interruptions as opportunities to serve. Help me to make time for what matters most. You’ve been so good to me. I want to give something back. I want to serve You freely and gratefully and faithfully, and I want to practice before I get to heaven so one day I can hear You say “Well done, good and faithful servant”. In Your name I pray, Amen."

Pastor Rick Warren, Saddleback Church – Lake Forest, Calif

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This Week's Devotional \| 2004 Devotionals \| 2005 Devotionals Devotional For the Week 15 May 2005 *SHAPED FOR SERVING GOD — The Purpose Driven Life – Part 5* “From the very beginning God decided that those who came to Him - and He knew who would - should become like His Son...” Rom 8:29 (LB) “God wants us to grow up ... like Christ in everything.” Eph. 4:15 (Msg) “We are God's workmanship, created* in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:10 (NIV)* “Your hands shaped me* and made me.” Job 10:8 (NIV)* Spiritual Gifts Heart Abilities Personality Experiences “Each one should use whatever gift he’s received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) MY 4th PURPOSE IS TO SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS “Ministry” Jesus: “Your attitude* must be like My Own, for I did not come to be served, but to serve...” Matt. 20:28 (LB)* LEARNING TO SERVE LIKE JESUS 1. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING AVAILABLE “Two blind men... shouted, ‘Lord, have mercy on us!’ ... Jesus stopped* and called them. ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’* He asked.” Matt. 20:30-32 (NIV) “Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.” Prov. 3:28 (TEV) 2. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING GRATEFUL. “Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard Me. I knew that you always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here...’" John 11:41-42 (NIV) “Serve the Lord with gladness.” Ps. 100:2 (KJV) “It is He who saved us* and chose us for His holy work not because we deserved it but because that was His plan...” 2 Tim. 1:9 (LB)* 3. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING FAITHFUL. “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work* You gave me to do.” John 17:4 (NIV)* “The one thing required of servants is that they be faithful...” 1 Cor. 4:2 (TEV) “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do* for Him is a waste of time or effort.”* 1 Cor. 15:58 (MSG) “He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how you have shown your love to Him by caring for other *Christians*.” Heb. 6:10 (NLT) “'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things so; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!” Matt. 25:21 (NIV) Prayer Response Let's pray. "Father I realize that I was shaped to serve You by serving others. Forgive me for the times I’ve put a “Do not disturb” sign on my heart. Help me to see the interruptions as opportunities to serve. Help me to make time for what matters most. You’ve been so good to me. I want to give something back. I want to serve You freely and gratefully and faithfully, and I want to practice before I get to heaven so one day I can hear You say “Well done, good and faithful servant”. In Your name I pray, Amen." Pastor *Rick Warren*, Saddleback Church – Lake Forest, Calif
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