serve God – Page 2 – Be Still…

1 Timothy 1:12-17 – Whom God Uses

colorful people figures walking forward following each other

Think for a moment about Paul’s life before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. What a dramatic difference from what Paul’s life looks like as an apostle of Jesus! If we look at Bible heroes in general, we see how unprepared they were on their own.

God always equips those he calls. There is no greater honor than to be used by God for his purposes. Can you think of some examples in the Bible? The pages of Scripture are full of times we see God using imperfect people for the sake of his mission.

1 Corinthians 9:15-23 – Burning Motivation

Read 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

After Paul’s comments about getting paid in our last reading, he seems to be singing a different tune here–at least when it comes to his own payment. Paul feels confident God has commissioned him to spread the gospel. It’s like he would burst if he didn’t preach about Jesus. Any payment or support is appreciated, but it’s not his motivation.

Remember Jeremiah’s cry in Jeremiah 20:9? “But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!” Jeremiah had just been arrested for speaking a message he received from God. He, too, like Paul, had a burning motivation that couldn’t be quenched.

December 9 🌟 Serve Without Fear (Luke 1:67-79)

Read Luke 1:67-79

Picture of one man washing another man's feet - depicting Jesus washing disciples feet

These are the beautiful words prophesied by Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Picture the scene: Zechariah was finally able to speak after months of being unable. His son had just been born, and he had had an encounter earlier to know that this baby of his would become a great prophet of God.

Imagine how Zechariah was feeling as the Holy Spirit took over and spoke through him. If you’ve ever experienced the Holy Spirit speaking through you, then you know how delightful it is. There is almost a tingling when you realize that your words are suddenly not your own. Zechariah’s voice had been silent for so long, that this would be his first utterance is brilliant!

Joshua 24:1-33 – We Will Serve the Lord

Read Joshua 24:1-33

This seems like a happy ending, doesn’t it? We, along with that rock (vv. 26-27), are witnesses to what the Israelites claimed that day. “We would never abandon the Lord and serve other gods.” Even after Joshua pressed them a bit more, they stood firm that they would serve the Lord. The story of God’s people will continue with the Book of Judges, 1^st and 2^nd Samuel, and 1^st and 2^nd Kings. We will see for ourselves what “never” looks like and where the leaks in faith come about.

Joshua does a fine job of presenting God’s message to the people that day. God takes them down memory lane to remind them of his great power. They have the inheritance they do because of God. They are stirred with adoration and gratitude. It does us good, too, to remember God’s mercy and love. Those remembrances are what we can cling to when the going gets rough.