OUR WEEKLY MEDITATION

TOPIC:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SERVE THE LORD?

Bible Text: Joshua 24:15 — “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

INTRODUCTION
Serving the Lord is more than attending church or participating in religious activities. It is a lifestyle of love, obedience, and commitment to God. Every believer is called to serve God faithfully with their heart, time, gifts, and resources.

1. SERVING THE LORD MEANS LOVING AND OBEYING HIM:

Bible Text: John 14:15
True service begins with obedience to God's Word.
Genuine love for God is demonstrated through obedience.
We serve Him not out of duty alone, but out of love and gratitude.

II. SERVING THE LORD MEANS USING OUR GIFTS FOR HIS GLORY:

Bible Text: 1 Peter 4:10
Every believer has a role in promoting God's kingdom.
God has given each person gifts and abilities to bless others.
Serving God includes using our talents to advance His work and help people; not for some personal gains.

3. SERVING THE LORD MEANS REMAINING FAITHFUL UNTIL THE END:

Bible Text: Matthew 24:13 Faithful service requires perseverance.
Challenges and difficulties will come, but believers must remain committed.
God rewards those who faithfully serve Him throughout their lives.

Serving the Lord means loving Him, obeying His commands, using our gifts for His glory, and remaining faithful through every season of life. A life devoted to God brings purpose, joy, and eternal reward. As believers, we should daily ask ourselves how we can honor and serve the Lord more effectively.

CLOSING VERSES:
Colossians 3:23 — “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Matthew 7:21-22
21. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. In what practical ways am I showing my love and obedience to God?
2. What gifts or talents has God given me that I can use in His service?
3. What challenges are hindering my commitment to serving the Lord?
4. What steps can I take to remain faithful in serving God until the end?

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Be Careful

Don't let your hearts be loaded down with the cares of this life to the point that you forget about God. We've considered, and will again, the end of the world and our end, but one question we might ask ourselves is which would you prefer? Would you rather be still alive at the end of the world, or die first?

It's an interesting question! I think I would prefer to meet death on its own terms and wait for the end of the world from above not from here. I guess that as much as I believe that the world to come is the better part, I'm not ready to say that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren shouldn't experience what this life has to offer.

I'm sure that my family isn't going to like losing me, but I don't want to watch any more of them die before me! But, that doesn't mean that I shouldn't be careful and work to follow God's path of love just in case. The image of a snare is interesting to me.

It makes me think of a trap. I had to check out a couple of other translations to see if the same image is used in them. The Contemporary English Version and the New American Bible both say "trap" so I guess I was on the right track.

Personally, I don't feel like being caught in a trap, so that's an added incentive for me to live each day as if it could be my last, no matter which way it goes. What about you?

Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar

Nebuchadnezzar was king of Babylon and requested that some of the children of Judah be brought into the palace to be taught the "learning and the language of the Chaldeans." Daniel and his companions were among those brought to the king. Instead of eating the rich foods and drink the wine that the king provided for them, Daniel requested vegetables and water so that they would not be "defiled." After three years, they were brought before the king and it is at this point that the story of Daniel really begins.

You know his companions better by the names given them by the prince of the eunuchs who were in charge of them: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Daniel has been going against the wishes of the king by not eating the rich foods and wine, but felt that he and his companions were following the will of God. The king was pleased with Daniel and his friends, but this would not be the last time that they would need to choose between the wishes of the king and the law of God.

Not breaking the dietary restrictions seems like a small thing, but I'm sure that refusing the delicacies and the wine wasn't always easy for the young men. However, resisting temptation in small things builds up a resistance to make it easier to resist temptations for bigger things. Think about diet as a good example. You have been told to avoid fats. You're out to breakfast and your friend offers you a piece of bacon. You can say "yes" or "no." The more often you say "no" the easier it is to say "no" to other forms of fat. The same goes for salt or sugar or whatever tempts you.

The same is true of other major or minor forms temptations that are placed in front of us daily. It's just one pen, and I need it. It's just one piece of candy. It's just one dollar, they'll never miss it. As you can see, temptation is all around us and usually starts small. The person who embezzles millions didn't start there. We can all start practicing today.