ENERGIZED FOR SERVICE

I don't know what to expect in my life right now, but I am looking forward to where God wants to send me. I am always ready and open for the unexpected; but I still need to trust the Lord for His strength; because I am still rather weary and tired.

The last few weeks going to Church has been a chore. By the time the service has ended I have been an emotional wreck. Why, in the place where I have always felt at home do I feel alone and unwell?

This morning after Church I started serving in the Church Bookstore, and it was great. I spoke to the Children's Ministry Leader, and I have been put on the Sunday School roster - just once a month for now. She said she looks forward to working with someone who has experience in Children's Ministry. I just feel excited about how the Lord can use me again and I am becoming more energized for service.

I know I need to be careful not to do too much. I need to be careful to make sure I am not making all these plans and not leaving my life in God's hands. I want my service to be authentic service. How can I know that it is?

1) IT FLOWS NATURALLY OUT OF WORSHIP.
Service that pleases God is a heartfelt response to what He Has done for me. Authentic service is a genuine attempt to say `Thank You' to God.

"So dear Christian friends, I plead with you to give your bodies as a living
sacrifice - the kind He will accept. When you think of what He has done for
you, is this too much to ask." Romans 12:1 (NLT)

2) IT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
The Apostle Paul was quick to remind those who were motivated to serve that they shouldn't run out and sign up for the first job that came along. We need to first take time to determine our spiritual gifts. These are the unique abilities God places in each of us that enables us to build and encourage others.

"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with
whatever gift you have received." 1 Peter 4:9 (NRSV)

3) IT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT YOUR PASSION.
An important element to consider when serving the Lord is your passion. James Dobson, founder of `Focus on the Family', has a passion for the family. Don Moen - one of my favourite singer/songwriters and worship leaders, has a passion to bring people together in worship and praise. Billy Graham had a passion for the lost and was a great evangelist. Once you have determined your passion, think of ways you can serve - again to encourage and build others up.

* What group of people do you feel most attracted to? When deciding which class to take in Sunday School, I always go for the Middle Primary age. Why - I know from experience that Toddlers and Junior Primary children don't relate to me, and I definetely can't relate to them.

* What area of need is of ultimate importance to you? Next to sharing the Gospel with children, I see a child in need - socially and intellectualy and I have to do something about it.

* What area of the Church's ministry would you most like to influence? Why did I decide to volunteer in the Bookstore. Someone asked me to - because I was always there, talking to people, sharing my passion for Christian books and music. Why Children's Ministry? Easy - Jesus said, "Let the children come to me and do not hinder them. The Kingdom of God belongs to them. " Luke 18:16 (NIV).

4) IT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT YOUR TEMPERAMENT.
Some people say I am a warm, caring, relational person. I can put others at ease - especially children. I am gentle, non-threatening and encouraging. What are the characteristics of your temperament?

Authentic service pleases God. It delights the one who is being served, and also gives the server a bit of a buzz too. When you are serving for the right reason in the right place, you feel really good and enjoy your service. God wants us to serve in this way.

This morning going to Church was not a chore, I didn't feel depressed. Why? Because my service was a joy, it energized me and most of all I experienced a blessing.

Service is vital part of the Christian life. But to be authentic and energizing it has to flow out of worship and has to fit who God made you to be. I don't know what to expect this year, but I do know that I am a unique individual and God has a special task - energizing service - both in and out of the Church. A special task designed just for me!!

Here's my favourite verse again:

"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "plans for your
welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and hope."
Jeremiah 29:11