Thursday, November 9, 2017 The Acts of Submission Part 5 – Submission to The Believing Community: The Discipline of Submission, Part 9 (Inspired by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

Thursday, November 9, 2017

The Acts of Submission Part 5 – Submission to The Believing Community: The Discipline of Submission, Part 9 (Inspired by Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster)

Scripture:

Hebrews 6:10

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  

Hebrews 13:16

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Psalm 37:3

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Matthew 25:40

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

1 John 3:14-18

We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Devotional:

Oh, how I love serving the Body of Christ! At this time, my service is focused here serving all of you, as God has shown us that our season of life requires that our family be our main focus after Him. However, and without bragging, there was a time when I devoted no less than 15 hours each week, and most often closer to 20, to serving in my local church. I love to serve in worship, hospitality, taking meals to those in need, and many other acts of service, but in truth the church and its function in general is such a beautiful thing, and I love being a part of it. I love to write devotionals and share encouragement with others, study God’s Word in preparation for leading a Bible study, and even just pitch in to make church “work.” It is a pleasure and a joy.

I know this passion is not shared by all, and that is OK. I just want to take a moment, however, to encourage you to take a different perspective. Sure, there are going to be volunteer kamikazes like me anywhere you go, and that can be intimidating or even annoying. I get that. That’s why I love how Pastor Foster points out in this segment on serving the Body that most often, it is little acts of service throughout the normal course of our walk that are the most common way to serve. A word of encouragement to a sister or brother who is struggling. Walking over with paper plates to your next door neighbor when they are having a party and they discover they are out. Picking up a friend’s child and dropping them off. Helping her fold a basket of laundry because she’s feeling overwhelmed with the housework and kids. Or maybe you’re like us, and your season is to serve the Body of Christ by pouring your heart and soul into raising your children in the fear and the admonition of the Lord. God will lead. It shouldn’t be burdensome! I pray that God will show each of you where you already are serving, and encourage you to press and grow in this area. God bless you!

Prayer:

Thanksgiving:

Lord, I thank You for Your Word that shows us the way to live. You are worthy of praise, God, and I praise You today.

Confession:

God, I confess my need for You. I surrender my will to You and trust that You will make all things right. I open my heart before You today to be examined. (Take time to allow God to reveal areas needing confession. Mine today: I want to remain vulnerable and honest before You. I recognize I still struggle with irritability when things don’t go the way I think they should. Your Word says that love is not irritable. I don’t want to be this way and ask that You will uproot what lies beneath it so that I will not be bitter and hurt others.)

Supplication:

Take time to lift up personal needs. (Mine today: I have another difficult meeting today. You are the Author of this situation, and I place my trust in You. I am anxious and want Your peace as I go. I wish my husband could come, but he can’t. Be my husband today as I sit in this meeting. Thank You, God.)

Intercession:

I lift my children to You today. Being the parent of children with challenges wasn’t on my radar. I need You to father them through me and my husband. You are the One Who created them and You know what they need. (Take time to journal needs, progress and victory. Chloe today: Still acting out a lot. Help us to remain kind, firm and consistent. Also, she will have a sleep deprived EEG on the 16^th to discern if she is still having seizures. It would be awesome to take her of this medication! It definitely affects her moods. These EEGs are yearly and always very difficult to endure. Christian today: Bathrooming. Speech. Patience to endure the long haul with these issues.)

Thanksgiving and Consecration:

Lord, I give this day to You and bless You! I love You and worship You. Bless this time and seal it for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.

Blessing and Benediction:

2 Thess. 3:16

Now may the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. the Lord be with all of you.

Amen!