Reason for Boasting

"Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason 

for boasting in things pertaining to God."

Romans 15:17

The Apostle Paul had accomplished great things for God in his life: leading people to Christ, planting churches, writing what would become books of the Bible. In human terms he had much to boast about. But Paul never made his work about Paul. He made it about Christ. The Lord had saved Paul on the Damascus Road and Paul understood the grace He had received. After his conversion, glorifying Christ Jesus was the motivation for all Paul did.  In Christ and Christ alone he boasted. "God says, 'Don’t you ever boast in what you know. Don’t boast in what you can do. And don’t boast in what you have. You boast in Me, what I have given you as far as understanding, what I can do through you, and what I have personally been gracious enough to entrust you with.'" (Dr. Wayne A. Barber)

Serving Without Pay

"But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Luke 14:13-14

While dining at the home of a prominent Pharisee, Jesus observed that the guests were jockeying for the best seats around the table. The Pharisee had invited people like himself, status seekers and self promoters. Christ rebuked him for his self-centeredness, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment." (Luke 14:12). The Pharisee had given, in order to receive an earthly reward. The heavenly reward Jesus spoke of is not our salvation, for scripture says we are saved by God's grace, not by how many good deeds we do. The reward is a blessing believers will receive from the Lord when He establishes His kingdom on earth at the resurrection. We look forward to that day, but even now there is great joy in serving others who are less fortunate; those who can't repay us.

Eternal Celebration

"For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints."
Hebrews 6:10

Today in America we celebrate Labor Day. A National Holiday initiated to honor the workers of our country; to show that their labor is remembered and appreciated. Tomorrow life will go on as usual and most of what we remember about this day will be the picnics and barbecues. The laborers will be largely forgotten. But those who love the Lord and work in His name are never forgotten. It is not in God's nature to overlook the service of His children.  He tells us in Revelation 22:12: “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done." A great celebration is coming. And it won't last for just one day. It will last for eternity.

You Follow Me!

So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!”

John 21:21-22

Perhaps one of the more difficult realities to accept in the Christian life is how the Lord deals differently with each Christian. In His sovereignty, He decides which spiritual gifts we will receive, the length of our days and how we will serve Him. Like Peter, we may compare our situation to that of another of God's children and ask, "Lord, what about him?" Or maybe our question is, "Lord, what about me? Why don't I have what she has?" As long as we keep our eyes focused on others, instead of Christ, we will miss what He has prepared for us. Not only that, but we will completely overlook the blessings we already have. The Lord says, "Don't worry about what I'm doing with others. You follow me!"

Secret Service

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."

Ephesians 5:1-2

We have an example of true love. Jesus Christ loves us so much He gave His very life for us. If we belong to Christ, then we will desire to be like Him. One of the best ways to imitate Him is to serve another person with no thought of being recognized for the service. Consider an act of service you might do for someone anonymously this week. Don't tell anyone you did it. It will be your and God's little secret.

Tabitha, a Woman of God

"Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did."

Acts 9:36

Tabitha was a woman of God who didn't just think about serving Him, she "continually did" it. She was a seamstress who touched lives with the tunics and garments she made, many of them for widows (Acts 9:39). Yet all of her service did not stop the Lord from allowing her to become sick and die. It was part of His plan to grow Peter's ministry. When Tabitha died, Peter was called upon to come to Joppa without delay. In the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter raised Tabitha back to life and presented her to the widows and "all the saints". The miracle became "known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord." We know so little about Tabitha, but what we do know is that she faithfully served the Lord, and whether in life or death, God used her in a mighty way. 

Risky Business

"in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:12b-13

When we are submitted to the Lord, He puts it in our hearts and minds to serve Him in a particular way. Our response to His call is only to move forward in obedience. Never try to do God's job. Just do what He has put in front of you and then trust Him to bring the results. The outcome may not be what you expected, but rest assured that in God's eyes it is exactly what He intended. Think of the freedom that comes from doing "all things through Him who strengthens [you]". When you fully understand that God calls, God performs, and God is responsible for the bottom line, then you are free to take risks you may never have considered in the past. And whether you then have little or have much, you can be content in knowing that you are in the center of God's will.