Excited to Work? Yes!

Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 1-2

Scripture Focus: I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service. (1 Timothy 1.12)

Devotional Thought: Wow!  What a great attitude!  Paul thanked Jesus for giving him a job to do in the church!  Is that your attitude?  I’m afraid that too often we view serving in the church from a negative perspective.  We sigh and say, “Well, no one else will, so I guess I have to do it…”  For Paul, it was a shouted, “I get to do it!”

You, too, can be excited about serving Christ in his Church?  Why?  Because it means...

·       Jesus gives you strength.  Imagine a person is promoted to management where she works.  In order for her to do her job well, the company decides to train her in management skills.  Those skills make her a more talented person overall.  The same is true in the church.  When Jesus “promotes” you in service, he equips you to do the work.  This makes you a stronger person.

·       Jesus considers you faithful.  Jesus has noticed you.  Jesus sees your life, and when he considers you faithful, he appoints you to increasing works of service.

·       Jesus has appointed you.  I like to do things for the people I love, especially when they ask me to do something.  Then, I know that I’m doing what they want and need.  When my daughter Emily and her fiancé Aaron asked me to draw a sketch of their future home, I was thrilled that they had asked me to help.  Do you receive that same thrill when Jesus asks you to do something?

Am I excited?  Yes!   I'm excited that I’m working for Jesus, and I hope to be busy until he returns.  I want him to find me faithful.  How about you?  Are you excited?

Prayer: I thank you, Lord Jesus, for giving me strength.  May you appoint me to your service (I say "Yes!" even now...) and find me faithful.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.89-96

89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.

90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.

92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.

94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.

95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.

96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.