Devotion, Tuesday, 5-1-12

[Duke0002]

"Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man"  (Ephesians 6:7).

God hasn't called us out of the world, but deeper into the world.  In what respect?  We're not of the world, but we're in the world. 

Luther referred to the circumstances in which we live in this world such as our congregation, country, family, workplace, and so on... as "holy orders."  He did so to make it clear that Christians serve God not by retreating into a monastery, but by engaging in the ordinary activities of daily life.

God serves us with His gifts that come to us through His Word..  We then reenter the world to offer Him worship that is both spiritual and bodily (Romans 12:1,2). 

Faith is active in love in the places where God has called us to live and serve. Whether as a spouse, parent, child, citizen, or in our occupation,  we are to work not as someone whose aim it is to merely please people, earn a wage, or establish a reputation,  but as those who are serving God. 

Set free by the blood of Jesus, we are now free to use our work as the worship that takes place after the church service is over.  The true worship of God serves the neighbor and proves that faith is living.
May the Lord accept our daily work as a living sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to Him!

-Dale

[BOFF]

Well written!!

Thank you Dale!!


God Bless,
David B.

[Roostem33]

Very well said Dale!! Thanks and God bless!!


Jody

[misfire]

"Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man"  (Ephesians 6:7).

God hasn't called us out of the world, but deeper into the world.  In what respect?  We're not of the world, but we're in the world. 

Luther referred to the circumstances in which we live in this world such as our congregation, country, family, workplace, and so on... as "holy orders."  He did so to make it clear that Christians serve God not by retreating into a monastery, but by engaging in the ordinary activities of daily life.

God serves us with His gifts that come to us through His Word..  We then reenter the world to offer Him worship that is both spiritual and bodily (Romans 12:1,2). 

Faith is active in love in the places where God has called us to live and serve. Whether as a spouse, parent, child, citizen, or in our occupation,  we are to work not as someone whose aim it is to merely please people, earn a wage, or establish a reputation,  but as those who are serving God. 

Set free by the blood of Jesus, we are now free to use our work as the worship that takes place after the church service is over.  The true worship of God serves the neighbor and proves that faith is living.May the Lord accept our daily work as a living sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to Him!

-Dale

Something I need to strive to do EVERY day. Thanks Dale