Colin's Blog 6th June 2010

I have been deeply challenged over the past few weeks about where and how I should be serving God. The challenge has come from a wide spectrum of sources including daily readings, internet blogs, sermons listened to and, not least of all, being on the 'Touch Ayr' treasure hunt last Saturday afternoon.  All of these sources have been asking the same question essentially, "where and how should I be serving God?"

Rick Warren from Saddleback Church, California in his daily blog asked the question last Saturday, "what excuse have you been using?" He goes on to highlight a list of biblical characters who could have, with some justification, wriggled out of serving God in their day and generation. I repeat the list for you now.

Abraham was old

Jacob was insecure

Leah was unattractive

Joseph was abused

Moses stuttered

Gideon was poor

Samson was co-dependent

Rahab was immoral

David had an affair

Elijah was suicidal

Jeremiah was depressed

Jonah was reluctant

Naomi was a widow

John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least

Peter was impulsive and hot tempered

Martha worried a lot

The Samaritan woman had several failed marriages

Zacchaeus was unpoplular

Thomas had doubts

Paul had poor health

Timothy was timid

So what excuse have you and I been using for not serving God?

Paul the Apostle writes to the church in Rome, “Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of His body” Romans 12:5 (MSG)

In a couple of weeks time we will be having another Ministry Fair at Church. It’s a time to refresh ourselves with most of the activities which go on week in and week out but it’s also an opportunity for us to commit ourselves in service to God in ways which will bless others and honour Him. It’s an opportunity for us to “find our meaning and function as part of His body”. Don’t miss the event (27th June) at the end of the service. Don’t miss the opportunity to give.

Talking about giving, can I gently remind you to refresh how much you are giving to the Lord in service as well as in giving financially? Southside, like all local churches, needs finance for it to function, grow and give in ways that He leads us. I think sometimes we forget that and so I am asking you to think about your giving, pray about it and where possible refresh your giving in ways which will reflect how God has blessed you. Let’s not forget that “God honours those who honour Him”        (1 Samuel 2:30). That includes honouring Him with our finances as well as with our service.

Have a wonderful week and remember that it’s not the duration of our life that matters but the donation of it. It’s not how long we live but how we live that really matters.

Colin