Joyful Service
Joyful Service5
Serve the Lord With Gladness
By C.H. Spurgeon0NEH 8:10PSA 37:4PSA 100:2ISA 12:3JHN 15:11ROM 12:112CO 9:7PHP 4:4COL 3:231PE 4:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that serving the Lord should be a joyful experience, as true service comes from a heart filled with gladness rather than obligation. He argues that God desires cheerful servants who express their love through joyful obedience, contrasting this with the idea of serving out of sadness or reluctance, which is not genuine service. Spurgeon illustrates that just as soldiers who fight for their country do so with enthusiasm, Christians should approach their service to God with a joyful spirit, as this reflects their sincerity and acceptance. He encourages believers to demonstrate their joy in serving God to the world, showcasing that true religion is a source of delight rather than slavery. Ultimately, he calls for a heart of gladness in our service, as it strengthens and uplifts our spirits.
The Bountiful Servant!
By David Wilkerson02CO 9:6David Wilkerson shares his heartfelt struggle with weariness and the unexpected way the Holy Spirit ministered to him. Instead of the sympathy he sought, he was reminded of the importance of serving God with a bountiful and cheerful spirit, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. The Lord reassured him that all he needed—strength, joy, and resources—was available to him for his ministry in New York City. Wilkerson emphasizes that true service to God should be filled with joy and abundance, rather than burdened by sadness. He encourages believers to embrace the fullness of God's provision in their lives.
Put Your Heart Into It!
By David Wilkerson02CO 8:3COL 3:23David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of serving God wholeheartedly, urging believers to give their lives and resources joyfully rather than grudgingly. He highlights the example of the Macedonian church, who, despite their poverty, gave generously and volunteered their services to God, demonstrating that true giving comes from a cheerful heart. Wilkerson challenges the notion of giving out of obligation, reminding us that God loves a cheerful giver and that our service should be filled with joy and enthusiasm. He encourages believers to chase away weariness and burdens by embracing faith and the joy of serving the Lord.
Ezekiel 44:17
By Chuck Smith0LEV 10:1PSA 100:2MAT 11:30JHN 4:242CO 9:7Chuck Smith emphasizes the essence of worshipping the Lord, focusing on the importance of inspiration over perspiration. He explains that true worship should flow from a heart filled with love for God, rather than being a burdensome task or done under false pretenses. Smith highlights that God desires our service to be joyful and genuine, free from the weight of obligation or competition. He warns against the dangers of serving under false stimulants, urging believers to worship with sincerity and gratitude. Ultimately, worship should be a natural expression of our relationship with God, not a forced effort.
The Self-Centered Person's Attitude to God
By Zac Poonen0GEN 29:20DEU 28:47MAT 20:1LUK 19:212CO 9:7Zac Poonen addresses the self-centered person's attitude towards God, emphasizing that legalistic service stems from a desire for reward rather than genuine love. He illustrates this through the elder son in the parable of the prodigal son, who served his father out of obligation and resentment, expecting recognition and reward. Poonen warns that such a mindset leads to dissatisfaction and comparison with others, which is contrary to God's desire for cheerful and spontaneous service. He encourages believers to serve out of love for Christ, highlighting that true service should be joyful and free from the burden of legalism. Ultimately, God desires our love above all else, as it is the foundation of a meaningful relationship with Him.