WORK: An Act of Worship
“You have a gift,” he spoke as if to remind us of the reason God calls to people to come to know Him. Looking intently at us, he continued, “Yes, a spiritual gift, one that can be accepted and used by the Holy Spirit of God or one that can be denied and buried within you. Truly, it is your choice.”
A choice.
A decision.
An opportunity to be led by the Holy Spirit.
A spiritual gift.
Given by Almighty God.
To you and to me, to all who believe and accept Jesus as Savior and Lord.
The Apostle Paul was given these words by the Holy Spirit to write to the young preacher Timothy. See God’s Word with me and be reminded of what God has called each one of His children to do.
“For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immorality to light through the gospel,
for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.”
(2 Timothy 1: 6-11 NASB)
The world outside is so dry, so static, so electrifying that a total burn ban has been issued. NO BURNING—AT ALL!
We would do well to heed the notice because we value our home and property, just as we value those of our neighbors.
NO BURNING MEANS NO FIRE!
NO FIRE MEANS NO BLAZE!
Today, may we consider the hearts of God’s children, those same hearts who were “set afire” when we first believed, first accepted God, and first received our salvation.
- Do we still burn hot for God?
- Do we still add fuel to the flame, not quenching the fire burning deep within us, not stopping our mouths, or our hands and feet from obeying our Lord when He commands us to speak, do, or move?
- Do we walk through our days “quenching the Spirit of God”?
Fear can be an opportunity to move past, to move from a place of fear to a place of trust.
So, I wonder: Whom do we fear most—man or God?
On a scale of 1-10, how open are we to the ministry of the Holy Spirit?
Are we aware of the Holy Spirit empowering us for the ministry?
Are we OPEN & AVAILABLE?
Are our hearts ablaze as we allow God to “kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you . . .”
- We cannot be fearful.
- We cannot be afraid to step out in boldness.
- We cannot “be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . .”
Today, let us allow the Holy Spirit to rekindle the gift God has given to us at our salvation.
Let us NOT quench the Spirit but let us cause it to blaze again!
Our job is to BE FAITHFUL to GOD.
Period.
It is God “who saved us and called us with a holy calling, . . . [and who leads us through His Spirit] according to His own purpose and grace, . . .”
We need to leave the outcome to the Lord.
As we do, then we can be content with whatever the Lord gives.
In studying, I discovered that Paul’s second letter to young Timothy was the last letter Paul wrote before he (Paul) was executed because of his testimony for God.
Despite what job we are called to do as we walk through this life, we are to “do it” with our hearts afire, with all our might, and with all the power and strength God gives to each of His.
- Then, as we do, our work becomes an act of worship—to God!
- Then, as we do, our time becomes not our own—but God’s!
- Then, as we do, our focus becomes not upon what we can accomplish within this life that we live, but—What Will God Accomplish Through Me!
- Then, as we do, our work becomes—a time to shine for Christ!
In God’s Word, we are given lists of the Spiritual Gifts God gives to His children. While these are not an exhaustive list, they are thorough. Walk with me through a different letter the Apostle Paul (earlier) wrote to the church living in Corinth.
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware.
You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led.
Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.
There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
For to one is given . . .”
(1 Corinthians 12: 1-8a)
Then as we read, we see a list of Spiritual Gifts, given by God to each child of God.
- It is our task to know which one.
- It is our job to study to show ourselves approved.
- It is our job to study the Bible, and as we do, God will reveal to us which gift He has given to us to use for His glory.
While it is true, some receive more than one gift, and some receive even more than two, but ALL BELIEVERS RECEIVE ONE SPIRITUAL GIFT to use in ministry, to work at as—AN ACT OF WORSHIP—TO GOD.
“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”
(1 Corinthians 12: 11)
In writing, a melody came to me, one that spoke directly to the rekindle needed. Pause and Listen and Be Reminded of WHO is our first Love.
“Jesus, You are all I need.
My heart and my flesh cry out for You.
My heart and my flesh cry out for You.
My heart and my flesh cry out for You.
My heart and my flesh cry out.
My heart and my flesh cry out.
My heart and my flesh cry out for You.
My heart and my flesh cry out—for YOU!
JESUS. JESUS. JESUS.
My heart and my flesh cry out.
My heart and my flesh cry out.
My heart and my flesh cry out.
My heart and my flesh cry out for You.
My heart and my flesh cry out for You.
My heart and my flesh cry out—for YOU!
For YOU. . . .”
Leeland & TAYA “Heart & Flesh”
May our WORK Be An Act of Worship—This Day!
May we be OPEN & AVAILABLE!
May we not quench the Holy Spirit of God, afire, ablaze, and dwelling inside us!
May we be the disciples of Christ as we are called to be!