Tag: Serving God

August 13, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Spiritual Frequency

Opening Verse

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” — Psalm 24:1, KJV

Introduction

God’s creation is filled with wonders that reveal His wisdom and power. Among these marvels is the bee, a small yet essential creature in the ecosystem. Through a remarkable process called “buzz pollination,” bees adjust their buzz frequency to gather pollen from certain plants, ensuring the growth of the fruits and vegetables we enjoy. But beyond this, the bee’s actions can teach us a vital spiritual lesson.

Devotional Story

Bees are often seen flying from flower to flower, buzzing as they go. This buzz, however, is more than just a background noise; it’s a finely tuned tool that bees use to fulfill their purpose. When a bee encounters a flower that holds onto its pollen tightly, the bee adjusts the frequency of its buzz. This specific vibration shakes the pollen loose, enabling the bee to collect it and, in turn, pollinate other plants.

This ability to change its buzz frequency is a reminder of how God equips even the smallest of His creations with the tools they need to fulfill their roles. But it also serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives. Just as the bee must adjust its frequency to accomplish its task, we too must be sensitive to the ways God calls us to adjust our “spiritual frequency” to serve Him better.

What This Means

In our walk with God, there are times when He calls us to change, to adjust our lives, attitudes, or behaviors to align more closely with His will. Like the bee that alters its buzz to gather pollen, we are called to attune our hearts and minds to God’s voice. This might mean spending more time in prayer, studying His Word more diligently, or being more responsive to the needs of those around us.

When we adjust our spiritual frequency, we become more effective in the roles God has given us. We begin to see the fruits of our labor in our relationships, our ministries, and our personal walk with Christ. It’s in these moments of spiritual adjustment that God’s purposes are fulfilled through us, much like how the bee’s adjusted buzz allows plants to produce fruit.

Think About This

Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to make adjustments? How might changing your “spiritual frequency” help you fulfill the purpose God has for you? Consider the ways you can be more in tune with God’s will today.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons we learn from Your creation. Help us to be sensitive to Your voice, willing to adjust our lives to align with Your will. Give us the wisdom to know when and how to change our spiritual frequency, so that we may serve You more effectively. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” — Psalm 50:10, KJV

October 22, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Click-Bait Christians

“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
– Matthew 6:3 (NKJV)

Introduction:

In today’s social media-driven world, many people are attracted to attention-grabbing headlines, viral videos, and sensational stories. Unfortunately, this “click-bait culture” has infiltrated the Christian community, leading some to showcase their faith for personal gain rather than glorifying God. This devotional explores the dangers of a “Click-Bait Christian” lifestyle and the importance of genuine faith.

Key Point Summary:

Click-Bait Christians perform acts of faith mainly to attract attention or receive validation, rather than to glorify God. This behavior not only misrepresents genuine Christian values but also risks diminishing one’s spiritual growth.

Devotional Story:

In a bustling community, Darius was a figure of admiration. A devout Christian, he was often seen volunteering at shelters, immersing himself in prayer, and being a regular face at church events. His activities were not just confined to the physical world; they were extensively documented on social media. Each post was a testament to his faith and dedication. Yet, there was an underlying motive to Darius’s online presence. The number of likes, shares, and comments became a measure of his self-worth. Every notification was a rush, every viral post a badge of honor.

However, as time passed, Darius found himself more engrossed in the virtual validation than the actual act of service. His motivations began to blur. Was he helping others to genuinely make a difference, or was he doing it for the digital applause?

One evening, while scrolling through his feed filled with praises and compliments, Darius stumbled upon a verse from Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV):

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV)

The verse resonated deeply with Darius. He realized he had been accumulating treasures on earth – the fleeting validation of the online world. These ‘treasures’ were vulnerable, temporary, and did not truly reflect his commitment to God.

This revelation was a turning point for Darius. He began to introspect, questioning the intent behind every action. Was he serving to glorify God or to glorify himself? The journey wasn’t easy, and old habits took time to change. But with prayer and reflection, Darius started redirecting his focus from the ephemeral rewards of the digital realm to the eternal treasures of heaven.

In the end, Darius learned that genuine fulfillment didn’t come from the number of likes or shares but from selflessly serving God and his community. The true treasures, he realized, were the blessings and grace he received from above, which no amount of online validation could ever match.

Contextual Insight:

In the times of Jesus, public displays of hypocritical worship were common, especially among the Pharisees. Jesus critiqued this behavior, emphasizing the importance of a personal, sincere relationship with God over public displays meant to garner social standing.

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:5-6 (NKJV)

Personal Reflection:

  • Are you performing acts of faith to attract human praise or to glorify God?
  • How can you ensure your actions reflect a genuine relationship with God?

Practical Application:

  1. Before posting anything related to your faith online, pause and consider your motives.
  2. Focus on in-person, authentic acts of kindness and service that don’t need to be broadcasted.
  3. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal any areas of your life where you seek human approval over His.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to live a life that glorifies You, not myself. Guide me away from the temptation to seek human approval, and towards a pure and sincere faith. Amen.

Conclusion:

Being a Christian is about more than just looking good in the eyes of others. It’s about developing a sincere relationship with God and glorifying Him through our actions.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

Further Reading:

  • Matthew 6:1-6
  • Galatians 1:10
  • James 4:4-10

Faith Notes:

In our modern era, it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of digital validation. However, it’s essential to remember that our actions should be driven by genuine intent, not the desire for recognition. By focusing on serving God and the community selflessly, we can lay up treasures in heaven that are eternal and unshakable.

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NKJV)

 

September 25, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Serving GOD Through Life’s Turns

In the early morning hours, a dream came to me, unbidden but clear as day. This dream served as a divine nudge, a message from God: “Serve me humbly, as you once served others.”

THE RESTAURANT YEARS: THE SEEDS OF SERVICE

Back in the day, I was a waiter at a Mexican restaurant. I loved making people’s days better just by remembering their regular orders. You wouldn’t believe how much a smile can light up the room when you remember that simplest things like if the customer drank sweet tea or unsweet.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10

It also brought me great joy to see the customers faces light up. To them it was like I had performed something miraculous just by knowing what they wanted. It made them feel special.

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

The Downfall: Losing Sight of Service

Over time, my sense of joy began to wane, gradually corroded by interactions with difficult customers. They never said it, but their body language screamed contempt. They looked down on me as if I was inferior. This toxic environment tainted my perspective, converting a job I loved into a source of bitterness and resentment.

The Family Influence: A Technological Compass

It was during this period of internal turmoil that I started to reflect on my father’s influence. Growing up, he was always self-employed, running his own business in the technology sector. He imbued me with a fascination for tech, something that I realized could be my way out of my current unhappiness.

Yet, my father too had once faced similar crossroads. He was restless in his job in a tech company, eventually realizing that he needed to forge his own path. He did exactly that, establishing his own security installation business, taking us, his children, along for this incredible ride.

And of course, he would always remind my brothers and I of Philippians 4:13 when we would work with him.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

During this period of turmoil, memories of my father’s parallel experiences started to surface. He was a man of technology, his passion coursing through my veins as well. My brothers and I would often accompany him on jobs installing security systems across Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.

One particular job that stands out, was at one of Virginia’s first and earliest data centers. Even in that professional environment, my father remained his authentic self. A man guided by his own internal compass, he once left a job he loved in technology to start his own business, seeking a greater purpose.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

A Full Circle Moment

Years later, by what felt like a twist of divine fate, I found myself working at one of the first and most prominent data centers in Southern Virginia. The customers I served at the restaurant had unknowingly prepared me for this moment—offering a service, networking, and paving the way for new opportunities.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

THE DREAM DECODED

In my dream, I was back at the restaurant, swamped with orders and struggling to keep up. I even goofed up a few things. But then I passed the baton to a young host who looked so grateful, and the dream ended.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I think God is telling me to never forget the joy and humility I felt when I was serving tables. He wants me to serve Him with that same heart.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29

So, as I sit here typing, it’s not just me—it’s the Holy Spirit guiding me. Life has a way of coming full circle, especially when you listen to God. He’s the best server of all, always knowing exactly what we need.