Seeking to Serve

If your cup seems too bitter, if your burden seems too heavy, be sure that it is the wounded hand that is holding the cup, and that it is me who carried the cross that is carrying the burden.

Author Unknown

Romans 16:6-12

Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. (HCSB)

I must apologize for the lapse in Devotions, I have been quite busy, but it was a good busy. The Convention in Pensacola really showed me that maybe Southern Baptists are getting serious about turning the corner and putting the church back on track and working to spread the Gospel, rather than protect their traditions.

I will cover these scriptures which end the Greetings of Paul and end with the instruction to greet one another with a Holy Kiss. I find in these scriptures a common thread and it is this one. Paul was thanking those that had been working hard for Jesus. Paul was complimenting their faithfulness, and expressing his love and appreciation to them.

One thing lacking in today’s church is a lack of commitment. These people were on line for Christ. They didn’t come to the church because of what the church might have that would benefit them. No, they came to the church to work where they might be a benefit used by God. I think that is almost backwards of what most people are doing today when they go seeking a place to “worship”… isn’t it…God’s Blessings.

Pastor William