“SERVING GOD AT 'ALL' TIMES”

“SERVING GOD AT 'ALL' TIMES”

Monday, June 13th, 2022

SCRIPTURE:

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e]and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” – Luke 10:30-37

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

Every year for twenty years, our family has traveled to the North Carolina mountains, (Lake Junaluska/Maggie Valley area) for our denomination’s annual conference. Every year this place has been a gorgeous setting for holy listening, fellowship with family and colleagues, worship, and adventure. We took our camper this year for the first time hauling it with our truck of course. And well, we got less than ten miles to the gallon too. We’ve cancelled our trip to visit family in Texas this summer because of sky-rocketing gas prices. Traveling west on Interstate 40, we couldn’t help but to notice on at least three different occasions, and miles apart from each other, instances of individuals walking along the shoulder with a bag over their shoulder, on their back, or rolling behind them. I asked Jill if she noticed it and she said, “they probably can’t afford to drive anywhere”. Soon thereafter, we stopped for gas and some fast food. Jill noticed a young couple in a junky old van packed full of “stuff” with a mattress on top and a dog in the back. The man, Tommy, was walking towards us and he asked for help. Long story short, I filled up their van with a full tank of gas, gave them some money for food, and we stood there in the 90+ degree summer heat praying and weeping together. It was a sweet moment with Tommy, Amber, and their dog Macy. I don’t know who was blessed more, them or me.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

Lord knows we all need a break from pastoral ministry for rest and renewal from time to time. Jesus took breaks and encouraged His followers to also. For our family, we have an annual rhythm where we break away from time to time on occasion too. However, even as we breakaway from our roles, our titles, and our jobs, we will ALWAYS be disciples of Jesus Christ wherever we are and wherever we go. Serving God at ALL times, 24-7, especially when no one is watching, is truly a blessing… that is … provided that we are open, ready, and willing to receive a divine moment and opportunity to be richly blessed.

Be encouraged as you take your time for rest and renewal this summer to keep your eyes peeled and your heart open for seeing, hearing, and experiencing God beyond your ministerial setting. There’s no telling what blessing God may have in store for you.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, as this summer is upon, provide my family and I with opportunities to break away for rest and renewal. And as we do, may I remain attentive to Your voice at all times, even when I feel like I need a break. Open my eyes that I may see You. Open my ears that I may hear You. And open my heart that I may continue to serve You and be attentive to every divine moment You have to bless me with. I humbly pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. – AMEN

RESOURCE / APPLICATION

Application: Be encouraged to schedule some time this summer for your own rest and spiritual renewal. Put a date on the calendar and make plans today. And as you do, stay attentive to “Seizing Your Divine Moments”.

Book: Seizing Your Divine Moments by Erwin McManus