ACCEPTABLE SERVICE

DATE: SATURDAY 31ST DECEMBER 2016. 

THEME: ACCEPTABLE SERVICE 

Memorise:

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27

Read: Romans 12:1-2

12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 

MESSAGE:

The major difference between David and the other soldiers at the war front was simply the fact that David could not stand the insult and blasphemy against the God of Israel. He knew God so well, and he feared and honoured Him so much that he decided to confront the giant warrior called Goliath without any fear of losing his life. David, in this case, took the meaning of acceptable service to another level. It can be very painful when the authority of God is so challenged, you will want to do anything to defend Him even if it means doing so with your life. In 1 Samuel 17:23-26, Goliath came out, boasted exceedingly and asked; "Where is the God of Israel?" For as many as had no intimate relationship with God, this threat, challenge and disgrace meant nothing to them. But then, one day, a little boy who loved the Lord was there, he heard Goliath talk against his God and he got very angry. His love for God propelled him to dare this giant that was bringing shame on God and His people. 

It can be very painful when you have a problem that has persisted, especially when you know that your God is more than able to solve it. People may even ask, "Did you not say your God can do all things? Why has He not done yours?" Yes, it can be painful, but you must be prepared to love God to the extent of not minding what people say about your condition. 

In Palms 115:1-3, when the unbelievers were asking the psalmist: "Where is your God?" instead of being embarrassed or wallow in self-pity, he was not bothered. Infact, he began to make excuses for God because of his love for Him. He replied them: "Are you asking of my God because of this little problem? My God is still in Heaven. He is still on the throne and He cannot be dethroned. If you must know, my God does whatever He pleases and He is not accountable to anyone. Whether He does it or not, you cannot take Him to court. He knows the right time to solve this problem because your time and mine may not be His. Is it not for me? I am prepared to wait for His time; I am not in any hurry". With that kind of answer, the mouths of the enemies will be stopped. How much do you love God? The proof of your love for God against all odds is the mark of an acceptable service unto Him!

Prayer Point:

Father, I commit my life to You wholeheartedly. 

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

Numbers 7:84-10:10

Psalms 140

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE 

HYMN 14: ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS

Onward, Christian soldiers, 

Marching as to war, 

With the cross of Jesus going on before. 

Christ the royal Master, 

Leads against the foe; 

Forward into battle, 

See His banners go! 

Chorus:

Onward, Christian soldiers! 

Marching as to war, 

Looking unto Jesus, 

Who is gone before. 

At the sign of triumph 

Satan's host doth flee; 

On then, Christian soldiers, 

On to victory! 

Hell's foundations quiver 

At the shout of praise; 

Brothers, lift your voices, 

Loud your anthems raise. 

Chorus:

Like a mighty army 

Moves the church of God; 

Brothers, we are treading 

Where the saints have trod. 

We are not divided, 

All one body we, 

One in hope and doctrine, 

One in charity. 

Chorus:

Crowns and thrones may perish, 

Kingdoms rise and wane, 

But the church of Jesus 

Constant will remain. 

Gates of hell can never 

Gainst that church prevail; 

We have Christ's own promise, 

And that cannot fail. 

Chorus:

Onward then, ye people, 

Join our happy throng, 

Blend with ours your voices 

In the triumph song. 

Glory, laud, and honor 

Unto Christ the King, 

This through countless ages 

Men and angels sing. 

Chorus.