When I first got “saved” I had only one urgent motive: Avoid Hell. 

Then came “wandering years”.  And many years of trying to be “worthy” of Christ’s sacrifice, falling short, giving up, trying harder.  If you haven’t noticed–it’s very difficult to do much in life, in your own strength.  That’s why followers of Jesus are given the gift of His Holy Spirit within us–to HELP.

After 2011’s ephiphany I began reading the Bible with genuine interest, and choosing church leaders who were also good Bible teachers.  Before long I was an eager tither, and more focused during the Lenten and Advent seasons.  And I was doing my best in areas where I had at least some recognizable gift for service: cooking for neighbors, talking about my faith in a “non-preachy” manner, being an Encourager (a surprise to me, so well-acquainted with Depression).

Soon the Bible became The Greatest Adventure story–with real people, and lessons God taught them…for our benefit.  There was much to learn!  It took awhile for me to catch the revelation that Jesus isn’t just my Savior–God intended that He be Lord of my life…the BOSS.  That was tricky, I admit…I’m a control-freak. 

There’s lots more I’m working on–partnered with the Lord.  The critical “judge-y” stuff is still being weeded out–and I need to ASK for wisdom and discernment often, and LISTEN for His voice…to avoid misunderstanding His directions.

Being a servant isn’t always easy.  There are boundaries–which does NOT mean choosing to serve only people I like…who are “nice”, grateful, and reciprocate.  I am bound to serve “as unto the Lord”–any whosoever He puts in my path…an arrogant narcissist, a thief and liar, or someone who said mean things about me yesterday and lacks compassion.  Unless these are habitual offenders, I’m expected to forgive and afford them God’s grace–a chance to receive from Him, through me.

I became a gung-ho “giver”, it’s FUN to be generous!  But there can be pitfalls…people may assume you are “God’s ATM”.  Sometimes Jesus repeats this phrase to keep me from further debt: “Just this, and no more”. 

Maturity is a journey–I’m ever grateful for the Lord’s patience–it’s not in Him to give up on me.

Walking with Him is so hugely Good.  My second reason for being a Christian, once Hell was off the table: I was desperate for unconditional love.  Growing up unloved is Hard.  Even now, when the Lord does something beyond amazing for me–and I’m thanking and praising Him all over the place because I still can’t believe it’s true–He looks at me and asks, “why do you always think the last good thing I did for you, is the LAST one?” 

Give that a ponder, won’t you?  It’s about His endlessly expansive Love.  And, if you’re one who thinks you can get along okay without Him…I hope you have a praying friend or family member–because we never know what’s around the next corner.  I’m not preaching, just sayin’.😊

At the end of the post there’s something Wonderful!  ~ Cale

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Amplified Bible
Please, O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and the prayer of Your servants who delight to [reverently] fear Your Name [Your essence, Your nature, Your attributes, with awe]; and make Your servant successful this day ~ Neh 1:11

Lamsa Bible
And serve well with your whole soul, with love, as to our LORD, and not to men. Eph 6:7

7Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does.  Berean Standard Bible Eph 6:7-8

Serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intent of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. I Chron 28:9

2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. 

Matthew 25:40
And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

And…because it starts with the letter “S”–and is one of my fave things in the Bible, I bring you…

GOD’S SHEKINAH GLORY!

🎆🎇🧨✨🎉🎊💖

Amplified Bible
There I will meet with the Israelites, and the Tent of Meeting shall be sanctified by My glory [the Shekinah, God’s dwelling presence].

Ex 29:43