The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. Acts 17:24-25
This morning I continue a pause in my study of 1 Corinthians to use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional. Today, in this devotional, John Piper provides believers with a warning that is likely to be counterintuitive - that we must beware of serving God. Piper first starts by sharing that "we do not glorify God by providing his needs, but by praying that he would provide ours — and trusting him to answer, and living in the joy of that all-providing care as we lay down our lives in love for other people." He then refers us to Psalm 50:12-15 where the text is clear - prayer expresses our utter dependence on God and as such it glorifies God. Piper then shares that we are then forced to acknowledge "the startling fact that we must beware of thinking he needs us. We must beware of serving God, and we must take special care to let him serve us, lest we rob him of his glory....Most of us think serving God is a totally positive thing. We have not considered that serving God may be an insult to him. But meditation on the very meaning of prayer makes this plain...[T]here is a way to serve God that would belittle him as needy of our service. Oh, how careful we must be not to preempt the mighty grace of God in Christ."
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - providing for all of my needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom, energy and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
