R. A. Torrey gave a description of what brings revival. He said, First, let some Christians get thoroughly right with God. Second, let them commit to prayer for revival until God opens the windows of Heaven. Third, let them put themselves at the disposal of God as He sees fit in winning others to Christ. He went on to say he has given this formula all over the world and has never seen it fail for it cannot fail. Today many in the church are content to let the pastor or somebody else serve while they enjoy the benefits. How willing are we to follow God’s plan for meaningful service? The Bible gives us the keys to effective service in this verse for those who would say, “Here I am Lord use me.” The first key is

Note Paul addresses his remarks to ‘brethren’. In order to serve God properly we must have the necessary ability. The exercise of spiritual gifts is the way Christian service is conducted. We receive spiritual gifts by becoming a part of the family of God. The only way to become part of His family is through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The bible says, “As many as received Him, to them gave He the power to become the sons of God (John 1:12)”. Receiving Jesus places us in the family of God and equips us to serve. (1 Cor 12). Knowing what God has done for us in His Son by giving Him as the sacrifice for our sins and then placing us in His family and giving us gifts to serve Him can we do any less than serve? What is your gift? Are you using it for God’s glory? Are you asking Him to lead you and use you in your local church? Along with relationship another key to service is

Both words ‘steadfast’ and ‘immovable’ denote a solid, determined, settled, unmovable attitude of service. A Christian who follows this guideline will certainly not be easily moved from their calling. Be careful of any who would try to cause a detour. “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.” (2 Pet 3:17) We remain steadfast by allowing God to work in us. Regarding the whole of the saving, serving process scripture says, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.” (Phil 2:12,13) Serving God is bringing forth fruit for the kingdom. This fruit is both internal and external. (Gal 5:22) speaks of the internal and (Mat 5:16) of the external. As we serve God we lay up treasure in Heaven. How full is your treasure box? Then there is this key to effective service

READINESS IN SERVING GOD “Always abounding”

‘Abounding’ is increasing, overflowing, exceeding. These words speak to me of a service that is never considered complete. It is a service always looking for other avenues of working for God’s glory. For our work to be effective there must be preparation. If I am to serve God to the best of my ability certainly I need to know Him and His word. That’s why Bible study, and prayer and fellowship are so important. Studying His word, meditating on His person and sharing in prayer and fellowship with His people help us to know and apply His will in our lives. It is also important to submit our selves to His will. Are we willing to give ourselves to His guiding? The greatest and most enjoyable Christian experience is found in abandonment to God’s desire for our lives. And that brings us to our final key in this verse the

‘Vain’ means empty. The bible tells us serving God is never meaningless, futile, unfulfilling or unrewarding. It is just the opposite. God gives all of us opportunity to be involved in His work here on earth and He promises to make that work meaningful to Himself as well as to us. Our earthly reward is in helping others and in honoring God, but it doesn’t stop there. God tells us that serving Him means future reward and future blessing. Yet, we do not labor just for reward, we labor in gratitude for all that God has done for us in Jesus. What wonderful blessing there is in serving a God who loved us and gave Himself for us, for serving others is really serving Him. The Bible says in, (Mat 25:38-40) “When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

When the slow-moving clerk in a small store was not around one morning, a customer asked the owner's young son, "Where's Eddie? Is he sick?" "Nope, he ain't workin' here no more," was the reply. "Do you have anyone in mind to fill the vacancy?" inquired the customer. "Nope! Eddie didn't leave no vacancy!" It may cause a chuckle to read these words, but certainly none of us would want it said of our service to God. For fulfilling, meaningful, purposeful service check what you are doing right now in accordance to these keys for service from Paul. God help all of us to serve Him His way. God bless.