Glory in the Morning

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, thEach of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11ey should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

Driving home from my daughter’s wedding yesterday, my husband and I marveled at all the beautiful moments that had taken place during the beautiful, weekend. God overwhelmingly was present. On account of Him, the day went spiritually wonderful, smoothly and sweetly. Though so very grateful, I was determined not to cry my happy tears too much, so I could focus on Kellie and serve her best on her wedding day.

Just before Kellie was to be married, the bridesmaids and I gathered to pray. With her bridesmaids’ heads bowed and their hands on her, a calm came over me like never before. My heart was so full of joy and thankfulness for these special friends and the man she was to marry, that I had no room for tears. I poured out my thankfulness to Him. I was literally like, “Wow, God, look what you did for my Kellie! You knew all along we would be here today doing this! Thank you!”

After the prayer, one or two bridesmaids/precious friends commented that they were impressed by how calm I was, that I held it all together. (We all know how hyper emotional I can be when it comes to my girls, so I was just as shocked at my calm.) It was not to my credit at all. The Lord was evident all day.

I may be known for being calm in certain situations, but I would hope that others really know me for having to totally depend on God. It is Him that accomplishes anything I appear to do! I hope also, that others know that it is ONLY because Jesus answers prayers for peace that I was not a basket case on Saturday….at least until the actual ceremony… then I lost it! God’s so good to join Kellie to such a new loving family and husband.

I realized, during the wedding, how our Lord and King had served us all, in a way. We prayed for good weather, no problems and no stress for Kellie. We prayed for His hand on the whole day, so we would feel Him there in full force. He owes us nothing at all! Yet, He answered all of our prayers. He is amazing, isn’t He? (Even when He doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want.)

Jesus was known for service too! He was known, is known, for His pure love and obedience to His Father. As Jesus leaned into His Father’s will, He served Him. Thinking of Jesus as a servant sort of shakes up my idea of Him. But He was a servant to His Father in that He obeyed Him with all that He had. He wanted to please God more than He wanted to escape the trial. He wanted to save us more than He wanted to save Himself. He wanted to endure torture more than He wanted for us to endure punishment for our sins. He put God first as we are meant to do.

Wow! All day Saturday I kept thinking, “What am I known for?” and “Have I been a good servant today?” “Is my life about serving and loving Jesus more than myself?” That is a high calling to which I have never been able to accomplish fully, but as I stressed over this a bit, I felt the Lord say to me…”It is the desire to be a grateful servant that pleases me.”

We may be known to others by our gifts and personalities, but above all that, it is what we servant-like give to the Lord and others that sticks in people’s minds. One last thing, and I am sorry this is long, but when we desire to be a servant, God always sends an opportunity and the ability to do that work for Him. So, I leave you with these thoughts…

You are special. You were made for God’s purpose. You are unique in your personality and makeup. God intended for you to be just that way, because He has a plan that only you can accomplish with Him. He gives us grace when we mess up and strengthens us so we can do His will. Being a servant to others is always in His plan. Not only does it help someone, it shows our allegiance to God and shines HIS glory. Just think….someone can come to know the Lord because you are known for knowing Him! That’s pretty cool! You know the saying… “It’s who you know!”

Again, sorry so long with this devo. God just filled my heart with so much joy and wonder this weekend. He showed me that a wedding is more than a pretty event. It is an opportunity to serve. Any event is an opportunity to serve others! I hope you have a great week and God blesses you with new wonders and blessings, as He loves to do. With all praise to Him,

Tina