Free to Serve

“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another.“ – Galatians 5:13 (NET Bible)

The Word of God teaches us that we are no longer slaves to sin, as sin’s guilt and power have been defeated on the cross. We are now free, but free for what?

Yes, we are free to love and serve God. However, today’s scripture points out another aspect of our liberty. There is a strong correlation between freedom and serving one another.

Serving one another should not be seen as an arduous duty driven by guilt, fear, or manipulation. To the contrary, it is the wonderful freedom Christ has purchased for us that motivates us to do good.

We are free to love and serve one another because we have been first loved and served by Christ Himself. Knowing Christ will set us free from a “ME” attitude. Since our lives are relational, our relationship with God will impact our relationship with others.

If you believe you have value, then you will also see the value in others. A person of value will always focus on giving to others rather than taking advantage of others. So, let’s use our gifts and talents to serve one another and bring glory to God.

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Be a People Builder

“Don’t say anything that would hurt [another person]. Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed. That way, what you say will help those who hear you.” – Ephesians 4:29 (GWT)  

Are your words strengthening your relationships? Or do you gossip, slander, and express negativity in your conversations? Most of the pain and heartache we tend to experience in life stems from hurtful words spoken to us or about us.

Tensions created by misunderstandings, accusations, and insisting on our way only result in the breakdown of relationships. On the contrary, we are called to be people builders.

The Bible is clear that our conduct should positively impact those around us. To build one another up, we must learn to use our words in a constructive manner. This is essential if we are to succeed in our relationships.

Here is your challenge for the week:

Every day, practice speaking kind words to others and about others. Be intentional about encouraging and uplifting someone. Rather than focusing on the negative things you don’t like; focus on the positive things you do like. As you commit to building people, you and your relationships will flourish.

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Prayer of Agreement

“Again I say unto you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:19 (ESV)

Jesus teaches us that there is tremendous power in the prayer of agreement. The principle is very simple. Two or more people have to be in agreement with God’s will—and with one another—on the specific request they are presenting before the Lord.

This means that they are approaching the throne of God and praying for the exact same thing in faith. Whether it’s three or three hundred, the prayer of agreement is effective if hearts are truly united. God gave us this method so that we would be successful not only in our prayer lives, but also in our relationships with one another.

This is not to say that individual prayer is not powerful and effective. Of course it is! But when God sees unity among His people, Jesus Christ is glorified and our prayers are much more effective.

As we join with other believers in pureness of heart, we will strengthen our relationships and accomplish great things for the Kingdom.

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Accelerated Favor

“Then when you call, the Lord will answer.‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.” – Isaiah 58:9 (NLT)

Does life seem to be at a standstill for you? Are you wanting to press in to the next season, but aren’t sure when that season will come? Well, let me encourage you—if you put your trust in God, He will accelerate things in your favor!

This week, I’d like to remind you of three important keys to help launch you into a season of accelerated favor.

1. Expect God to accelerate answers to your prayers.
Perhaps you have been praying about a certain situation for a long time. Although the answers may seem long in coming, know that God is not slack concerning His promise. As you remain steadfast in faith, you’ll see accelerated answers to your prayers.

2. Expect things to start happening supernaturally.
The Gospel of John chapter 2 records the story of Jesus turning water into wine. In just one moment, Jesus was able to do what would have normally taken men twenty years to do by natural processes. That same miracle anointing is available to us today. You may think that it will take you twenty years to accomplish a goal, but God can make it happen in a fraction of time!

3. Expect God to accelerate your destiny.
It doesn’t have to take a long time to reach your destiny. God knows exactly where you are and what you need in order to fulfill your divine purpose. If you will cooperate with Him and obey His voice, He will cause you to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right people.

I want to encourage you to get ready to embrace a new season of uncommon favor! God is going to redeem your time and accelerate you further than you ever thought possible. Expect the Spirit of acceleration to begin moving in your life today!

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