Why We Are Here

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Mike

Serving God by serving others is why we are here.

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (NASB)

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Let this be a time of worship to God. Pray each prayer and add your own personal message to God. Read each scripture as though reading it for the first time – listen carefully for the voice of God. Listen to each song paying close attention to the lyrics provided. These songs were carefully chosen. Even if the music is not your favorite style of music, know that the musicians performing are sincerely making music to the Lord. Try to feel the passion in their words and their musical expression. Give thought to the message presented and confirm the truth therein by opening your Bible and taking some time to do your own personal study. May you be greatly blessed.

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Let’s Pray Together

Heavenly Father, we stand in your presence in awe of your awesome power and love. We seek that which is your will in our lives and look forward to the return of your Son Jesus Christ. Please Father, wrap your arms around each of us and provide for us all of our needs. Forgive us Father, for all of our mistakes and failures in our pursuit of righteousness. Develop in us the ability to also forgive those who disrupt our lives. Open our eyes Father, to the enemy who is in pursuit of our souls. Let us see clearly the evil trying to control our lives so that we can avoid destruction. We offer this prayer in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Why We Are Here

All of us sometimes get trapped in our own world, fenced in by the challenges of life or the cynical idea we are not able to do much more with our lives other than take care of ourselves. Unbelievers are often focused on personal pleasure. Followers of Jesus are often overly consumed with their own salvation, and not truly focused on the salvation of others. In both cases, the issue is a deeper concern for self than for others.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB)

Life can be difficult and making ends meet is not always easy; nevertheless, as followers of Jesus we are to set our own needs aside and care for our neighbor when the opportunity presents itself.

“Do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 (NASB)

Those of us who are blessed with an abundant life either financially or in talents and abilities, should go the extra mile to share our gifts with those in need. Everything we have is a gift from God and not ours to hoard or keep solely for our own purposes.

“We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.” Romans 15:1 (NASB)

If we are overly consumed with our own needs to the exclusion of those around us we are missing a significant portion of God’s plan for our lives. Serving God by serving others is what we’re here for.

Carefully consider this song.

My Own Little World – Matthew West

In my own little world it hardly ever rains

I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe

I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet

In my own little world: population — me

I try to stay awake during Sunday morning church

I throw a twenty in the plate but I never give ’til it hurts

And I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see

It’s easy to do when its population — me

What if there’s a bigger picture?

What if I’m missing out?

What if there’s a greater purpose?

I could be living right now

Outside my own little world

Stopped till the red light, looked out my window

I saw a cardboard sign said, “Help this homeless widow”

And just above that sign was the face of a human

I thought to myself, “God, what have I been doing?”

So I rolled down the window and I looked her in the eye

Oh, how many times have I just passed her by?

I gave her some money then I drove on through

And my own little world reached population two

What if there’s a bigger picture?

What if I’m missing out?

What if there’s a greater purpose?

I could be living right now

Outside my own little world, ooh, my own little world, ooh

Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours

Give me open hands and open doors

Put Your light in my eyes and let me see

That my own little world is not about me

What if there’s a bigger picture?

What if I’m missing out?

What if there’s a greater purpose?

That I could be living right now

I don’t wanna miss what matters

I wanna be reaching out

Show me the greater purpose

So I can start living right now

Outside my own little world, my own little world, my own little world

Step Out in Faith

We have an enemy in this world that is constantly trying to distract us with things that do not pertain to God, or worse, distorting the truth so that we spend more time than needed on what we believe to be Godly endeavors. Yes, it’s possible to spend too much time at church and neglect the true will of God.

“Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NASB)

Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship are all important aspects of the Christian life; however, they are empty and meaningless without a sincere effort to share God’s love by helping others. Serving others outside of your immediate family is one of the best ways to share the gospel. Acting out of love for others expresses far more than a thousand words of practiced evangelism.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NASB)

Our calling card as followers of Jesus is not where we go to church or how many books of the Bible we’ve read – our calling card is how we treat others. We are to love one another in the same way that God loves us. Those who consistently serve others are clearly identified as disciples of Jesus.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (NASB)

Let this song speak to your heart.

I Refuse – Josh Wilson

Sometimes I

I just want to close my eyes

And act like everyone’s all right

When I know they’re not

This world needs God

But it’s easier to stand and watch

I could say a prayer and just move on

Like nothing’s wrong

But I refuse

Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care

I don’t want to say another empty prayer

Oh I refuse to

Sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

Oh I could choose

Not to move

But I refuse

I can hear the least of these

Crying out so desperately

And I know we are the hands and feet

Of You, Oh God

So if you say move

It’s time for me to follow through

And do what I was made to do

And show them who you are

Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care

I don’t want to say another empty prayer

Oh I refuse to

Sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

Oh I could choose

Not to move

But I refuse

To stand and watch

The weary and lost

Cry out for help

I refuse

To turn my back

And try and act like all is well

I refuse

To stay unchanged

To wait another day

To doubt myself

I refuse

To make one more excuse

Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care

I don’t want to say another empty prayer

Oh I refuse to

Sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

Oh I could choose

Not to move

But I refuse

I refuse

We Are Here to Serve

As followers of Jesus, our mission is to walk in his footsteps. Jesus demonstrated the life of the ultimate servant, sacrificing his life on our behalf. Our lives should also be dedicated to serving others. We should be looking for every opportunity to show the world the love of God.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (NASB)

Serving others is our service to God. No matter where we are, at work, at school, out shopping, working out at the gym, there are always opportunities to serve others. Everything we do should be a tribute to our salvation and a clear indication that we are part of the family of God.

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)

Keep in mind, we are not acting alone. The Holy Spirit is with all believers guiding us and keeping us connected to the power of God. God designed us with service in mind. We have been crafted by God for this mission. All we have to do is listen for his direction and respond accordingly.

“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)

In your next prayer, specifically ask God to point the way to your service assignment. In your next study of the Word of God, look carefully for an indicator of your next move. Seek your calling and then step out in faith knowing that God will be with you to make certain you accomplish your divinely prepared good works.

Let this song speak to your heart.

What We’re Here For – The Afters

Thank you for spending this time worshiping God.

His door is now open to you. You are in God’s presence. Don’t leave without Him. Keep Him with you throughout your day.

Go in peace.

All scripture references are linked to Bible Gateway so that you can read each verse in context. Bible Gateway allows you to change the verse to your favorite translation and compare it side-by-side with multiple translations. In addition, you can select to hear an audio version of any verse by clicking on the speaker icon. Keep the Bible Gateway App on your phone so that you can visit the Word of God at any time during your day.