Psalm 92:12-14 “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” KJV
An integral part of the` Planted Life’ is Christian Service. We were not saved merely to go to Heaven, but we have been “saved to serve”.
The word `serve’ comes from the Greek word `latreuo’, which means to `minister’. True ministry is to serve others…The greatest in the Kingdom shall be one who serves others. The first shall be last, and the last first. The way `up’ in God’s Kingdom is `down’, humbling yourself to esteem others higher than one’s self. Of course, this is contrary to the ways of the world. The world’s system says, `the way up is to climb on others…it’s all about me… me, myself and I.”
Psalm 116:12 “What will I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me.” KJV
Joshua 24:14 NIV 14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.”
Psalm 100:2 KJV 2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing
We must choose whom we will serve-
Matt 6:24 NIV 24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
If I don’t choose to serve God, I choose by default to serve the world’s system. No man can serve two masters…
We serve God by serving others-
Gal.5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." NIV
Rewards are promised for faithful service-
Matt. 16:27 "For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." NIV
Matt. 10:42 "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."NIV
When others wrong us, it is God’s duty to repay them according to His justice and Mercy.
2 Tim. 4:14 "Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done." NIV
• Good Works will not save us, but are a vital part of the committed Christian’s life. Good works cannot purchase you entrance in to the Kingdom, but once we are saved, we are expected to live a lifestyle of good works!!
Matt. 5:16 NLT 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Eph. 2:10 AMP 10For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
Heb. 10:24 NIV 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
• Tithing & Giving are welcomed by God and He takes delight in our obedience. Generosity is a character trait that speaks directly out of the heart of God. Yes, God was indeed so generous that He gave the best He had - because He loved so much! (John 3:16)
• At the end of the day, the only proof (Selah - think about it) of one's detachment from "earthly" things and attachment to "heavenly" things is found in the act of giving. Everything else is a masquerade for religious piety, not Christianity.
Be it expressed by time, talent or treasure, love was not given for it to stay, love is not love 'till you give it away!
Phil. 4:18,19 AMP But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Luke 6:38 NIV “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
2 Cor. 9:6,7 NIV “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
• Love one another-This is one of the greatest acts of Christian service we can perform! The Planted life is one of love and respect-
1 John 4:20 NIV ”If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”
Col.3:12-14 NLT “ Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. “
Col. 3:12-14 MESSAGE “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”
John 13:34,35 NLT “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
• Prayer is also an integral part of the Planted Life-
• Jesus had a tremendous ministry of prayer. It is recorded 25 times that He prayed. In fact, His high priestly ministry of intercession is an ongoing one as He sits at the Father’s right hand.
Hebrews 7:25 KJV “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Hebrews 7:25 AMP “ Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.”
• The Apostle Paul believed strongly in the power of prayer.
• James, the brother of Christ taught the ministry of prayer.
• In fact, the apostles of the New Testament as well as the patriarchs and prophets of old were men who had given themselves to the ministry of prayer that is available to us all.
• It has been said there is no greater Christian service than prayer.
•
• Prayer produces power for warfare!
When Paul teaches us on the armor of God in Ephesians chapter 6, he concludes his discourse by saying, Eph. 6:18 MESSAGE…”prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”
Eph. 6:18, 19 NIV “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…”
Who should we pray for? How should we pray ?
1Timothy 2:1-3 NIV “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior…”
James 5:16 AMP “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”
• The greatest model for Prayer was given by our Lord Himself---
Matthew 6:9-15 AMP “Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.”
An integral part of the` Planted Life’ is Christian Service. We were not saved merely to go to Heaven, but we have been “saved to serve”.
The word `serve’ comes from the Greek word `latreuo’, which means to `minister’. True ministry is to serve others…The greatest in the Kingdom shall be one who serves others. The first shall be last, and the last first. The way `up’ in God’s Kingdom is `down’, humbling yourself to esteem others higher than one’s self. Of course, this is contrary to the ways of the world. The world’s system says, `the way up is to climb on others…it’s all about me… me, myself and I.”
Psalm 116:12 “What will I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me.” KJV
Joshua 24:14 NIV 14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.”
Psalm 100:2 KJV 2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing
We must choose whom we will serve-
Matt 6:24 NIV 24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
If I don’t choose to serve God, I choose by default to serve the world’s system. No man can serve two masters…
We serve God by serving others-
Gal.5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." NIV
Rewards are promised for faithful service-
Matt. 16:27 "For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." NIV
Matt. 10:42 "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."NIV
When others wrong us, it is God’s duty to repay them according to His justice and Mercy.
2 Tim. 4:14 "Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done." NIV
• Good Works will not save us, but are a vital part of the committed Christian’s life. Good works cannot purchase you entrance in to the Kingdom, but once we are saved, we are expected to live a lifestyle of good works!!
Matt. 5:16 NLT 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Eph. 2:10 AMP 10For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
Heb. 10:24 NIV 24And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
• Tithing & Giving are welcomed by God and He takes delight in our obedience. Generosity is a character trait that speaks directly out of the heart of God. Yes, God was indeed so generous that He gave the best He had - because He loved so much! (John 3:16)
• At the end of the day, the only proof (Selah - think about it) of one's detachment from "earthly" things and attachment to "heavenly" things is found in the act of giving. Everything else is a masquerade for religious piety, not Christianity.
Be it expressed by time, talent or treasure, love was not given for it to stay, love is not love 'till you give it away!
Phil. 4:18,19 AMP But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Luke 6:38 NIV “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
2 Cor. 9:6,7 NIV “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
• Love one another-This is one of the greatest acts of Christian service we can perform! The Planted life is one of love and respect-
1 John 4:20 NIV ”If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.”
Col.3:12-14 NLT “ Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. “
Col. 3:12-14 MESSAGE “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”
John 13:34,35 NLT “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
• Prayer is also an integral part of the Planted Life-
• Jesus had a tremendous ministry of prayer. It is recorded 25 times that He prayed. In fact, His high priestly ministry of intercession is an ongoing one as He sits at the Father’s right hand.
Hebrews 7:25 KJV “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
Hebrews 7:25 AMP “ Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.”
• The Apostle Paul believed strongly in the power of prayer.
• James, the brother of Christ taught the ministry of prayer.
• In fact, the apostles of the New Testament as well as the patriarchs and prophets of old were men who had given themselves to the ministry of prayer that is available to us all.
• It has been said there is no greater Christian service than prayer.
•
• Prayer produces power for warfare!
When Paul teaches us on the armor of God in Ephesians chapter 6, he concludes his discourse by saying, Eph. 6:18 MESSAGE…”prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.”
Eph. 6:18, 19 NIV “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…”
Who should we pray for? How should we pray ?
1Timothy 2:1-3 NIV “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior…”
James 5:16 AMP “Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”
• The greatest model for Prayer was given by our Lord Himself---
Matthew 6:9-15 AMP “Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.”