Are you sitting pretty? As we heard this weekend, there are four legs on the stool: four foundational principles for growth on our journey with Jesus. When one leg is missing or short, our stool wobbles and our
relationship with Jesus suffers. The first leg we’re talking about is Serving
on a Ministry Team. Serving others is the place on your journey where you really start to grow in your faith. The most frequent comments I hear from people after they serve the first time is “Wow” or “I didn’t know it would be so much fun!” God desires to save us, then see us grow! Are you sitting pretty?
Read: Romans 7:1-6; Matthew 20:20-28; Colossians 1:1-11.

Tuesday

In Joshua 24:15, Joshua says, “Then choose today whom you will serve...” There are very few black and white decisions in this world, but from the context, it appears Joshua was saying choose this or choose that. There was no middle ground. We have the same choice when it comes to serving. We either choose to serve or not to serve. Not choosing either is not an option. Let’s set a goal by the end of this week that you and I will make a choice about serving. On a piece of paper, draw three columns. In the first column, write what you think you are good at and what others tell you that you are good at. In the second column, write what you want to be good at. (Your goals and dreams go here.) In the last column, write any nudges you have felt from God. Somewhere in these three columns is a key to serving! This coming week—by phone, email or face-to-face—tell a Cove Staff member or a volunteer leader at the Information Center about your list. They would love to help you find your place to start serving! Write it down! Bring it in! Read: Joshua 24:14-28; Matthew 10:30-40.

Wednesday

Self-serve lines are everywhere: gas stations, shopping centers, major hardware retailers. Sometimes I purposely go through self-serve lines so I don’t have to interact with anyone. The ironic thing is that God has built into most living creatures a need for interaction. It’s good for us, even when we don’t want to connect. Especially when we don’t want to! We can talk ourselves into some bad attitudes and situations if we are isolated. One remedy for isolation is serving on a team. Have you looked at your serving list from yesterday? As you think of more skills and interests—and as God nudges you—add to your list. He will grow and mold your list in ways that seem impossible right now. He will reveal things you are good at and show you new things that He wants you to excel in; and He will nudge you in ways you have never been nudged. It is an exciting journey that you should start today! Read: Ephesians 1:11-22; Philippians 4:10-19.

Thursday

What do “Dueling Banjos,” “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and The Cove BlessBack Project all have in common? Yes, you guessed it: all three are “one-hit wonders.” The BlessBack Project will be a one-hit wonder to many of the people who participated as receivers and givers--unless we get involved in serving. How will those who received a blessing know it is about more than money unless you start serving? Who will be here to greet, teach and care for them? Don’t let BlessBack be a one-hit wonder in your life. Have you looked at your list today? Have you spent time praying and listening so that God can underline one or two items from your list for you? These can be the areas where you start serving. I am praying that He will be very personal with you. I pray that He will not give you peace until you put the “serving” leg on your stool. It is that important to you and future generations! Read: Hebrews 4:11-16; Isaiah 40:28-31; Psalm 25:4-9

Friday

If you are already assigned to a ministry team that is serving this weekend, Friday’s a day of great anticipation. You’ve experienced God moving in “your” ministry. You’ve seen close up the tears when someone chooses Jesus as the Leader and Forgiver of their life. You have cheered at the baptism celebrations. You may have felt the tug on your pants leg as a child asks, “How do I get Jesus in my heart like Gordy has Him?” Bill Hybels says in The Volunteer Revolution: “Every local Churchgoer has a choice to make. He can park in his usual spot in the church parking lot, make his way to a comfortable seat in a favorite row, watch a good service, chat with friends and then go home. That choice makes for a nice, safe Sunday morning experience. Or he can throw himself into an adventure by rolling up his sleeves, joining a team of like-minded servants, and helping to build the local church God has called him to be a part of.” Today is decision day for you: