By Vitus Ejiogu
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us three ways by which we may gain His love. He also pointed out some dangers to avoid as we do this. There are obviously many more ways to gain His love than the three things He suggested, yet the three are the very specific ways of gaining His favour. They compel us to serve others more than we serve ourselves. The three ways are giving, praying, and fasting.
When we glorify God and meet the needs of others, it is seen as a wonderful area of kingdom ministry. It is all too easy to look upon giving as a responsibility, instead of a great privilege. In giving, we do not give for fame, or thanks or even gratitude but with a servant's heart.
In the other hand, prayer is not to be seen as a mere devotion but a way God has chosen for us to partner with Him so as to make things happen. God is calling us to serve others in prayer. We can make a difference in the lives of others by going to God on their behalf. In our prayers, it is expected that we spend quality time interceding on behalf of others.
Also fasting is not an option, but is an aspect of our service for God and others. To so many people, fasting seems to be a spiritual discipline that deals with an individual's personal walk with God. To me this is an incomplete statement, because I see fasting as the greatest acts of love and service we can perform for one another. When we pray and fast for someone we are turning up the heat! We are displaying intensity and willingness to pursue God's best for the person we are praying for.
We make God love us more when we look for ways to humble ourselves before Him and others as we pour out our lives in service. God's love is showered upon you when you give, pray and fast in service to others. Today, would you consider taking a step toward greatness in the kingdom by giving away some of what God has given you; praying out souls into God's kingdom, and doing without food so that you can seek God on behalf of others? The Lord is interested in the work you do for others rather than the the ones you do for yourself. For God to love you more, you need to move away from selfish interests and get on with the things that please others.
When we glorify God and meet the needs of others, it is seen as a wonderful area of kingdom ministry. It is all too easy to look upon giving as a responsibility, instead of a great privilege. In giving, we do not give for fame, or thanks or even gratitude but with a servant's heart.
In the other hand, prayer is not to be seen as a mere devotion but a way God has chosen for us to partner with Him so as to make things happen. God is calling us to serve others in prayer. We can make a difference in the lives of others by going to God on their behalf. In our prayers, it is expected that we spend quality time interceding on behalf of others.
Also fasting is not an option, but is an aspect of our service for God and others. To so many people, fasting seems to be a spiritual discipline that deals with an individual's personal walk with God. To me this is an incomplete statement, because I see fasting as the greatest acts of love and service we can perform for one another. When we pray and fast for someone we are turning up the heat! We are displaying intensity and willingness to pursue God's best for the person we are praying for.
We make God love us more when we look for ways to humble ourselves before Him and others as we pour out our lives in service. God's love is showered upon you when you give, pray and fast in service to others. Today, would you consider taking a step toward greatness in the kingdom by giving away some of what God has given you; praying out souls into God's kingdom, and doing without food so that you can seek God on behalf of others? The Lord is interested in the work you do for others rather than the the ones you do for yourself. For God to love you more, you need to move away from selfish interests and get on with the things that please others.
Vitus Ejiogu is a writer and publisher with the Fire-Brand Int"l Ministries, a media ministry that is based in Nigeria.
He is the editor of FOUNDATION SATELLITE magazine also published by the ministry. He pastors a Church in Bauchi and is married with children.
You can reach him at: firebrandhq@yahoo.com
or, 234 802 8181 829. Website: http://businessunit.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vitus_Ejiogu He is the editor of FOUNDATION SATELLITE magazine also published by the ministry. He pastors a Church in Bauchi and is married with children.
You can reach him at: firebrandhq@yahoo.com
or, 234 802 8181 829. Website: http://businessunit.blogspot.com
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