--PRE-SERVICE PRAYER--

Focus: Having a Heart of Service

Foundation Scripture: Galatians 5:13

Prayer Points:
1. Have a willingness to serve
2. Have Integrity in Serving.
3. Empowerment and guidance in serving
4. Pray for Sunday Services

--MESSAGE--

The Biggest Beneficiary of Serving is you!

Serving can be defined in 1 word. That word is action. Service without action is nothing but talk. It’s like water without wetness, air conditioning without coldness, or dressing up and never leaving the house! In the end one party gives no benefit, so neither party receives a benefit!

Studies have proven time and time again that volunteering improves our physical and mental health. Serving others enhances our well-being, provides personal enrichment, and aids in longer life spans. A United Healthcare Study detailed:

• 88% of those surveyed noted Improved Self-Esteem
• 79% experienced Lower Stress Levels
• 78% felt they had greater control over their health & well-being.

A Carnegie Mellon University study found

“Adults over 50 who volunteered on a regular basis were
less likely to develop high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and metabolic syndrome.”

My assignment for today is to impress upon you how Serving is more Beneficial for the Giver than it is for the Receiver!

Point 1. Love in Service, Makes a Difference For Others and For You!

A. Christ’s Love Makes a Difference in Your Life, Will You in Others?

1. We all have been in need at some point
2. Serving is a vehicle that yields benefits
3. What is interest on a loan from Heaven?

B. The Community of the Spirit Makes a Difference in You, Will you in the Community?

1. Proper perspective from the Holy Spirit
2. Our way! His Way!
3. Our love is selfish; His love is Service!

C. Your Hearts and Care Can Make a Difference, Will You in the Hearts and Care of others?

1. Jesus commanded us to place service over self
2. It pays in more ways than one
3. You might not walk a mile in another Man’s shoes, but you can understand him better, if you walk a mile beside him!
4. Jesus set the standard
5. Serve with excellence or exit serving!

Point 2. You Gain the Advantage By Giving Others the Advantage!

A. What does the Bible say about how to treat people looking to take advantage of you?

1. Don’t go tick for tack. He says be a servant.
2. Would Jesus want you to practice a lifestyle that would not be Beneficial for you?
3. Simple Rule of Thumb

· A Bonus is compensation that is above the normal payment expectation of the recipient.

· A Blessing is favor from Heaven resulting in joy and prosperity!

Point 3. Your Generosity Blesses Generations that Follow!

A. Because of the kindness Jonathan showed, Mephibosheth received a blessing as a reward from God.

B. Your blessing or favor from God can manifest itself into generations forward.

C. Serving today can be the forerunner for rewards reaped in the future.

D. Multi-generational missions. Living in family rhythms.

1. the power, the goodness, the beauty of rhythm. They are a central vehicle to shaping identity as a family. Repeating disciplines, repeating traditions, repeating rhythms are the lifeblood of the family.”

2. Passing down Tradition & Discipline

E. Two Absolutes God Always Demands:

1. To acknowledge/know Him.In serving others the Lord serves you!
2. To Serve Him with a wholehearted devotion and a Willing mind.

F. Two Absolutes God Always Does:

1. Searches the heart.
2. He determines rewards

G. Two Absolutes God will Always Do:

1. Reveal Himself in those who Seek Him.
2. Reject those who forsake or refuse Him.

Conclusion:

You have seen how Serving others benefits you Physically, Mentally, Financially, Generationally and Spiritually!
Join a Dream Team and/or volunteer during the Month of July, which is the month we highlight Serving. Serving is under Linked UP’s Connect to Community Pillar! July the 13th is our actual Serve Day! You can go to the LUC website or App! Look for the red Serve Opportunity icon. You can choose to serve with us on Serve Day, and any day throughout the month…just choose from our list of Partner organizations or submit your own Serve Project for approval.