26 June 2011 - ENCS

The "Endangered Species" series was continued by Rachel Ong
She spoke about servants after we prayed and worshiped with song
The main passage was Matthew twenty verses 26 and 27
Have a servant's heart in order to glorify God in heaven
For in order to make a difference and be great
We must start by serving, even those we may hate
Rachel told us three ways to start
If we are to develop a servant's heart

The first was the "desire to serve with no expectations of return"
We need to be humble, giving, and of course willing to learn
"Perfect hospitality", as mentioned in Luke 14: 12-14
Means inviting those from whom repayment will not be seen
By giving to those who cannot pay us back
God will bless us and ensure we never lack
And per Isaiah 2, we should not forget aliens in our land
For hospitality draws others to Christ, Rachel does understand
A true servant has no expectations, she then said
At least not from others, trusting in God instead
Per Psalm 62:5, in God alone we should find rest
For "hope comes from Him" who should be blessed

To "determine to serve with all diligence" was number two
We should put complete effort into all that we do
For if we strive to be excellent and diligent
God will notice and blessings will be sent
Rachel's company has benefited from this phenomenon
A small firm getting contracts where only big ones have gone
She also spoke of "A Message to Garcia", a movie based on fact
Where Col Rowan's diligence and obedience were never off track
Rachel contrasted this with many workers today
There is a lack of independent action, she did say
She asked if we are diligent and dependable
Even if the sacrifice seems quite formidable

The third was having a "purpose to give God glory"
Rachel shared Hobby Lobby's rags-to-riches story
David Green did everything his first boss did ask
Even if it was a menial and thankless task
His stores are always closed on Sunday
To allow staff time to rest and to pray
Good work can become great when God blesses
This should encourage us when faced with messes
For a servant, a test of fire is indeed won
By responding well when treated as one
From Psalm 119:165 we then all saw
"Great peace have they who love" God's law

In summary, to Jesus the servant-king she did point
He came to serve, but as our King we should anoint
She referred to Matthew 20:28 and Philippians 2:7
Jesus humbled himself, following orders from heaven
We should be "dying to self" in the same way
Humbly submitting to God and man every day