Shepastor: "If You Would Be Great..."

The Word of God in Psalm 48:1 declares, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.”

We serve a great God. To be “great” means to be larger in size than others of the same kind. When the Bible, however, speaks of the greatness of God, it is not referencing God’s “size,” for God is immeasurable. Nothing or no one can compare to God. God’s greatness comes from the fact that God is above all, has no beginning or ending, is the Alpha and Omega, is eternal is all knowing, all powerful and is every where. God is GREAT!

While we cannot be great in the “God sense” of greatness, we can be great according to another definitionJesus said, 11The greatest among you must be a servant (Matthew 23:11, NLT). This definition challenges the world’s view of greatness. Greatness emerges from a heart that is willing to give, sacrifice and if necessary suffer for the cause of Christ. Jesus’ definition of greatness challenges us to move out of our comfort zones and seek to do big things in His name. “Big things,” not in terms of gaining status, building bigger buildings or amassing large amounts of money, but the big things of challenging unjust systems (educational, medical, penal), encouraging, affirming and lifting some child or adult that is broken, speaking truth to power, and lending a helping hand where needed.

No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Everyone can serve. Everyone can stand up for what is right. Everyone can pray. Everyone can love. Everyone can give something of them self that requires some blood, sweat and tears. Everyone can be great! If you would be great, move out of your comfort zone. Consider the words of the poet and ask the Lord what “great thing” He would have you to pursue in His name today...

“I'm tired of sailing my little boat, far inside the harbor bar. I want to go where the big ships float, out on the deep where the great ones are. And should my frail craft prove too slight, the waves that sweep those billows o'er, I'd rather go down in a stirring fight than drown to death in the sheltered shore.”

"If You Would Be Great" Song and Lyrics by Ken Bible

If you would be great, you blessed of the Lord, Be People of God and walk in His Word. His heart is compassion, and love is His call, So take up your cross and be servants of all. The Father of Life has given you birth, A light for the world and salt for the earth. In all His abundance, be ever aware The wealth He has given is meant to be shared. We'll reach to the need; we'll listen and learn, For this is our joy: the freedom to serve. Our goal and our glory, whatever the cost: To live and to love as the People of God.

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Post a comment or send me an email at Shepastor1@hotmail.com Don’t forget to register for the “Empowering and Encouraging Women in Ministry” Conference, August 23-25th, 2012. Register before June 30th and save $25.00! Visit www.wtimofgreatercleveland.org and click on “donate n register” to download the registration brochure. Until Next Wednesday, In Faith, Hope and Perseverance, Pastor Chris