For a downloadable version of these notes: click here.

 

What Is My 5.2?

Does “serving the Lord” mean being everywhere? Does it mean meeting every need and doing everything… right now?

No. It doesn’t. What a relief.

Serving the Lord really boils down to seeking Him – loving Him – worshipping Him. Yes it does. Because as we really seek Him… and learn what we KNOW about Him… we add an “and so.”

I know God is God. And this is what He says.

“For I know the plans I have for you.” Declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Did you catch it? He has plans for YOU. And even me. It really is so amazing.

Do you know it? Do you know it enough to live it? If you don’t live it… does that mean it’s ok to not add your “and so”?

No. It doesn’t.

Serving and worshipping the Lord means seeking Him, putting Him first, and learning to discern what He wants you to do. If things are hard, or busy, or circumstances are trying, remember this.

He knows that.

He’s put you there.

For a purpose.

Purpose

–noun

1.	the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.

 

2.	an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.

 

3.	determination; resoluteness.

 

4.	the subject in hand; the point at issue.

 

5.	practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.

–verb (used with object)

6.	to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.

 

7.	to intend; design.

 

8.	to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.

 

And what are his plans (purpose) for you?  Go ahead…scroll it right back on up there!! That’s right… a hope.. and a future. Do you know it? Does that mean circumstances will turn out how we want them to or that things will be easy when we work toward our purpose?

No, no it doesn’t. Sometimes they do. But not always.

It means we have a purpose. And we have a God. And our God is good. Our God is love. And THAT IS the ultimate end of all things. It just is. So start at the beginning every day. Simplify, know, and obey.

And so…While we might not get what we “want”… in obedience we will ALWAYS have joy. We will make it through the circumstances to see the goal, to see the victory.

Maybe rather than building a church you can bring half of your dessert to your neighbor tonight and ask how they’re doing. Maybe your kids can draw a funny-face picture for your grandmother who lives alone. Maybe today your investment is in a special out-of-the-ordinary outing with your children. Maybe (and certainly) rather than using harsh treatment and terms to try to win people to the Lord… you can share the joy of what He did in your life today. He is God afterall! Surely if you’re seeking Him… He will act in your life. Every day. Whatever the case may be… it’s simple.

Does that mean we are off the hook for doing the “bigger” things… for hard sacrifice?

No. No it doesn’t.

It means He put you… where you are… for a reason… and He has a plan. Know it. Live it. You WILL have an amazing story of the God who does what we cannot … and you can share it. Guaranteed.

Go at it. Give it your best. Simple doesn’t mean easy. It means focused. It means concentrated… it means devoted to one thing.

So how do you find your 5.2?

Decide what you know about God. Pray. Talk to Him and line up who He is… and who you are. Today. Then take a step forward… eyes fixed on Jesus. Be aware of others. Share what you know.

The exciting part?

The hardest thing about finding your 5.2 is simplifying your life to what you know. What has he entrusted to you already? Are you doing your best with it? Start there. (And the start is with Him.) Worship. Worship by turning your thoughts, your actions, and your steps for Him. Just because He’s God. No strings attached. When it’s hard, do it for Him, not for those around you. Worship Him.

So when all is said and done does it mean that you’ll be so burned out you’ll never want to do it again? Does turning your thoughts off of what you’re used to mean that you’ll lose everything you love, leaving you an empty servant?

No. No it doesn’t.

I know.

It means that you’ll get to see God take your small offering and multiply it. He’ll feed you too… and you’ll know you were used to allow others to see the mighty God you serve. And guess what… you’ll know Him better yourself too.

 

Many are the plans in a man’s heart. But it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

And we know that In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

…then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one spirit and purpose. Philippians 2:2

I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

 

Be content with what you have, because God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:12-13

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