Press the arrow to listen to Hillsong sing “Inside Out” while reading today’s devotion on serving.

Scripture
Of this church I was made a minister…. Colossians 1:25

Observation
A pastor should pull in the driveway of his church and open the door with amazement that he has been given such a privilege. And what is this great honor so undeserved? A pastor is invited to serve the fiance of Jesus. Sermon by sermon, prayer by prayer, counsel by counsel, a pastor is readying the bride of Christ for her wedding. His honor is just to serve.

Application
Today I am given an honor I do not deserve, for I will soon pull into a driveway and walk into a church door. This serving is a gift.I must truly love the church for this is the future wife of Christ.  Ministry can become habit forming; something done from rote instinctive impulses. Greetings, meetings and sermons can become routine. I must remember the Groom, who is anxiously waiting in heaven. I must remember the bride, who often forgets how little time she has left to get ready. I must never get used to gift of ministry. God could have done this without me,  but he chose me.

Prayer
Father, help me to let Christ love the church through me today. Amen.