"Servant of God!" -To

 "Solomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon; he let out the vineyard unto keepers; every one for the fruit thereof was to bring a thousand pieces of silver." (S.O.S. 8:11)

  ""Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy upon them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously."" (Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT)

  Somewhere alone the way, there must have been a sign that said, 'Turn here for entertainment,' because it seems that everyone is looking to be entertained, especially within the church. If it doesn't leave you feeling good, then it probably will not be considered good teaching or worship. To be perfectly frank, we need to get serious about what we believe, because it looks like it is about to get serious! 

  Then again, maybe I am just being a little weird, kind of like Chicken Little. If you know the story, it was a story that dates back, in similar versions, as far back as 25 centuries, and involves the mistaken belief and hysteria over imminent disaster. Whatever version of the story you might have heard, it is mostly a tale of courage, or the lack thereof. Yesterday I listened to a teaching where we were told, "Joy and Sorrow are wrapped together," as we were shown the strips of a candy-cane. I believe that is true; as is the truth about fear and courage: because you cannot be victorious without both! 

  Not that it makes much difference, because in the long run, everything will be as they are intended to be; but we are given many chances to change; far more than we deserve, and always at just the right times. At least, looking back at them they were; but in the moment, they seem rather awkward and annoying. Truth be told, each and every chance is like these, "thousand pieces of silver," that are portrayed in the verse above. Without getting all mystical and trying to spiritualize the text, let me just say, it is all about fear and courage, when we get right down to it. 

  If you think about it honestly, the only thing that stops you from moving forward is fear; whether it is the fear of loss or the fear of exposure, you are drawn towards withdraw and not wanting to take the chance with what might happen next. There is really nothing to be ashamed of in that, because it is really not a bad feeling; it is just something that needs to be used for your advantage, and not used to hinder you from moving forward. 

  You might be wondering what this might have to do with being a servant of God; as do I! Well, if I think that this is all about being entertained or entertaining others, then I have somehow missed the point of what this is all about: this is about serving my KING and being His servant; I must fear and have courage to be victorious; because I must have fear to serve Him, and have courage to be His servant...

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." (Romans 8:35-37) NLT