Service and Sacrifice

I came about something very interesting in the book Eternity Unveiled by Dr. Albert Odulele. He drew my attention to the fact that Sacrifice is not equal to Service in the eyes God. God delights in my service more than in my sacrifices.

He made me for service, not for sacrifice. My sacrifice can only be accepted when my service to him is genuine. I can be willing to sacrifice all I have (especially when I believe and have the hope I can reproduce them) but not necessarily willing to serve him...

Can this be true?

Thinking about this two scenario...
1. Willing to sacrifice all I have worked for but reluctant to spend time witnessing for God.
2. Willing to sacrifice as much time I can to witness for God.

Which of these scenario best describe me? Why was Pharoah more comfortable with releasing the Israelites to Sacrifice to God rather than to go and Serve Him? Exo. 7:16, Exo. 8:1 and Exo. 8:8.

I think the differentiator here is PRIORITY. Sacrifice is a form of Service, and it has value only when it's done out of Service. The priority should be on Service not Sacrifice. It is Service that gives sacrifice value before God.

Sacrifices done in Service to God always attract God.

Foundation For Ministry

Text: “…My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. “ John 4:34

Ministry is about service; service to God and humanity. As Christians, we should understand that ministry should not be want we want to do for God, but what we are authorized to do for and with God. Our society today has influenced our thoughts and belittles the truth about God’s mind for Christian service to doing what you “feel like doing”, not giving proper reference to God’s Word. Some even say that it does not matter what you believe as long as you are sincere in what you’re doing not understanding that you can be sincerely wrong.

There was a time in Israel's history in which every man did what was right in his own eyes, they may even be sincere in what they do. The result was atrocities and confusion. (Judges 17-21).

Jesus remains our perfect example to emulate to do the work of ministry. John 4:34; John 5:30. From these verses we can learn from Jesus the foundation of how Christian service or ministry should be done; we see that Jesus:

• did not come to do His own will
• could not do anything of Himself
• did what He was commanded

It’s not just enough to do anything in the name of, serving God; but it is enough doing what God commanded us to do and doing it in the light of His word.

Lord, help me to know your will and how you want me to be useful in your work.