Last week's message ended with Romans 12:1-2 urging the Believer to spiritual service. Let's see what Scripture will open up to us concerning our service unto God.

*First we see that there are commands as to our spiritual service:
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."
Deuteronomy 10:12

Psalm 2:11 tells us to,
"Serve the Lord with reverent awe and worshipful fear; rejoice and be in high spirits with trembling [lest you displease Him]." The Amplified Bible

"Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing." Psalm 100:2

Notice that both these verses in Psalms tell us the kind of attitude we are to have in serving our gracious and merciful Lord; with reverence and gladness! It is not a burdensome or sorrowful task, but a delight.
Psalm 37:4 say, "Delight yourself in the Lord."

And the writer to the Hebrews tells us we are to serve with gratitude, "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe." Hebrews 12:28

*When the Lord calls one into service our response should be immediate.
Scripture gives us some examples, here are a few:
Peter and Andrew:
"Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed Him." Mark 1:17-18

Zaccheus:
Jesus said, "...Zaccheus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly." Luke 19:5-6

Paul at his conversion: Acts 9:19-20
"...Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God."

Paul and Silas responds to the Macedonia call:
"After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."
Acts 16:10

*Then we see that joy is found by the ones who faithfully serve:
"On that day they offered sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." Nehemiah 12:43 (This took place at the dedication of the rebuilt Jerusalem Wall.)

"Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
He who continually goes forth weeping,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126:5-6

"Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together." John 4:34

I conclude with Colossians 3:23-24,
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord , not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

May our hearts be ever unto the Lord ready to respond 'at once' to His call, serving Him with reverence and joy. The work may be hard at times and even painful at times, yet it is the Lord who prepares us for the tasks He asks us to do!  Remember He is with us through it all.

How grateful we are to be His own and in His loving care!  Thank you, Lord!