1 Sam 22:14
14 “But sir,” Ahimelech replied, “is anyone among all your servants as faithful as David, your son-in-law? Why, he is the captain of your bodyguard and a highly honored member of your household!

Loyalty is absolutely essential when we serve God together. I have to trust you have my best interests at heart, and you have to trust the same about me. This doesn’t mean we will always agree. We will focus on a common key mission and encourage each other to build on our strengths that will help further that mission.

Who do you need to develop more trust with? Do.

1 Sam 18:5
5 Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.

When it comes to serving the Lord, faithfulness is essential. Follow through is critical. But what about success? Results are in the hands of God. We are not in charge of results.

However, lack of success can mean many things besides waiting for God’s timing. Maybe you don’t have a passion for that ministry. It isn’t what God intends for you to be doing in the first place. You need more equipping to be effective.

What is a key area you can work on this year?

1 Samuel 16:21-22
21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

When we serve those who lead, we serve God. In David’s case, it means even serving a leader (Saul) who is less than admirable. We aren’t the ones to decide to only serve people we agree with. If our service leads to sin, we can choose not to, but we must be willing to suffer the consequences.

Pray for government officials you tend to disagree with.

1 Samuel 12:24
24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

Serving God is an all out effort. It certainly includes total respect and, yes, even a fear of letting him down. I sense a deep connection to God, but I am never laid back like we are buddies. I can be a friend of Jesus, but I can’t forget he is my creator after all.

How can you connect more intentionally with Jesus today?

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1 Samuel 3:9
9 So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ “

At this point, Samuel didn’t even know God. Eli is wise to teach Samuel it is still his responsibility to make himself available to God, even if he doesn’t trust in him, yet. Actually, the very act of calling himself a “servant.” is an indication that trust is coming.

Pray for people you know who are seeking faith.

Ruth 2:12
12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

We don’t serve in order to be rewarded by God. We don’t have to. Through Jesus, we are already fully loved and accepted by God when we realize we are fully loved and accepted by God. We are rewarded when serving, however. How can we not help feel a sense of “well done” when we totally give ourselves for the sake of others?

Pray for God to guide you to a new avenue of service.

Joshua 24:15
15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

To serve God is always a choice. Even within families it is a choice. If you have a spouse or children, they are ultimately responsible for their own faith.

However, with children, before they are old enough to decide for themselves, you speak for them when it comes to God. If Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, you want to help them connect with Jesus any way you can. What kind of monster would keep this gift away from their kids? Best place to start is to model the faith yourself.

Pray for parents to nurture the faith of their children.

Deuteronomy 10:12
12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

To fear (awesome respect), follow, and love God, you serve him completely. One out of three, or two out of three doesn’t work the way God intends. Focus, action, and affection toward God brings meaning, purpose and joy.

Pray for God to immerse you with his glory.