AUGUST 23

Romans 12:1

                                    LIVING FOR THE LORD!

“Are you as smart as a donkey?” asked Mr. Lim, the teacher of the children’s class. The kids laughed, and Mr. Lim continued. “If you are, you can serve Jesus. The donkey in today’s lesson did.”

“I don’t get it,” said Trevor. “Jesus ever rode on a donkey’s back, didn’t He? You mean we’re supposed to give people rides on our backs?” Trevor liked to ask questions that might make the kids laugh. And the kids laughed. Mr. Lim smiled. “No,” he said, “but the donkey gives us a great picture of a servant. First of all, he was where God wanted him to be - he was available. We should ask ourselves, ‘Am I in a place where God can use me? Am I available to Him?’”

Trevor shrugged. “I am,” he said. “I’m here all the time - whether I want to be or not.” Some of the kids laughed, and he looked pleased with himself. “But I’m not good at singing or speaking,” he added, “and I don’t have any money to give, either.”

“I’ve sat in front of you in church, Trevor,” said Mr. Lim. “I happen to know you actually have a very good singing voice.” He smiled as he added, “ The donkey had to be untied. Maybe you need to let Jesus untie your fears - maybe you’re afraid to try to serve Him.”

Trevor frowned. He couldn’t think of any smart reply, and Mr. Lim continued the lesson. “Also, the donkey was willing to let Jesus control him,” said Mr. Lim, and he explained that even though the donkey had never been ridden before, he did what Jesus wanted him to do. “Have you truly let Jesus control you, or have you been stubborn?” asked Mr. Lim. Trevor began to feel more uncomfortable.

“How about it, class?” asked Mr. Lim at the end of the lesson. “Will you ask God to take control of your life, to loosen your tongue and untie your fears? Will you be a servant just like the little donkey was?”

Thought: Are you afraid to sing or play an instrument to serve Jesus? Do you think kids will laugh if you make a mistake? Are you willing to give a testimony or share a Scripture verse if you sense God wants you to do that?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I learn from the donkey – to be available for whatever task, great or small, You have for me. I also pray that You’d please remove any fear, and let Jesus control my life. In His precious name I pray – amen.