One Desire Fast is HMCC’s annual fast so we can start off the year hearing from God, both individually and as a church. This year’s theme is Locked In.
Do you remember the reason you are fasting? As you think about this reason, take some time to consider how God has answered or what He has spoken to you about. Today, we want to connect what we have experienced with God’s purpose for our generation.
The famous English minister Charles Spurgeon also considered God’s purpose for his generation as he approached the end of his life. In his posthumous sermon, Spurgeon preached on the verse Acts 13:36a, “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep…” In the following few paragraphs, we will sum up Spurgeon’s 7 takeaways from this passage and consider how we can follow God in our own generation. Read full article here.
Takeaway 1: Don’t be a slave to your generation. Our culture glorifies it when we focus on things we can gain, such as success, wealth, and comfort. But this Gospel isn’t just for ourselves, but for all generations. When we put God as the priority, our love for Him and our witness grow deeper over time, rather than fading into the wind like the fads and things of this world. The question for us is this: How can we learn to serve our own generation rather than to be a slave to it?
Takeaway 2: Don’t flee from your generation. One extreme that we might face is a desire to pull away and not be involved with our generation when things seem so hopeless or impossible. But this is the opposite of our calling! We are called as believers to be the salt of the Earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). Moreover, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) as Christ has overcome sin and death. Rather than fleeing from our generation, we are renewed in Christ to go and serve our generation.
Takeaway 3: Perform the common duties of life. David himself was a shepherd who took care of his father’s business, where he formed his character that made him a “man after God’s own heart”. There might be a pull to do what we want that can earn recognition, but without humility, we cannot serve others. The ordinary things of life, be it serving in church, studying well, or working in the marketplace, are already ways that we can grow in our character and calling.
Takeaway 4: Be ready for opportunities to serve God. The opportunity to serve God might be anytime and anywhere, which is why we need to be ready ahead of time. David did not know that he would be called to fight the Philistines, much less become a king! He patiently tended to the sheep. For us, whether it is in our LIFE Groups, our campuses, or workplaces, we are called to be ready to serve God. Ask God for a heart to be ready to serve wherever God calls you!
Takeaway 5: Maintain true religion. Throughout his life and through the ups and downs. David sought after God. In his witness, he spoke of God to kings and rulers for God’s glory and praise. He continually grew in his love for God and gave of his resources and energy, whether it was fighting the Philistines, leading Israel, or composing the Psalms. For ourselves, how can we continue to grow in our relationship with God as we serve our generation with our time, treasures, and talents?
Takeaway 6: Continue serving all your life. David’s life, from his humble beginnings to his highest glories and lowest valleys, was a testament to serving God. For many of us, we might have experienced God in campus ministry or even when we started working. But how long will we continue to love and serve God? We might be excited to serve God in the beginning, but the true test is how long we will serve God and love Him as our witness. We pray that years from now, we might see many lives transformed and doing great things for God across the globe!
Takeaway 7: Prepare for those who will come after you. In our church, we want to focus on reaching the next generation, as we are always one generation away from extinction. David prepared for Solomon by storing precious metals and resources for Solomon to build the temple and house of God. The way that we disciple and serve others will be the foundation for your campus, your ministry, and our church! May we serve God faithfully as we reach out to the next generation.
Reflection and Application
- Do you have a burden for your own generation? Why or why not? Reflect on your own relationship with your peers and your “generation”, and prayerfully ask God to grow your love and burden for your generation.
- Of the 7 points listed above, pick 1-3 that stood out to you. What are some ways you can gather, grow, go, and give to serve your generation? Write down your next steps and how you can apply this to serve your friends/family, LIFE Group, or church.
Prayer Requests – Building Blocks
- For existing families to build deeper relationships with one another and gain a heart of evangelism so they can partner together to reach out to the families around them.
- For new families to stay connected so we can have an even greater influence in the Kwun Tong district and our city.
- For the BB kids to share Jesus’ love and shine His light.
Click here for full devotional link and other pre-fasting materials!