One of the lessons they teach you in the military is NEVER volunteer for anything. Well, I’m not sure if that advice should be followed, especially in the realm of our lives. Sometimes the very best answer to the question of who will do something that needs to be done is “I WILL.”
As we get started this morning, let me welcome you to “Mornings with Bishop Robert,” because your time is valuable and so are you. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
In February 1977 I had just reported to my first duty station as a United States Marine. During a morning formation shortly after I arrived, the First Sergeant asked for volunteers who owned Marine Dress Blues. I started to raise my hand, when the Marine next to me turned his head and whispered “NEVER volunteer for anything! It’s always a trap.” I could see men in my platoon looking around at one another as the First Sergeant continued and said, “Marines, this is going to be a very high profile special assignment. Trust me, if you own Dress Blues, you WANT to volunteer for this!” Finally, two or three Marines volunteered. I wish I had ignored the sage advice of the Marine next to me.
As it turns out, every unit on our base was receiving the same request. The Commanding General had set the “owns Dress Blues” criteria to pre-select the best of the best from among his troops. The Marines who volunteered were assigned to a special unit that would participate in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee. They all got brand new, custom tailored USMC Dress Blues, and represented the United States Marines in London during the festivities. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I blew it by listening to bad advice.
Over the last few days you and I have spoken about keeping in step with God’s Holy Spirit, God’s faithfulness in giving us the strength we need to resist any temptation, and how He will completely clean us up when we’ve made a mess of our lives. But today I want to turn it around and focus on our response to God doing all these great things.
Today’s verse is a whole bunch of I WILLs found in the opening verses of the ninth psalm –
I WILL GIVE THANKS TO YOU, LORD, WITH ALL MY HEART
I WILL TELL OF ALL YOUR WONDERFUL DEEDS
I WILL BE GLAD AND REJOICE IN YOU
I WILL SING THE PRAISES OF YOUR NAME, O MOST HIGH
As strange as it may seem, most of the people who accept the amazing offer of Christ’s forgiveness never share their story with others. It’s hard to comprehend.
To me it’s as strange as someone knowing that the best restaurant in town was serving free meals on a particular day, and never sharing the news with anyone. Telling their friends and family would cost them nothing; but they just decide not to share the good news. Actually, it’s even worse. It’s more like being told their apartment building is on fire, so they run outside to save their lives. Except they never alert their spouse, children or neighbors. They just stand outside silently being grateful for their own escape.
Today God is looking for some volunteers. You don’t need to own a set of USMC Dress Blues, you only need to have been the recipient of His love and grace. The assignment is a simple one, and it’s way better than a short visit to honor a queen at a party in London. It’s an invitation to represent a KING, and to do so everywhere the sole of your foot touches.
God asks for volunteers who will express their thanks. Let your response be –
I WILL GIVE THANKS TO YOU, LORD, WITH ALL MY HEART
God asks for volunteers who will tell people how much He has done for them. Let your response be –
I WILL TELL OF ALL YOUR WONDERFUL DEEDS
God asks for volunteers who will love Him back, and be truly happy about what He has done for them. SO HAPPY they will let it show. Let your response be –
I WILL BE GLAD AND REJOICE IN YOU
God asks for volunteers who refuse to hold it in, but will boldly offer praise and thanksgiving to Him with their love songs. Let your response be –
I WILL SING THE PRAISES OF YOUR NAME, O MOST HIGH
When God asks you, “WHO will?” our only response should be “I WILL.”
I had an opportunity once to hold a place of honor and serve in the presence of a queen. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I blew it. I wish I had volunteered.
Today you and I have an opportunity to be given a place of honor and serve in the presence of of The King. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
What will you say? I WILL or I WISH ??
