A SERVANT'S PRIORITIES PART 9 OF 12

TEXT- MARK 12:28-34

INTRODUCTION

THIS MORNING IS THEME DAY WHEN WE EMPHASIZE THE GOALS AND THEME OF OUR CHURCH FOR 1994.

EACH FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH I HAVE BEEN PREACHING FROM THE GOSPEL OF MARK ON SOME TOPIC RELATING TO OUR SERVICE TO GOD.

THIS MORNING OUR TEXT IS FOUND IN MARK 12:28-34 AND THE TITLE OF MY MESSAGE IS, "A SERVANT'S PRIORITIES."

A MAN AND HIS WIFE WENT TO THE COUNTRY FAIR. THE MAN WAS FASCINATED BY THE AIRPLANE RIDES THEY WERE OFFERING, BUT COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY COST $20. THE MAN DIDN'T WANT TO PAY THAT MUCH AND EXPLAINED TO THE PILOT HOW MUCH HE WANTED A RIDE. SO THE PILOT SAID, "LET'S MAKE A DEAL. IF YOU AND YOUR WIFE CAN RIDE WITHOUT MAKING A SINGLE SOUND, I WON'T CHARGE YOU ANYTHING. OTHERWISE YOU'LL HAVE TO PAY $40." "YOU GOT A DEAL," SAID THE MAN. THE PLANE TOOK OFF AND THE PILOT DID EVERY KIND OF STUNT IMAGINABLE. WHEN THEY LANDED, THE PILOT SAID, "IF I HADN'T BEEN THERE, I WOULDN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU DIDN'T MAKE A SINGLE SOUND THE WHOLE TIME." "WELL, IT WASN'T EASY," SAID THE HUSBAND. "I ALMOST YELLED ONCE WHEN MY WIFE FELL OUT."

WHAT IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE TO YOU?

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST?

FOR SOME PEOPLE IT IS THEIR MONEY.

FOR OTHERS IT IS THEIR JOB.

FOR OTHERS IT IS RECREATION OR HUNTING AND FISHING.

AS CHRISTIANS WE SHOULD LOVE TO SERVE THE LORD MORE THAN ANY OF THESE.

HERE IN OUR TEXT JESUS SHOWS US WHAT TWO MAJOR PRIORITES WE SHOULD HAVE AS SERVANTS OF GOD.