Reflection  ·  June 14, 2026

Sunday Service  ·  10:00 AM

Citizens of HEAVEN · Living on Earth

“My food is to do the will of HIM who sent ME, and to finish HIS work.”

At The Gathering Church, service is woven into the rhythm of community life — from sharing a meal after a Bible study to quietly meeting the needs of a neighbor in crisis. Pastor Hector Boucet opened this Sunday’s message by reminding the congregation of a man in their community who recently went through surgery and has no power, no refrigerator, and no way to heat his food. Members have been stepping up one by one, bringing meals, ice, and coffee — not for recognition, but simply because the need is there.

But Pastor Boucet was quick to point everyone back to the deeper question underneath all that activity: are we serving according to our own will, or according to GOD’S will? He pointed the church to John 4:34 (NKJV), where JESUS HIMSELF defines true service.

John 4:34

Pastor Boucet reminded the church that many people serve GOD out of habit — doing the same things again and again without ever asking why. True service, he explained, is not about performing for an audience or collecting a trophy from people. It flows from relationship with THE LORD and a desire to honor HIM with everything we do, whether anyone notices or not.

He pointed to Psalm 127:1 (NKJV) as the foundation: unless THE LORD builds the house, the labor is in vain. Every act of service — a meal delivered, an offering given, a kind word spoken — only carries lasting fruit when GOD is part of the equation.

Psalm 127:1

— Pastor Hector Boucet

One of the most challenging parts of Pastor Boucet’s message addressed what happens when GOD’S will doesn’t line up with our own understanding. We often see a need right in front of us and assume that must be where we’re called to serve — but THE LORD may be asking us to serve somewhere else entirely, somewhere that doesn’t seem to make sense from our limited view.

1 Corinthians 12

Pastor Boucet used the example of Moses, who didn’t feel qualified for the task GOD called him to. Yet GOD said simply, “I will be with you.” That promise didn’t depend on Moses feeling ready — it depended on HIS presence. The same is true for us: when we trust THE LORD’S timing and direction over our own understanding, HE equips us for exactly what HE has called us to do, even when the assignment doesn’t make sense in the moment.

Pastor Boucet closed by addressing the obstacles that get in the way of true service: fear and pride. Fear says “I can’t,” but GOD says “I am with you.” Pride wants to be seen and applauded, but GOD wants a servant who points every success back to HIM. He shared his own testimony — how an injury changed the way he writes, yet GOD has continued to use his hands for HIS glory, not his own.

When we serve according to GOD’S will, with the strength HE provides and the heart HE shapes in us, the result is spiritual growth, blessing for those around us, and an eternal reward. In Matthew 25:23 (NKJV), THE LORD says it best: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Luke 1:38

If you’ve never accepted JESUS CHRIST as your Savior, today is the day. And if you’re already walking with HIM but sense HE’s asking for more surrender in how you serve, ask HIM today: am I serving the way GOD wants me to serve, with the heart HE wants me to have? Bring that question to HIM in prayer, and trust HIM to answer.

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