Me- a Slave?

Romans 1:1 "This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News-" NLT

      Yes, Lord, it is time You and I went through this book Paul wrote as the times demand it. Lord, I am, as a Christ Follower, a slave of Yours too, and am also set apart and sent out to share the Gospel.  That is my primary job.  However; unlike a slave in reality; I can choose each day to serve You and others and to share the Gospel, or serve myself.  There are two different types of slaves: those who are bought and sold and have no "rights", and those who choose to place themselves under bondage to another to serve and to be provided for by the Master.  The funny thing about me is that I am both.
      You bought me "Redeemed" me out of the slave market of sin.  Therefore I have no rights because You own me.  You did not use the mammon of this world to purchase my soul...You gave Your own life's blood!
However; because our Your great love and grace, You gave me the choice to become a bond slave or not.
I am So very glad that You are my Master.  You are loving, kind, provide more than my needs daily, listen to me, answer my prayers, and treat me as a precious child not simply a slave.  In fact, You have adopted me into Your family .

      It's kind of funny as to how You dovetail things together.  I had not thought of the book of Romans until this morning when You impressed it upon me.  I just read our pastor's email to us.  Yes. it was about slavery.
      "I was reading the other day about the difference in how African-American pastors and white pastors pray.  It said that because of slavery when an African-American pastor prays his first words are usually about gratitude to be alive, for God waking him up that day.  The writer went on to point out that those words or thoughts are not the first thing you'll hear white pastors praying. 

     As I thought about that discovery I had to ask myself, what is the first thing I voice in prayer each day.  Am I grateful to be alive or is the first thing on my heart a need that I want met or a request for God to act? 

     Fact is when we wake up each day it is a new day God has given to us to live and to honor Him.  You see slaves never knew what tomorrow held so they lived in the present.  My friend when you approach the Father why not thank Him for today and decide that no matter what your circumstances you will live for Him and enjoy the day that He has given you.  Remember, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it", (even if we are not sure of tomorrow)."

Heavenly Father, help me to live out my life of bond slavery to You so as to glorify You in all things.