Serving Others

June 30th – Titus 3:1-2

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Titus 3:1-2

When the Holy Spirit cultivates traits within us like kindness, gentleness, and patience, our actions begin to mirror Christ’s character. Allowing us to live the life Paul tells Christians should live. Being ready for good work involves actively seeking opportunities to serve others and contribute positively to our communities. Paul’s call to avoid slander underscores the importance of using our words to build up rather than tear down. By being gentle and showing perfect courtesy toward all people, we embody the humility and grace that come from a Spirit-filled life. These behaviors are the natural outgrowth of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As believers, our interactions with others should reflect a heart transformed by the Spirit, leading us to treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their status or behavior. This commitment to living out the fruit of the Spirit fosters harmony and witness to the transforming power of God’s love in our lives.

June 30th – Titus 3:1-2 Read More »

March 25th – Hebrews 13:16

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Hebrews 13:16

Every once in awhile you’ll hear that it’s, “Random Acts of Kindness Day.” And everyone should go out and do something in service of another. But God tells us that everyday should be filled with acts of kindness for others. For the love and blessings He so generously gives to us, we are to pass on to another. You know I’ve heard it said that the service we give to others is the rent we give to live on this earth! I like that. And that rent should be collected in payments of love. Because love isn’t how we feel about someone, it’s how we treat them. So instead of just praying for God to meet someone’s need, if we can meet that need ourselves we are to do it. Becoming a blessing to others doesn’t only benefit them, but is also pleasing to God. And By reaching out to others in love and kindness, we can create a better world for ourselves and those around us.

March 25th – Hebrews 13:16 Read More »

February 27th – Romans 12:10

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Romans 12:10

I love the saying humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. And there’s no better example of this than Christ. From start to finish Jesus, in humility and obedience, always put the will of the Father before His own. Never once seeking His own glory, His joy was found in serving God and others. As His followers, it is our job to cultivate that same kind of humility in our own lives. Because no matter how bad our circumstance, there is always someone worse off. And nothing takes our mind off our own troubles than helping someone else with theirs. Proverbs 22:4 says, “Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” As Christians we are to put others before ourselves, and show love and respect to everyone we meet. And by doing so, not only are we bringing blessings into our own lives, we are reflecting the love of God and helping to make the world just a little more loving.

February 27th – Romans 12:10 Read More »

January 26th – 1 Corinthians 14:1

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1 Corinthians 14:1

Have you ever listened to an especially charismatic teacher and wished you could teach like that? Perhaps you’ve heard the most beautiful singing voice and wished you could sing like that? Or maybe you see someone who is always the first one to volunteer, and wished you could serve like that. The truth is, we’ve all felt that way a time or two. And it’s good to want a spiritual gift. But the desire is only good if it stems from a motive of wanting to use the gifts God gives to both build up the church, and each other. The Lord is our great Conductor, and each of us an important member of His heavenly orchestra. And what an honor it is to be able to use our unique gifts and talents to both serve Him and each other. So polish up your instrument, straighten your sheet music, and follow our God as He leads His orchestra in beautiful harmony for the world to hear!

January 26th – 1 Corinthians 14:1 Read More »

November 12th – Mark 10:45

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Mark 10:45 

I am thankful Jesus came to ransom His life for mine

Today’s world equates greatness with influence and fame. But Jesus says greatness isn’t found in power and glory. Rather it’s measured by our ability to live lives of sacrifice as servants and slaves to others. And He knows of what He speaks. As Creator of the world, Christ sits on His glorious throne in heaven. Yet at the request of the Father, He willingly left that throne. Out of great love, Jesus came to earth to become our sin substitute. Even when that meant not coming in pomp and circumstance. Or being welcomed with a grand parade. But instead coming in humility in the form of a servant. And facing hurt, betrayal, torture, and ridicule, all to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. God makes one thing abundantly clear. The greatest in His sight are those who humbly serve. And as slaves of Christ, what a privilege it is to serve others as our Lord came to serve us.

November 12th – Mark 10:45 Read More »

October 21st – 2 Corinthians 9:8

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2 Corinthians 9:8

God’s Promise – “I will meet all your needs so you can overflow with good works.”

There is a Chinese saying that goes, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” In Luke 22:26-27 Jesus makes it abundantly clear that the greatest in God’s sight are those who humbly serve others. And so important is helping one another, that God equips us with everything we need to carry out His work. 1 Peter 4:10 tells us that each of us has received a special gift. And we are to, “employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Jesus performed the ultimate good work with His death on the Cross. And now because of His sacrifice, we receive the grace of God. So out of thankfulness for our Lord, how could we not take every opportunity of every day to share God’s grace through a good work for another!

October 21st – 2 Corinthians 9:8 Read More »

August 13th – 1 Peter 4:10

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1 Peter 4:10

Recently I went through a drive-thru. I pulled up to the window to find the car ahead had paid for my order. Pleasantly surprised by the generous gift, I happily paid for the car behind me to keep the blessing ball rolling. Each Christian is given a spiritual gift. Whether it be leadership, discernment, giving, helping, or teaching, each of us receives a gift of God’s choosing. And He  expects us to take that blessing and pay it forward. For just as God told Israel, we are blessed to in turn bless others.  (Gen. 12:2-3) Evangelical author Neil T Anderson wrote, “Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the Lord.” If we want to glorify the Lord, we need to be willing to take the blessing ball God passes to us and pass it on. Serving others generously, giving kindness, encouragement, and strengthening to all who need it.

August 13th – 1 Peter 4:10 Read More »

July 11th – Philippians 2:3

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Philippians 2:3

God doesn’t want us to just be good, He wants us to be great. Being great is twofold. Because to be great is to serve God, and serving God means serving others. Each day we are called to make ourselves available to Jesus. Ready and willing to be used in His service. And whatever it is He asks of us, we are to do with love, humility, and joy. Not with an attitude of resentment, or with the “woe is me” spirit of a martyr. And especially not for our own ego, or for our star to shine. All things should be done for the glory of God alone. As believers we are given at least one spiritual gift and are commanded to, “employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”, (1 Pet. 4:10). When our hearts and minds are focused on pleasing the Lord and helping others, we can find a deep fulfilling joy. One that comes with being a humble servant of the Almighty God.

July 11th – Philippians 2:3 Read More »

April 5th – John 13:1-17

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John 13:1-17

The hands that had created the world in which the disciples walked was washing away the filth on their feet. And only hours before Jesus would be arrested, beaten and crucified for each of them and us. Why did Jesus feel the need to do such a thing?

Because the Lord knew one pair of feet at the table would abandon and betray Him that very night. And the others would all flee as quickly as they could the moment Jesus is arrested. All except one pair who would deny knowing Him three times before the rooster would crow.

“Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.  “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.  Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:12-17)

Jesus was still about His Father’s business. Even knowing that His work on earth was about to end and He would soon be taken off the earth. The washing the disciples’ feet was a symbolic act of cleansing and purifying, so that their spiritual walk following Him would be holy and spotless. And the neat thing is, He still does this today with each one who gives their heart to Him! Jesus still lovingly washes away our dust and grime with living water, then uses His own covering to refresh, restore, and make us fit for His kingdom work.

Blessings, Sue

April 5th – John 13:1-17 Read More »

December 8th – Acts 20:35

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Acts 20:35

We’ve all heard the old adage that it’s better to give than receive. Why? Because that’s when we truly exemplify the very nature of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It was the Lord Himself who said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” There could never be a greater gift than the one Jesus gave to us. Out of hearts of gratitude we should pay forward the love, grace, and mercy He shows us daily. And when we bless others, we in turn are the ones who receive the blessing from God! (Prov. 19:17)

 

December 8th – Acts 20:35 Read More »