Holy Week: Servanthood

In continuation of our reflection of the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, let's look at a moment from His Passover meal with the disciples:

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

“Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “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 13:3-17

Here, we learn that accepting Jesus as our Lord and Teacher, we are to follow the example that He set for us. Jesus was willing to perform the lowliest act of servanthood for His disciples. He got on His hands and knees, picked up their dirty feet, and washed them.

If our God can do such a thing for us, how much more should we be willing to serve those around us? Meditate on this word as you go about your day today. Ask the Lord to create in you a servant's heart. Be willing to serve those around you allowing Christ's example to be your guide.

Wednesday's Word: Greatness

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.”

“What is your request?” he asked.

They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”

But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”

“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”

Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering. But I have no right to say who will sit on my right or my left. God has prepared those places for the ones he has chosen.”

When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:35-45 (NLT)

In order to be great in God's Kingdom, Jesus told us that we have to be a servant. In order to be at the "top", we have to be willing to serve everyone at the "bottom". Jesus Himself did not come for His own glory or His own gain, He came to serve the world and give up His own life to save others.

It is the servant's heart that gets God's attention. Those people who have the humility to seek the needs of others above their own are the ones who God wants taking care of His people. The people who are willing to pour out of their own selves to nourish those around them are the one's who catch God's eye.

Are you like James and John? Are you too busy looking for glory that you're missing the larger mission?

Remember the role of our Savior. He came to serve. If you want to be great in God's Kingdom, you have to be willing to do the same.

Servant of All

As followers of Christ, it is our job to follow after the example that Christ left for us. A few days ago, the Lord was showing me how Jesus served.

Jesus was no respecter of persons. He served anyone who was willing to come to Him. From the Pharisee who visited Jesus late in the night, to the children who came to be ministered to, to the Samaritan woman at the well, to the lepers who were outcasts of the city... they all received Christ's best service. They all went away praising God.

Jesus didn't just keep His best for the disciples. He didn't hoard up miracles just for His close friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. He didn't do a little for some and more for another. Jesus gave His best and His all every time He ministered.

That got me to thinking about how I serve. I know I sometimes reserve my best for people I like or esteem. At times I can turn my head away from serving someone who I may not care to interact with. I give myself excuses or justifications to cut back or leave off in my service.

Yet, if I am going to call myself a Christian, I have to follow the example of my Lord and Savior. I have to serve with a willing heart at all times. I have to die to myself and remember the impact my service will make for the Kingdom of God. It's not about me or how I may feel. It's about Jesus and how a soul can be ministered to with everlasting results.

How do you serve? Do you follow Jesus' example? Do you willingly serve everyone who comes across your path?

Today, make sure your service reflects Jesus' love.

Verse of the Day: And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14:14

Afternoon Ti: Inconvenience Yourself Today

Today, I'm going true devotional style and opening with our verses to meditate on:

...Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven... Nehemiah 1:2-4

And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it. Nehemiah 2:5  
This passage of scripture relays Nehemiah's response to hearing of the physical and emotional brokenness of the city of Jerusalem. This man was so moved that he asked to leave his place of palatial comfort and peace to go back to Jerusalem, a place of conflict and sacrifice, in order to restore it to as safe haven for his people.

How many times do we hear of different churches, Christians or cities that have fallen? It may be a scandal, sin, tragedy, or some other affliction that rocks them to pieces. Yet, how often do we hear the news, shake our heads, mourn the downfall of society, and then just go about our day?

To bring it even closer to home, how often do we hear of our own friends, co-workers, family members, and other people we are close to who fall prey to difficulties? And what do we do in response? More often than not, we probably shake our heads and go on with our own agendas.

Yet, as believers, hearing of another person's struggle should move us into action. Our hearts should be sensitive to the needs and hurts of those around. We are to be the shining lights of Jesus' love, hope, help, and peace in the midst of a storm.

Whenever Jesus encountered people in need, He reached out and did what He could to help. Even when He was tired and hungry, Jesus allowed Himself to be inconvenienced to minister to those who were hurting, in the midst of scandal, and facing tragedy.

Don't be so wrapped up in your own story, that you miss out on influencing the lives of those around you. Don't allow your heart to become callous to the cries of a world that is in pain. You may not have the money, knowledge, or means to fix every problem you hear of, but you do have the ability to pray. You have the ability to give your time. You have the Holy Spirit inside Who can help you to bring comfort and peace to any situation.

Today, allow yourself to be inconvenienced in order to bless someone who is in need of God's love.

Thanksgiving Week

So, it's Thanksgiving week, and people are starting to prep for the coming holiday meal along with friends and family who will be visiting. As we patron grocery stores, clean up our homes, and buy gifts and decorations, let us not forget those who are hurting this year. Right about now, many folks are struggling, hurting, and wondering how things are going to work out. Maybe you're one of those people.

What is important to remember is that we are still here. As long as we are still breathing, God has a work for us to do here on earth. He still has a plan for us that He wants to fulfill. We have something to look forward to. We have something to be thankful for.

So, take the time to pray for someone else. Show someone outside your special circle that you're thankful for them. Give a little love being mindful of the great love that you have received from Jesus Christ. Remember that no matter the struggle, God knows how much you can handle. He's not going to let you fall.

This week let's open our eyes to the world around us. Let's make intentional efforts to put a smile on someone's face and joy in someone's heart. Call an old friend, do a good deed, reach out to a stranger, and spread the love of God.

Let's fill this week with Thanksgiving!

Verse of the Day: I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

Acts of Kindness

Because of the way society was ordered during the times the Bible was written, women didn't get to much shine on the pages. It took a woman of caliber to get mentioned in the Good Book. We do have Esther and Deborah, Mary and Elizabeth. Yet, there is one lady who came to my mind this morning.

Dorcas - or Tabitha - was a woman who was not known for her preaching or teaching. She wasn't a queen on a throne or mother to a prophet. Dorcas was an ordinary woman who just lived her life doing good deeds for those around her. She looked out for the poor and widowed. She used her gift of sewing to make clothes for those who had none.

Simple, right?

This woman's simple acts of kindness and generosity gave her friends and loved ones who cherished her greatly. They cared for her so much that when she got sick and died, they sent for Peter. When he came, they shared about her life and all the good that she had done for them. After seeking God, Peter performed a miracle and called Dorcas back from death.

Dorcas' generosity in life granted her more time to live.

Who knows what your simple acts of kindness do for those around you? Who knows how deeply someone will cherish something that you may think little of. A kind word, a hug, sharing your talent or gift can mean so much to someone who needs what you have to give!

Make sure you're using all your gifts for the glory of God! No matter how large or small, every action causes an effect. And, who knows? Your decision to go out of your way for someone else could inspire God to do something great for you!

Verse of the Day: Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

 Acts 9:39-42

Your Ministry

It's All Ministry!

Believe it or not, you have a ministry. You are the leader of your own ministry that serves everyone you come in contact with. You may not be an ordained minister or pastor a church, but you are still a minister. Your ministry is your life. Your life is a service to others.

Whatever it is you do during the day is your ministry. Whether you are a parent, a secretary, a teacher, a cashier, a bus driver... you name it. Everything you do is a ministry. The question is if God is reflected in that ministry.

God has allowed you to occupy those roles and work in those places. He's given you your co-workers, students, children, etc. for you to impact their lives. The work that you do every day He's given expressly for you to handle.

How are you treating your ministry?

Are you working with a joyful spirit or are you begrudgingly trudging through your eight hours? Are you speaking life to those around you or are you speaking words of gossip, slander, and discord? Do you look for ways to be a light to those who you see that are living in darkness or do you even acknowledge their spiritual state?

Every facet of your life is ordered by God. How you handle your life - your ministry - is extremely important. Remember that you are not just existing, you're living on purpose! Don't neglect your ministry!

Don't see your life as just what you have to do in order to 'make a living'. You are supposed to be doing so much more. See each day as an opportunity to share the love of Christ, to minister to the lost, to reach someone who has never been reached, and to do something great for the Lord.

Doesn't that totally change how you look at your life? Your life is a ministry. Go ahead and make it one of the greatest ministries on the planet!

Verse of the Day: And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation... 2 Corinthians 5:18

Giving Back

During the holidays, most people remember about giving back to those in need. Charities see an uptick in donations and volunteers, churches host food/toy drives, and neighborhoods band together to sponsor Christmases for families in need.

As Christians, it is our responsibility to think of those less fortunate all the time. Jesus instructed us that when we show love to a stranger in need, we are actually showing love to Him.

Today I was thinking about the last time I gave to a stranger in need. Nowadays, people give to the places that they know, ones that they can be assured won't mess around with their donation. You know, their church, this particular charity (because those other ones can't be trusted), this family, that particular cause. We can't be just throwing our goodwill around to just anybody.

But it is those we don't know that could be the ones in the greatest need. It's the face that we don't recognize that could be the most blessed by our love.

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you this holiday season. Instead of putting money in the red pot outside the mall, He may lead you to a young lady inside the mall scouring through the clearance rack. The Lord may stop you from writing your annual check to your favorite charity and have you drop off some cash in someone's mailbox instead.

In all things we are to be led by God. Even our charitable work can be a time for the miraculous. Our giving back can create moments for the glory of God.

Don't let this season pass without checking what the Holy Spirit would want you to do. He may show you a new path that will bring much greater joy to the Kingdom.

Verse of the Day: Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matthew 25:34-36

Invisible Gratitude

Last night I attended an orientation for a mentorship program that I joined. It was heartwarming to see about a hundred adults in attendance who were ready and willing to mentor teenage youth in the city of Chicago.

As a part of the orientation, a common refrain was echoed by past mentors and the program staff: You may not think you're making a difference, but the students' responses reflect otherwise! They were basically reassuring us that often our efforts may seem unnecessary or even un-impactful, but the students' consistently raved about their mentors and the help that they gave.

This sentiment can be applied to a lot of areas in our lives. You may feel unappreciated by our family, overlooked at your job, or taken for granted by those who you assist. Yet, more often than not, your acts of kindness, diligence, and displays of love are appreciated and even cherished. Think of the stories some  mothers tell of how their difficult teenagers grew up to sing their praises and give them thanks for the way they were raised.

People may not show their gratitude in the way that we would like, or they even may not show it at all. But our Heavenly Father sees and knows all that we do, and you better believe that He is showing and will show you proper appreciation for all that you do.

So, don't give up on your acts of love! Don't get tired of being diligent with your responsibilities! You make a difference to someone, and someone feels love because you are in their life. You may not feel the love, but know that it is there.

Verse of the Day: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9, 10

Out With the Old, Time for Some New!

I am truly an American. I’m not a die-hard patriotic. I can’t recall all the details of our nation’s history. Yet, the culture, thinking, and ways of this place have seeped into my soul.

I am normally concerned with those things that affect my little microcosm world. If it doesn’t affect my family, my friends, my work, or my interests, I really don’t want to be bothered with it. Yes, being a Christian has widened my scope to some degree, but when it all boils down: I’m concerned about ME.

This year, I’m throwing that bad mentality out the window! There is a world out there that is lost and dying, and someone has to go out and let them know the truth. No longer can I sit in my church and pray that they somehow miraculously stumble into my path. I have to go out and stumble into theirs!

So, I am looking at some volunteer organizations to get involved with. I am investigating some charities (outside of my church) to support financially. More importantly, I am going to keep my spiritual eyes, ears, and my physical mouth open to what the Holy Spirit is leading me to do.

Usually I am in my own lane, zooming from one place to the next, barely taking notice of the swirling populace around me. No more! It’s time for me to slow down, pay attention, and go outside of my comfort zone. Too many people don’t know God!

I encourage you to take some internal stock as well. If you’re already out spreading the Good News – great! Help some of us come up to that higher level with you!

If you are like me, I challenge you to figure out how you can be more of an active witness for Christ on a daily basis. Christ told us to go into all the world and preach the gospel, but too many of us are sticking to our own tiny doorstep. (Mark 16:15)

Let’s make this a year of outreach and evangelism! They’re out there… Let’s go get ‘em!

Verse of the Day: Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32, 33

A New Outlook

Recently I began planning the 2011 itinerary and focus for my church’s youth ministry where I serve as the leader. In my times of prayer and meditation, God has been showing me new and innovative ideas to continue reaching out to and involving our teens. I am getting excited that I get to implement such creative initiatives, and I know that my teens will enjoy them.

Sometimes we can get into a bit of a routine in our service to the Lord. Our participation becomes like a habit and we perform our responsibilities like a machine. We can even let the fire that God lit in us die down to glowing embers, and we lose the zeal we originally had.

However, all of that complacency changes when we get before God and allow Him to show us His vision and plans for every area of our lives. God has a way of making everything fresh, and His ultimate creative process can invigorate any situation.

I love how God can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary! Nothing is routine when God is involved. He always brings forth a new way that always delivers sound results. It’s just our responsibility to move with God in the change, so that our lives can continue to thrive with vitality. Variety is the spice of life as they say.

Take some time today to allow God to breathe new life into you where your service to Him is concerned. Allow Him to remind you of the call that you have, and open yourself to hearing His fresh take on your position. Let God quicken your spirit anew with His inspiration.

Verse of the Day: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? Isaiah 43:19a