13
Aug '20
To Serve and Not Be Served
13
Aug '20
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)
Selfishness focuses on my interests above the needs and interests of others.
When we operate out of a place of entitlement, we fail to look at other’s needs.
In this verse, Paul says selfishness is related to arrogance, or empty conceit.
When we build ourselves up by tearing another down, we fail to show the love of Christ.
However, God is so good.
He always has a remedy.
He tells us to be kind, compassionate, and loving to one another.
When we put the needs of others above ourselves, we become more like Christ.
Jesus came to serve and not be served. He is to be our example.
Lord, help me be like you. Let my heart be that of your servant. Help me to love others as you did, appreciating them, showing compassion and kindness to all! Amen.
When I read this devotion it blessed me. I pray it opens our eyes to value others and realize that influence is providing attention and value to others.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
17
Mar '20
Serving Others
17
Mar '20
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day. (Isaiah 58:10)
One of the greatest antidotes to depression, fear, or anxiety is service to others.
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”
If you are struggling today, I encourage you to take your eyes off yourself, the circumstances around us, and instead look for ways you can be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Any amount of serving others will do wonders for your soul.
Whether time, money, or prayers; we can all be of service to our communities right now…today.
There are so many families who could use your prayers. Stop this morning and pray for your friend, neighbor, co-worker, bank teller, grocery cashier.
We can serve others through simple encouraging words.
“One of the greatest ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.”
And, you can start serving right at home.
Look for ways to put others’ needs before your own and be assured of a miracle in your own life!
Lift others up who may need an encouraging word! Pray for all those around us and trust our God is sovereign and still in control! Amen.
This devotion blessed me. Right now, some of us are confined to being at home and we could easily think our power to serve is limited but prayer changes things. If you are breathing you can pray. Start serving right where you are. The most powerful weapon against trials, the most effective medicine against sickness and the most valuable gift to others is PRAYER.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
30
Oct '18
What We Can Do
30
Oct '18
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)
Even though confined to his bed, 92-year-old Morrie Boogaart knit hats for the homeless in Michigan. He had reportedly made more than 8,000 hats in fifteen years. Instead of focusing on his health or limitations, Mr. Boogaart looked beyond himself and did what he could to place the needs of others above his own. He declared that his work made him feel good and gave him a purpose. He said, “I’m going to do this until I go home to the Lord”—which happened in February 2018. Though most recipients of his hats won’t know his story or how much he sacrificed to create each cap, Morrie’s simple act of persevering love is now inspiring people across the world.
We too can look past our struggles, place others before ourselves, and imitate our loving and compassionate Savior, Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:1–5). God in the flesh—the King of Kings—took on the “form of a servant” in genuine humility (vv. 6–7). Giving His life—the ultimate sacrifice—He took our place on the cross (v. 8). Jesus gave everything for us . . . all for the glory of God the Father (vv. 9–11).
As believers in Jesus, it’s our privilege to show love and demonstrate concern for others through acts of kindness. Even if we don’t think we have much to offer, we can adopt the attitude of servanthood. We can actively seek opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives by simply doing what we can.
I pray today, after reading this devotion, you are inspired to have more of a servants heart. We can model Christ’s love by doing what we can to serve others. Lord, create in me the heart of a servant, choosing to work for your glory and not my own. Amen.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 12:21