"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. 1 Chronicles 28:9
I hustled in the rain. Not only was I soaked through, I was freezing, and it was still early. The sun was just peaking over the shabby buildings in the Anacostia parking lot. My fellow volunteer and I hurried to empty the van of heavy tables, large coffee pots, food heaters and too-old-to-sell muffins from Costco. I had just been cussed out by one of our more…how shall I put it….difficult clients. And although this was a normal occurrence, and usually I would have shrugged it off and given Mr. David an extra muffin and wished him well, today was just different. I didn’t really want to be there, in the rain, in the cold. I wanted a little gratitude, honestly. Did these people know what I had gone through to get them their pathetic little breakfast? I had gotten up before the crack of dawn, braved the traffic and the metro, and dealt with the kitchen Nazis just to get them a cooler full of water and some weak coffee. And this was the thanks I got?
We continued to unload… the line for breakfast, and the mumbling, getting louder. We just couldn’t move fast enough. Why didn’t they go wait under an awning or something until we were ready? Did 5 extra minutes in line make that big of a difference? Seriously? I couldn’t wait to get home. I was making some pancakes and hot coffee and watching CNN until I could feel my fingers again.
“Here, let me help.” The voice broke into my thoughts.
“Huh?” I looked up.
It was Walter. 30 years homeless. My guess was he was about 60 or 65, although life on the streets often ages a person. He wasn’t an alcoholic or drug addict or mentally ill. He worked when and where he could and lived in various little DC wooded areas (what was left of them) and under his favorite bridges. He didn’t trust the shelters, “too many druggies” he’d tell us. He was a breakfast regular. He loved to talk Redskins and Maryland basketball. He also loved Costco chocolate-chocolate chip muffins. We got them about once-a-month and they were literally a highlight of his life. Today happened to be one of the few days we had them.
The van still held tables and the coffee pots. Walter smiled and grabbed the coffee, definitely the worse of the 2 to get out of the van. The large pots had a tendency to spill. I usually ended up smelling like coffee before the morning was done. Walter rarely had anywhere to shower. He would spend the day and probably several after it, with a dirtier-than-usual shirt because of his insistence on helping me.
Walter grabbed the sugar and creamer packets and set them out. He stood next to me for the next hour in the pouring rain helping pass out warm breakfast, hot coffee, and muffins.
I watched as the muffins slowly disappeared, the chocolate-chocolate chips were the first to go. Yet Walter never wavered. He greeted everyone with a smile as I watched his rag-tag jacket and boots fill with water and soak him to the bone. Even if the rain stopped soon, he would be wet for days. Not once did he complain. He never asked us to save him his favorite muffin (it was against policy), although who knew when he would have the chance to get another one. When breakfast was done, he helped load the truck for our next stop. And then, he did something that made me shiver inside, and not because of the cold.
He thanked me.
He thanked me for breakfast and for letting him help out. What a selfish, ungrateful person I was. I hadn’t served anyone that morning, especially not my God. I’m sure He had been disappointed in my attitude and lack of efforts
Walter was the real servant. He sacrificed something precious to him so he could meet the needs of others. He had served willingly and with a smile. His service cost him something; I had simply been doing a duty.
As Christ followers we know we are supposed to serve. Sometimes though, we get caught up in the supposed to and forget what service actually is. Serving others isn’t always convenient. It doesn’t always fit into our schedule or our comfort zones, and when that happens, it’s hard to keep a heart of service. Service like Christ isn’t about getting recognized or about our points in heaven. It is about being Christ to others. It can be done with or without words. No tracts or evangelism training needed. We simply wake up each day, zip on our “Jesus suit” and act as much like Christ as we can each day (easier said than done).
Service is never about us. It is always about Him, the One who taught us to serve. Our service, with or without words, should always point toward the Loving Servant. It may be that our service only points us toward being more like Christ. Serving may cost us nothing, or it may cost us everything. Either way, it is our heart that matters.
~Tirzah Turner
Showing posts with label Serve. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Serve. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Day 39: God Inspired Servanthood
To Serve:
• to render obedience or homage to God
• to be useful or of service
• to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something
• to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) a portion of food or drink
• to gratify
• to go through a term of service; do duty as a soldier, sailor, senator, juror, etc.
When I was a kid, I remember our family always being the last ones to leave an event at church. The reason for that is because our family was always there to put away the tables and chairs. For a kid this is a lot of fun because you get to see parts of a building that you never would see normally, and everyone who was left to "serve" was in a good mood, relaxed, and joking around to make the work easier. Even more importantly there was a lot of discussion about the message of the event, and I listened to the adults sharing their feelings and personal experiences related to the topic. They are still very vivid memories that I have today of those times. This started the formation of what it meant to serve – it was a willingness to do what needed to be done and sharing it with friends.
As I grew older, that willingness never left me; it just became fine tuned. I would watch other Christian men and women step out in faith and "be there" when it was needed. I learned what my "passion" was and what made my heart swell when I was involved with it.
Greenridge taught me about my "spiritual gifts" in the 401 class, and this allowed me to make wise decisions in the events or positions that I volunteered for. This class also allowed me to see that other people can serve me… I don't have to do it all.
Serving brings people together and keeps relationships growing. I always watch for the "God" inspired moments when I serve, it is a true pleasure to wait and be in the moment when they arrive. I write these down on a list in my Bible so that when I am unable to lift my eyes, I can be reminded of when God was directly involved in my life.
Start with prayer and communication with God before you decide where he would like you to serve. However, watch out for Satan and his desire to "mess" with your service work. The excuses are quick and swift and easy to listen to: I don't have time. It is too much work. I feel inadequate. You want me to do WHAT? That is why I start with prayer and ask for guidance and bring God into it. For me, the ultimate goal is to honor him so that people can see the hands and feet of Jesus. How can serving fail when God is in the middle of it.
I may not be an author, but I have a lot of "God" stories about my service work. Go ahead and start your list to look at and share.
~Carolyn Corazza
• to render obedience or homage to God
• to be useful or of service
• to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something
• to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) a portion of food or drink
• to gratify
• to go through a term of service; do duty as a soldier, sailor, senator, juror, etc.
When I was a kid, I remember our family always being the last ones to leave an event at church. The reason for that is because our family was always there to put away the tables and chairs. For a kid this is a lot of fun because you get to see parts of a building that you never would see normally, and everyone who was left to "serve" was in a good mood, relaxed, and joking around to make the work easier. Even more importantly there was a lot of discussion about the message of the event, and I listened to the adults sharing their feelings and personal experiences related to the topic. They are still very vivid memories that I have today of those times. This started the formation of what it meant to serve – it was a willingness to do what needed to be done and sharing it with friends.
As I grew older, that willingness never left me; it just became fine tuned. I would watch other Christian men and women step out in faith and "be there" when it was needed. I learned what my "passion" was and what made my heart swell when I was involved with it.
Greenridge taught me about my "spiritual gifts" in the 401 class, and this allowed me to make wise decisions in the events or positions that I volunteered for. This class also allowed me to see that other people can serve me… I don't have to do it all.
Serving brings people together and keeps relationships growing. I always watch for the "God" inspired moments when I serve, it is a true pleasure to wait and be in the moment when they arrive. I write these down on a list in my Bible so that when I am unable to lift my eyes, I can be reminded of when God was directly involved in my life.
Start with prayer and communication with God before you decide where he would like you to serve. However, watch out for Satan and his desire to "mess" with your service work. The excuses are quick and swift and easy to listen to: I don't have time. It is too much work. I feel inadequate. You want me to do WHAT? That is why I start with prayer and ask for guidance and bring God into it. For me, the ultimate goal is to honor him so that people can see the hands and feet of Jesus. How can serving fail when God is in the middle of it.
I may not be an author, but I have a lot of "God" stories about my service work. Go ahead and start your list to look at and share.
~Carolyn Corazza
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Day 38: Discover Your Spiritual Gift
Cheryl and I have had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans several times to serve, assist and minister to some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. To us this ministry is not a burden; we love to do it; it really “jazzes us” to serve our Lord in this way by using our God-given spiritual gifts.
Cheryl has the gift of mercy. She can detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering by providing compassionate and cheerful support to those who are experiencing distress, crisis and/or pain.
Ron has the gift of service (or helps). He enjoys working along side gifted craftsmen like Pete Schoolfield and Hank Calisti and providing practical, hands-on assistance in repairing or rebuilding homes quickly and cheerfully.
God calls each of us to serve Him in our giftedness. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit” (v.4). “To each one the evidence of the Spirit within us is given for the common good” (v.7). “The (church) body is one unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (v. 12).
So what is your “part” in the overall ministry at Greenridge?
Do you have a gift that communicates God’s Word (e.g. preaching, evangelism, missions or starting new churches)?
Do you have a gift to educate God’s people (e.g. teaching, encouragement, wisdom, discernment or knowledge)?
Do you have a gift that demonstrates God’s love (e.g. service, mercy, hospitality, shepherding or giving)?
Do you have a gift that celebrates God’s presence (e.g. music, or arts and crafts), or a prayer-related gift (e.g. intercession or healing)?
Or do you have a gift that supports one of the five purposes of Greenridge (e.g. leadership, administration or faith)?
Too many of us think we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different God-given gifts together, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, serve others, enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers and spread the Good News of Salvation. If we don’t, the body of believers at Greenridge will be less effective.
We encourage each of you as members to discover your “S.H.A.P.E.”, your spiritual gifts, your heart or passion, your abilities, natural talents and skills, your personality and your spiritual experiences. Greenridge has access to this spiritual gifts test. Feel free to email Sarah Rodriguez to get a copy so that you, too, can discover your spiritual gift(s)!
Pray that our spiritual gifts are yielded to the Lordship of Jesus and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister in the Body of Christ at Greenridge.
~Ron & Cheryl Welke
Cheryl has the gift of mercy. She can detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering by providing compassionate and cheerful support to those who are experiencing distress, crisis and/or pain.
Ron has the gift of service (or helps). He enjoys working along side gifted craftsmen like Pete Schoolfield and Hank Calisti and providing practical, hands-on assistance in repairing or rebuilding homes quickly and cheerfully.
God calls each of us to serve Him in our giftedness. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit” (v.4). “To each one the evidence of the Spirit within us is given for the common good” (v.7). “The (church) body is one unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (v. 12).
So what is your “part” in the overall ministry at Greenridge?
Do you have a gift that communicates God’s Word (e.g. preaching, evangelism, missions or starting new churches)?
Do you have a gift to educate God’s people (e.g. teaching, encouragement, wisdom, discernment or knowledge)?
Do you have a gift that demonstrates God’s love (e.g. service, mercy, hospitality, shepherding or giving)?
Do you have a gift that celebrates God’s presence (e.g. music, or arts and crafts), or a prayer-related gift (e.g. intercession or healing)?
Or do you have a gift that supports one of the five purposes of Greenridge (e.g. leadership, administration or faith)?
Too many of us think we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different God-given gifts together, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, serve others, enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers and spread the Good News of Salvation. If we don’t, the body of believers at Greenridge will be less effective.
We encourage each of you as members to discover your “S.H.A.P.E.”, your spiritual gifts, your heart or passion, your abilities, natural talents and skills, your personality and your spiritual experiences. Greenridge has access to this spiritual gifts test. Feel free to email Sarah Rodriguez to get a copy so that you, too, can discover your spiritual gift(s)!
Pray that our spiritual gifts are yielded to the Lordship of Jesus and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister in the Body of Christ at Greenridge.
~Ron & Cheryl Welke
Day 37: Serving the Hard-to-Serve
“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….Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’” John 13:12-15,17
I honestly think that sometimes we can find serving others, dare I say, easy. Think about it, there will always be people that we need to serve, and they need all that we can offer them. The poor, the homeless, the sick, the widowed, the lost. But I truly believe that serving them can sometimes be easy. We know they need help, we are willing to jump in because their options are so limited (or even nothing), and, the majority of the time, they accept all that we can give with an open and thankful heart.
But Jesus calls us to go one step further. What about those that just have a hard heart? They aren’t as thankful for help or even open to receiving it, but yet, they need it. They may never show appreciation, but yet we are called to serve them.
My mother-in-law, Ruth Weigle, is an amazing example to me of a humble servant. She very quietly does what is needed, cares for those who are hurting, and provides anything she can to those who are lacking. She serves her own family cheerfully without end. But I have never heard of someone serving another with such a hard heart, until I learned of this story. See Ruth never, ever says an unkind word about anyone. But if anyone ever earned that right, it was her. One day, she told me of her own mother-in-law, Kathryn, Neil’s grandmother (aka Big Grandma). And for the first time ever, I heard Ruth say, “she was a horrible woman, just mean and awful.” I actually thought she was kidding. But then she continued in describing Big Grandma. Ruth told me about when Kathryn would call her at different times and just begin to yell at her, to tell Ruth that she was a horrible wife, mom and person, Kathryn would lash out with deeply hurting words. Ruth told me that she finally got to a point where she would put the phone down and walk away because her words were so hurtful. As time went on, Ruth’s children grew up, got married, and had children of their own, Kathryn developed Alzheimer’s and soon ended up in a nursing home. Her heart only grew harder, her words only more harsh. But yet, Ruth would visit her regularly to show her care, to help bathe her, feed her, wash her long hair and carefully put it in her prayer cap, change her clothes, to serve her. I believe this is serving at its best and hardest. Kathryn, who passed away in 2003 would never show any level of thankfulness towards Ruth, never a tender heart. But Ruth never stopped showing her the love of Jesus. She never stopped serving the same way that Jesus would, a trait I have seen passed on to her son.
We all know someone in life who has a hard heart, who doesn’t think he or she needs help or needs to be served. We all know unkind and hurtful people. Isn’t it our job to imitate the actions of Jesus and show them love? Wasn’t it Jesus who washed the feet of the man that would soon betray him?
~Katie Weigle
I honestly think that sometimes we can find serving others, dare I say, easy. Think about it, there will always be people that we need to serve, and they need all that we can offer them. The poor, the homeless, the sick, the widowed, the lost. But I truly believe that serving them can sometimes be easy. We know they need help, we are willing to jump in because their options are so limited (or even nothing), and, the majority of the time, they accept all that we can give with an open and thankful heart.
But Jesus calls us to go one step further. What about those that just have a hard heart? They aren’t as thankful for help or even open to receiving it, but yet, they need it. They may never show appreciation, but yet we are called to serve them.
My mother-in-law, Ruth Weigle, is an amazing example to me of a humble servant. She very quietly does what is needed, cares for those who are hurting, and provides anything she can to those who are lacking. She serves her own family cheerfully without end. But I have never heard of someone serving another with such a hard heart, until I learned of this story. See Ruth never, ever says an unkind word about anyone. But if anyone ever earned that right, it was her. One day, she told me of her own mother-in-law, Kathryn, Neil’s grandmother (aka Big Grandma). And for the first time ever, I heard Ruth say, “she was a horrible woman, just mean and awful.” I actually thought she was kidding. But then she continued in describing Big Grandma. Ruth told me about when Kathryn would call her at different times and just begin to yell at her, to tell Ruth that she was a horrible wife, mom and person, Kathryn would lash out with deeply hurting words. Ruth told me that she finally got to a point where she would put the phone down and walk away because her words were so hurtful. As time went on, Ruth’s children grew up, got married, and had children of their own, Kathryn developed Alzheimer’s and soon ended up in a nursing home. Her heart only grew harder, her words only more harsh. But yet, Ruth would visit her regularly to show her care, to help bathe her, feed her, wash her long hair and carefully put it in her prayer cap, change her clothes, to serve her. I believe this is serving at its best and hardest. Kathryn, who passed away in 2003 would never show any level of thankfulness towards Ruth, never a tender heart. But Ruth never stopped showing her the love of Jesus. She never stopped serving the same way that Jesus would, a trait I have seen passed on to her son.
We all know someone in life who has a hard heart, who doesn’t think he or she needs help or needs to be served. We all know unkind and hurtful people. Isn’t it our job to imitate the actions of Jesus and show them love? Wasn’t it Jesus who washed the feet of the man that would soon betray him?
~Katie Weigle
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Day 36: Serve While You Wait
The year was 1988. The city and time – Innsbruck, Austria in August. Peter and I were leading a travelling team of the Covenant Players, an international Christian drama ministry that was solely dependent on income from performances to support the work. We went to Innsbruck following our printed itinerary, but had no opportunities for ministry scheduled on the calendar. Thus, we were short on funds. We stayed with a host family a couple of evenings before moving on to staying in a Baptist church which met above a restaurant. These hosts had an apple tree, and they told us to help ourselves to apples before leaving. The bag we filled sustained us for the days ahead. Our team member Natasha, from Denmark, used a lot of ingenuity and the spices she could find in the Baptist church's kitchen. We had savory apples, applesauce, fried apples, raw apples, and apple stew. Schools were closed, and churches seemed to also be on vacation. All the while we were making contacts at hotels and corporate offices seeking out unique opportunities to serve. Down to almost nothing, we asked the Lord, “Why are we here?” The apples were running low, and we had little gas in the van.
One night, we heard a knock on the church door. This church was very hard to find, since it was over a restaurant—there was not a big sign out or anything. At the door was a Spanish woman who asked in broken German, “Is this the Mormon church?” We told her where she was, and we asked her why she was looking for the Mormon church. She seemed heavy-laden. We took her in (memory fades, but I hope we offered her an apple!). I do know that with our limited common vocabulary and whatever gestures and sign language we could muster, we started communicating with her.
We tried to explain who we were and did a short play for her. It was one we did almost everyday to introduce ourselves to pastors, titled, “The Search.” After watching it, she started crying and saying, "That is me, that is me. I lie in bed praying to God and wondering where He is. I am searching." We were able to pray with her and (again, I hope) we had a Bible to give her. She said that she was on vacation with a tour bus and that they were leaving this evening. She needed to get back to the bus – we drove her on our little gas and thankfully she made it, saying that we were angels.
We finally knew why we were stuck in Innsbruck, and we were filled with gratitude. The next day, a pastor (who was actually a British missionary) whom we had called for an appointment came to see us. We explained our ministry and performed “The Search” once again. He did not know anything about our current situation. He said he could not book anything at this time, but said he wanted to give us something toward our ministry. It was enough Austrian Schillings to fill our gas tank and get us out of town.
We had a pre-conceived notion of how we were supposed to serve—by performing Christian drama in worship services, for the most part. We were waiting for the opportunity to serve in that way, and when it didn’t come, we got frustrated—even with God. But we may have been learning a bigger lesson about serving. While we were waiting to serve, we were learning from how others were serving us. They served us by giving us hospitality; by giving us food (even one large, versatile bag of apples); by a colleague who shared her cooking gifts; and by a faith-supported missionary who himself sacrificed to give us just the money we needed. And the Lord, in His grace, even gave us the opportunity to serve—by performing for an audience of one, and witnessing about His love to a stranger who was “searching.”
There’s a wonderful Christian song you may have heard on the radio—“I’m waiting on You, Lord,” by John Waller. He sings, “I’m waiting on You, Lord, though it is painful, but patiently I will wait.” And in the chorus, he repeats, “I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting.”
Since leaving Covenant Players, we’ve had the opportunity ourselves to serve by giving hospitality, by giving food, by giving money, by sharing our testimony—and even, occasionally, by doing Christian drama! But even when we may be waiting for God to do something in our lives, we try to keep this promise, and tell the Lord, “I will serve you while I’m waiting.”
~Peter & Kristin Sprigg
One night, we heard a knock on the church door. This church was very hard to find, since it was over a restaurant—there was not a big sign out or anything. At the door was a Spanish woman who asked in broken German, “Is this the Mormon church?” We told her where she was, and we asked her why she was looking for the Mormon church. She seemed heavy-laden. We took her in (memory fades, but I hope we offered her an apple!). I do know that with our limited common vocabulary and whatever gestures and sign language we could muster, we started communicating with her.
We tried to explain who we were and did a short play for her. It was one we did almost everyday to introduce ourselves to pastors, titled, “The Search.” After watching it, she started crying and saying, "That is me, that is me. I lie in bed praying to God and wondering where He is. I am searching." We were able to pray with her and (again, I hope) we had a Bible to give her. She said that she was on vacation with a tour bus and that they were leaving this evening. She needed to get back to the bus – we drove her on our little gas and thankfully she made it, saying that we were angels.
We finally knew why we were stuck in Innsbruck, and we were filled with gratitude. The next day, a pastor (who was actually a British missionary) whom we had called for an appointment came to see us. We explained our ministry and performed “The Search” once again. He did not know anything about our current situation. He said he could not book anything at this time, but said he wanted to give us something toward our ministry. It was enough Austrian Schillings to fill our gas tank and get us out of town.
We had a pre-conceived notion of how we were supposed to serve—by performing Christian drama in worship services, for the most part. We were waiting for the opportunity to serve in that way, and when it didn’t come, we got frustrated—even with God. But we may have been learning a bigger lesson about serving. While we were waiting to serve, we were learning from how others were serving us. They served us by giving us hospitality; by giving us food (even one large, versatile bag of apples); by a colleague who shared her cooking gifts; and by a faith-supported missionary who himself sacrificed to give us just the money we needed. And the Lord, in His grace, even gave us the opportunity to serve—by performing for an audience of one, and witnessing about His love to a stranger who was “searching.”
There’s a wonderful Christian song you may have heard on the radio—“I’m waiting on You, Lord,” by John Waller. He sings, “I’m waiting on You, Lord, though it is painful, but patiently I will wait.” And in the chorus, he repeats, “I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting.”
Since leaving Covenant Players, we’ve had the opportunity ourselves to serve by giving hospitality, by giving food, by giving money, by sharing our testimony—and even, occasionally, by doing Christian drama! But even when we may be waiting for God to do something in our lives, we try to keep this promise, and tell the Lord, “I will serve you while I’m waiting.”
~Peter & Kristin Sprigg
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Day 35: Blessed to be a Blessing
Take a moment to make a list of all the ways that God has blessed you (spiritually, financially, physically, relationally, etc.) Ready? Go.
Now think about this question: Why has God blessed you?
In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abraham for a specific purpose.
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”
God blesses Abraham to be a blessing. Specifically, God blesses Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. David understood this and also sung his own version of “God Bless America”... or... uh Israel.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among nations.” Psalm 67:1-2
David knew that blessing from God is a means to an end. The end is God’s glory among all nations. When God blesses people, He never intends it to end with them.
Galatians 3:14 says, “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The blessing is the gospel. If the blessing had stopped with Abraham, you and I would not have received salvation by faith or the gift of the Holy Spirit.
To those who are blessed, God gives the responsibility to be a blessing to others. The hope of the gospel is that those who aren’t blessed will be blessed by the people who are. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are the agents of the blessing of the gospel.
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Romans 10:12-15
As Americans, we have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What are we doing with this blessing? Are we using it to bless ourselves even more? Or are we extending this blessing to the nations? They can’t hear unless someone preaches. They can’t preach unless they are sent.
16,334 people groups occupy planet earth. 6,639 of them have little to no access to the gospel. An unsaved person has access to the gospel. These are your friends and neighbors. But billions have no access. They couldn’t hear about Jesus even if they wanted to. And yet we receive more blessings and “spiritual information” in a week than many people groups have experienced throughout the duration of their civilization. WE ARE SO BLESSED! But God never intended us to be blessed without extending that blessing. No, that would be too small of a thing for God to do.
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6
You have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. Don’t let the blessing stop with you. Don’t let the blessing stop here in your neighborhood, your state, even your country. Let it extend to the world. Our God is a global God with global purposes. The living God is a missionary God. Let’s not lose sight of the mission that God set before us in Genesis 12 and brings to completion in Revelation 7:9 (Read it!).
It is too small a thing for you to live your life and be content with God’s blessings. You are blessed to be a blessing. Fulfill the purpose for which you were created. Be a blessing…to all nations!
How can you be a blessing?
1. Go. Be a missionary.
2. Send. Support a missionary financially.
3. Pray. Pray for unreached peoples to hear the good news.
4. Welcome. Befriend internationals in your schools and communities.
~Jeff Simpson
Now think about this question: Why has God blessed you?
In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abraham for a specific purpose.
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”
God blesses Abraham to be a blessing. Specifically, God blesses Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. David understood this and also sung his own version of “God Bless America”... or... uh Israel.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among nations.” Psalm 67:1-2
David knew that blessing from God is a means to an end. The end is God’s glory among all nations. When God blesses people, He never intends it to end with them.
Galatians 3:14 says, “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The blessing is the gospel. If the blessing had stopped with Abraham, you and I would not have received salvation by faith or the gift of the Holy Spirit.
To those who are blessed, God gives the responsibility to be a blessing to others. The hope of the gospel is that those who aren’t blessed will be blessed by the people who are. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are the agents of the blessing of the gospel.
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Romans 10:12-15
As Americans, we have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What are we doing with this blessing? Are we using it to bless ourselves even more? Or are we extending this blessing to the nations? They can’t hear unless someone preaches. They can’t preach unless they are sent.
16,334 people groups occupy planet earth. 6,639 of them have little to no access to the gospel. An unsaved person has access to the gospel. These are your friends and neighbors. But billions have no access. They couldn’t hear about Jesus even if they wanted to. And yet we receive more blessings and “spiritual information” in a week than many people groups have experienced throughout the duration of their civilization. WE ARE SO BLESSED! But God never intended us to be blessed without extending that blessing. No, that would be too small of a thing for God to do.
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6
You have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. Don’t let the blessing stop with you. Don’t let the blessing stop here in your neighborhood, your state, even your country. Let it extend to the world. Our God is a global God with global purposes. The living God is a missionary God. Let’s not lose sight of the mission that God set before us in Genesis 12 and brings to completion in Revelation 7:9 (Read it!).
It is too small a thing for you to live your life and be content with God’s blessings. You are blessed to be a blessing. Fulfill the purpose for which you were created. Be a blessing…to all nations!
How can you be a blessing?
1. Go. Be a missionary.
2. Send. Support a missionary financially.
3. Pray. Pray for unreached peoples to hear the good news.
4. Welcome. Befriend internationals in your schools and communities.
~Jeff Simpson
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Day 34: Who Are the Least of These?
Matthew 25:40 “The king will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Over twenty years ago, I took my first dental mission to the highlands of Sierra Madre del Sol. Exhausted from interminable days of hard work, I plopped down on a cliff edge to rest and rejuvenate. The sun was just beginning to hide its head behind the soaring peaks; without natural light our primitive clinic had closed: no electricity. It did not matter; with the merciless heat, body aches, and lack of adequate resources I could not work another minute.
After days of treating impoverished villagers isolated from the modern world, I was ready to throw in the towel. Thankfully, there was a short break before dinner that night. Over-heated, discouraged, and frustrated I just wanted to be alone.
I can’t go on. And what difference does it make anyway? Am I really helping? My alone time was abruptly interrupted when a six or seven year old boy boldly sat down beside me. I gave him a cursory glance, but his eyes sparkled back as he smiled a crooked grin.
I remember him. Brave little guy; probably still numb. What’s his name? He had not fussed at all when his teeth were pulled, which was not unusual: all these folks were stoic. He began talking… in Chinentaco. I can sometimes follow a little Spanish but not the local dialect.
So much for quietly enjoying God’s majestic handiwork. He stood and reached out to take my hand. Reluctantly I followed suite, groaning to get up as my back cracked in protest. His tiny hand tugged on mine, and we began a tour of the terraced village. Huts were perched so close to the edge that they seemed to hover in midair. Pointing out things of interest, he laughed and talked nonstop. It was infectious. We strolled—I strolled, he skipped—from one glorious vista to another.
Getting into it, I told him how beautiful his village was. He giggled at the sound of my funny words: I could not help but laugh back. We were having a great time, jabbering away without knowing the words, yet somehow understanding each other.
That is when I looked more closely. His clothes were ragged and threadbare. No shoes. Just like all the other kids. There was a faded but nasty scar on his left cheek. He was clean and dirty at the same time – a fruitless attempt had been made at hygiene. I must have looked the same, having gone without a shower in over a week.
We approached a swinging bridge. I hate heights, and he laughed at my hesitation. That is where I took his picture. Looking through the viewfinder I realized he was about the same age as my son, Billy. My eyes watered… homesick, grateful, and sad, all at the same time. After crossing the chasm we went to meet his large family. They lived in a dingy, thatched-roof hut with a dirt floor. Before leaving, his mom insisted that I accept a hot tortilla, fresh from a stone oven – a small gift from a big heart.
That night the missionary projected the Jesus Film on a whitewashed, adobe wall. Most villagers had never seen electricity and were mesmerized by the moving pictures. But more than that, they were moved by the message; God loves us so much that He came to die as atonement for our sins and … He conquered death.
My little friend was among a number of people who came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior. Although the next day was just as hot, and there was the same endless line of people waiting for treatment, the workload somehow seemed lighter.
Several days later we left the village just before dawn. Riding a mule down the treacherous mountain trail, I turned for one last look, and there he was… a tiny figure standing in the mist, waving goodbye and smiling. That is all it took for me to be certain that God had called me to serve in this place and at this time.
Who are the least of these?
• Those who can’t pay the bills?
• People down on their luck?
• Folks lacking adequate shelter, food, or clothes?
• The drug addict, alcoholic, compulsive gambler, prisoner?
• People with little or no faith?
All of the above, and many more.
And where can they be found? Everywhere: next door and around the world. And lest we become complacent, peruse the end of the chapter:
Mathew 25:44-45 “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
Lord, I pray that I will always listen for your prompting and be ready to serve where You would have me.
~Jim Rhea
Over twenty years ago, I took my first dental mission to the highlands of Sierra Madre del Sol. Exhausted from interminable days of hard work, I plopped down on a cliff edge to rest and rejuvenate. The sun was just beginning to hide its head behind the soaring peaks; without natural light our primitive clinic had closed: no electricity. It did not matter; with the merciless heat, body aches, and lack of adequate resources I could not work another minute.
After days of treating impoverished villagers isolated from the modern world, I was ready to throw in the towel. Thankfully, there was a short break before dinner that night. Over-heated, discouraged, and frustrated I just wanted to be alone.
I can’t go on. And what difference does it make anyway? Am I really helping? My alone time was abruptly interrupted when a six or seven year old boy boldly sat down beside me. I gave him a cursory glance, but his eyes sparkled back as he smiled a crooked grin.
I remember him. Brave little guy; probably still numb. What’s his name? He had not fussed at all when his teeth were pulled, which was not unusual: all these folks were stoic. He began talking… in Chinentaco. I can sometimes follow a little Spanish but not the local dialect.
So much for quietly enjoying God’s majestic handiwork. He stood and reached out to take my hand. Reluctantly I followed suite, groaning to get up as my back cracked in protest. His tiny hand tugged on mine, and we began a tour of the terraced village. Huts were perched so close to the edge that they seemed to hover in midair. Pointing out things of interest, he laughed and talked nonstop. It was infectious. We strolled—I strolled, he skipped—from one glorious vista to another.
Getting into it, I told him how beautiful his village was. He giggled at the sound of my funny words: I could not help but laugh back. We were having a great time, jabbering away without knowing the words, yet somehow understanding each other.
That is when I looked more closely. His clothes were ragged and threadbare. No shoes. Just like all the other kids. There was a faded but nasty scar on his left cheek. He was clean and dirty at the same time – a fruitless attempt had been made at hygiene. I must have looked the same, having gone without a shower in over a week.
We approached a swinging bridge. I hate heights, and he laughed at my hesitation. That is where I took his picture. Looking through the viewfinder I realized he was about the same age as my son, Billy. My eyes watered… homesick, grateful, and sad, all at the same time. After crossing the chasm we went to meet his large family. They lived in a dingy, thatched-roof hut with a dirt floor. Before leaving, his mom insisted that I accept a hot tortilla, fresh from a stone oven – a small gift from a big heart.
That night the missionary projected the Jesus Film on a whitewashed, adobe wall. Most villagers had never seen electricity and were mesmerized by the moving pictures. But more than that, they were moved by the message; God loves us so much that He came to die as atonement for our sins and … He conquered death.
My little friend was among a number of people who came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior. Although the next day was just as hot, and there was the same endless line of people waiting for treatment, the workload somehow seemed lighter.
Several days later we left the village just before dawn. Riding a mule down the treacherous mountain trail, I turned for one last look, and there he was… a tiny figure standing in the mist, waving goodbye and smiling. That is all it took for me to be certain that God had called me to serve in this place and at this time.
Who are the least of these?
• Those who can’t pay the bills?
• People down on their luck?
• Folks lacking adequate shelter, food, or clothes?
• The drug addict, alcoholic, compulsive gambler, prisoner?
• People with little or no faith?
All of the above, and many more.
And where can they be found? Everywhere: next door and around the world. And lest we become complacent, peruse the end of the chapter:
Mathew 25:44-45 “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
Lord, I pray that I will always listen for your prompting and be ready to serve where You would have me.
~Jim Rhea
Day 33: He Equips the Called
God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. How many times have you heard this one, or had someone quote Ephesians 10:2 to you? Usually it happens when someone is trying to convince you to “volunteer” to do something that you believe is not within your area of giftedness. We all know that we should only serve in those areas where God has gifted us, right?? Wrong!! Let me tell you how I learned that it is not impossible to serve effectively outside of the specific gifts God has given you IF you are willing to let Him put you in a place where you can learn how. I went to that place reluctantly, and God still blessed me in ways I could never have imagined.
About 22 years ago my family moved to Gaithersburg and began attending a small church close to our new home. We became very involved and were blessed to serve in several areas that were new to us, simply because the need was there and the numbers were few. At one point, my husband served as Sunday school director for both children and adults. One Sunday, when I had stayed home with a sick child, he returned with the sad news that the only teacher for the 1st – 3rd graders (no Child Protection policy in effect at that time!) had let him know that morning that he was going to have to stop teaching immediately because his wife had left him, and he did not feel that he should be teaching children under those circumstances. My husband had no idea who else could fill that spot on short notice because everyone who usually worked with children all ready had several jobs to do on Sunday mornings. Before he was even finished telling me about it, the words, “I can do it if Sherry (the 4th & 5th grade teacher) will show me how,” were out of my mouth. Where on earth did that come from? After all, I knew that my gifts are in the area of organization and administration, definitely not teaching children! While I loved my own children, I had never enjoyed my turn at “nursery duty” when they were preschoolers, and I had no idea how I would possibly survive an entire Sunday school hour with a group of elementary-aged kids. But once the words were out, I was committed. The very next Sunday I began observing a seasoned teacher, studying everything she did and said to keep the kids engaged and under control. With her patient guidance, it was not long before I was confidently and enthusiastically planning lessons and teaching with her, and we were soon back to having two children’s classes, with me as the teacher for the younger kids. Several years later the Lord led us to Greenridge, and within a few months I ended up back in a classroom, this time with a large group of energetic 1st and 2nd graders and my new friends, Mr. Don & Ms Linda.
The lesson here is this: yes, of course we should seek opportunities to serve in our areas of giftedness. But, with the Holy Spirit as our leader and someone to come along side as a mentor and guide, most of us can be taught how to serve outside these areas as well, and it can be an amazing, life-changing experience. To this day I still take what opportunities I have to learn how to work more effectively with children and, even though I still know that teaching children isn’t one of my primary gifts, I find that I am totally blessed every time I have a chance to be in a classroom filled with those little chairs.
~Sue Overbey
About 22 years ago my family moved to Gaithersburg and began attending a small church close to our new home. We became very involved and were blessed to serve in several areas that were new to us, simply because the need was there and the numbers were few. At one point, my husband served as Sunday school director for both children and adults. One Sunday, when I had stayed home with a sick child, he returned with the sad news that the only teacher for the 1st – 3rd graders (no Child Protection policy in effect at that time!) had let him know that morning that he was going to have to stop teaching immediately because his wife had left him, and he did not feel that he should be teaching children under those circumstances. My husband had no idea who else could fill that spot on short notice because everyone who usually worked with children all ready had several jobs to do on Sunday mornings. Before he was even finished telling me about it, the words, “I can do it if Sherry (the 4th & 5th grade teacher) will show me how,” were out of my mouth. Where on earth did that come from? After all, I knew that my gifts are in the area of organization and administration, definitely not teaching children! While I loved my own children, I had never enjoyed my turn at “nursery duty” when they were preschoolers, and I had no idea how I would possibly survive an entire Sunday school hour with a group of elementary-aged kids. But once the words were out, I was committed. The very next Sunday I began observing a seasoned teacher, studying everything she did and said to keep the kids engaged and under control. With her patient guidance, it was not long before I was confidently and enthusiastically planning lessons and teaching with her, and we were soon back to having two children’s classes, with me as the teacher for the younger kids. Several years later the Lord led us to Greenridge, and within a few months I ended up back in a classroom, this time with a large group of energetic 1st and 2nd graders and my new friends, Mr. Don & Ms Linda.
The lesson here is this: yes, of course we should seek opportunities to serve in our areas of giftedness. But, with the Holy Spirit as our leader and someone to come along side as a mentor and guide, most of us can be taught how to serve outside these areas as well, and it can be an amazing, life-changing experience. To this day I still take what opportunities I have to learn how to work more effectively with children and, even though I still know that teaching children isn’t one of my primary gifts, I find that I am totally blessed every time I have a chance to be in a classroom filled with those little chairs.
~Sue Overbey
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Day 32: Service vs. Spiritual Gift
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee . . .” 1 Tim. 4:14.
For us, Sunday always came early. In fact, Sunday began on Saturday evening around 6. As such, whatever social event we were at had to be over by 4pm, or we left (except in very rare cases) – because Sunday began at 6. How, you may ask? It was because 6pm was when we met at our termite-infested, carpet-less, wooden chapel half the size of any one of GBC’s modular buildings. We met for Sunday School prep classes, but more importantly to sweep, dust, clean, and set up for Sunday services. Everyone chipped in, from toddlers to seniors, and there was enough for everyone to do; after all, we were a congregation of just about 15 people. We were highly motivated and enjoyed every bit of it. We were led by our multi-tasking pastor who was preacher, drummer, choirmaster and, yes, co-janitor. When that pastor left, we had a fill-in pastor who once remarked that he, as pastor, could not be expected to join us in cleaning the chapel. He was quickly reminded that it was his Father’s House, and he had better join in!
Is cleaning churches a spiritual service, or is cleaning a spiritual gift? Let me share the thoughts of the Psalmist with you: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of my God . . .” Psalm 84:10b. See also his plans for the Temple in 2 Sam. 7:1-3. There is also the colloquial saying that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” I submit that cleaning is a service and a spiritual gift - whether in the Church, at home, helping others out, or as a part of the CARE Ministry. It is bearing (good) fruit and doing what our Lord would do. It could even extend to helping others clear out emotional or spiritual garbage from their lives. And, it is rewarding. The most rewarding job I have held in recent years was being a church custodian - a happy doorkeeper in God’s House!
Each of us is equipped with at least one gift by our Father: let us use such for His glory. Should you be unaware of your particular gift, there are people and resources that can help you discover and nurture gifts. May God bless you as you serve: Amen. Let me close with these words from our Lord: “I cannot but do the work of Him who sent Me”; “My Father works, so I work”; “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many”; and, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
~Ayo Durojaiye
For us, Sunday always came early. In fact, Sunday began on Saturday evening around 6. As such, whatever social event we were at had to be over by 4pm, or we left (except in very rare cases) – because Sunday began at 6. How, you may ask? It was because 6pm was when we met at our termite-infested, carpet-less, wooden chapel half the size of any one of GBC’s modular buildings. We met for Sunday School prep classes, but more importantly to sweep, dust, clean, and set up for Sunday services. Everyone chipped in, from toddlers to seniors, and there was enough for everyone to do; after all, we were a congregation of just about 15 people. We were highly motivated and enjoyed every bit of it. We were led by our multi-tasking pastor who was preacher, drummer, choirmaster and, yes, co-janitor. When that pastor left, we had a fill-in pastor who once remarked that he, as pastor, could not be expected to join us in cleaning the chapel. He was quickly reminded that it was his Father’s House, and he had better join in!
Is cleaning churches a spiritual service, or is cleaning a spiritual gift? Let me share the thoughts of the Psalmist with you: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of my God . . .” Psalm 84:10b. See also his plans for the Temple in 2 Sam. 7:1-3. There is also the colloquial saying that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” I submit that cleaning is a service and a spiritual gift - whether in the Church, at home, helping others out, or as a part of the CARE Ministry. It is bearing (good) fruit and doing what our Lord would do. It could even extend to helping others clear out emotional or spiritual garbage from their lives. And, it is rewarding. The most rewarding job I have held in recent years was being a church custodian - a happy doorkeeper in God’s House!
Each of us is equipped with at least one gift by our Father: let us use such for His glory. Should you be unaware of your particular gift, there are people and resources that can help you discover and nurture gifts. May God bless you as you serve: Amen. Let me close with these words from our Lord: “I cannot but do the work of Him who sent Me”; “My Father works, so I work”; “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many”; and, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
~Ayo Durojaiye
Day 31: Ability vs. Availability
“God uses our availability as much as our ability.” I heard this statement at church when I was a teenager. Back then it gave me confidence that if an opportunity presented itself to serve God in an area that I didn’t really feel “qualified” that He would use my availability, my willingness to be used, as much as or more than the ability I felt I possessed. As an adult, I realize that we now refer to that type of feeling as “God stretching us!”
Almost 18 months ago Mike and I began to pray about a College/Career Ministry at Greenridge. We personally felt this need because we had a child that was living at home and attending college locally. No longer a high school student and beginning the path to adulthood…Where did she “fit in” at church? We knew there had to be others that were in this same situation. We knew that there would be more each year as students graduated high school and moved from the vibrant high school ministry that Bill and Sarah provide. So, we began to pray and talk about what our role might be and what the ministry might look like. Was this where God wanted us to serve at Greenridge? After a couple of weeks of prayer and discussion, Pastor Tim’s sermon, one Sunday morning, spoke directly to us. As the close of the service came, Mike and I confirmed with each other that God was telling us to move forward in this area. Did we feel qualified? Did we have the ability? Not completely. However, we were parents who longed for college aged young adults to have a place at Greenridge. Neither of us have the “gift” of teaching, but we both knew how to welcome them, get to know them, encourage them in their walk with the Lord, and we would try not to sound like their parents…we were available. We went forward that Sunday morning and told Tim that the Lord was leading us down this path…we were not sure what shape the ministry would take, but we were available.
That was in the spring of 2008. We were amazed to learn that there were 81 young adults between the age of 18 and 25 in our church database! Wow! We began contacting them to share the opportunity available at Greenridge to connect with other believers their age. Through the months, the group has grown, and God continues to bring new faces our way. It is sort of a revolving door type of ministry since young adults are in 50 different directions. Our desire is to encourage them to stand strong for who they are in Christ whether they are in the community working, locally attending college or away at school and to help them stay connected with the body of Christ during these transition years. We have been truly blessed by knowing these amazing young adults and are excited to see some of them serving and moving into leadership roles here at Greenridge and on college campuses. In recent weeks God has brought Nick and Tia Ryan to our group as the Bible study discussion leaders. Their love for the Lord is obvious, and they really have a heart for college aged young adults...it will be exciting to see what God has in store for this group!
Is God speaking to you about serving in an area that you feel you lack ability? I love these two verses:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think; according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20
Trust Him…you will be amazed at how God meets you right where you are and uses you in ways you did not think possible.
Are you available?
~Mike and Nancy Creighton
Almost 18 months ago Mike and I began to pray about a College/Career Ministry at Greenridge. We personally felt this need because we had a child that was living at home and attending college locally. No longer a high school student and beginning the path to adulthood…Where did she “fit in” at church? We knew there had to be others that were in this same situation. We knew that there would be more each year as students graduated high school and moved from the vibrant high school ministry that Bill and Sarah provide. So, we began to pray and talk about what our role might be and what the ministry might look like. Was this where God wanted us to serve at Greenridge? After a couple of weeks of prayer and discussion, Pastor Tim’s sermon, one Sunday morning, spoke directly to us. As the close of the service came, Mike and I confirmed with each other that God was telling us to move forward in this area. Did we feel qualified? Did we have the ability? Not completely. However, we were parents who longed for college aged young adults to have a place at Greenridge. Neither of us have the “gift” of teaching, but we both knew how to welcome them, get to know them, encourage them in their walk with the Lord, and we would try not to sound like their parents…we were available. We went forward that Sunday morning and told Tim that the Lord was leading us down this path…we were not sure what shape the ministry would take, but we were available.
That was in the spring of 2008. We were amazed to learn that there were 81 young adults between the age of 18 and 25 in our church database! Wow! We began contacting them to share the opportunity available at Greenridge to connect with other believers their age. Through the months, the group has grown, and God continues to bring new faces our way. It is sort of a revolving door type of ministry since young adults are in 50 different directions. Our desire is to encourage them to stand strong for who they are in Christ whether they are in the community working, locally attending college or away at school and to help them stay connected with the body of Christ during these transition years. We have been truly blessed by knowing these amazing young adults and are excited to see some of them serving and moving into leadership roles here at Greenridge and on college campuses. In recent weeks God has brought Nick and Tia Ryan to our group as the Bible study discussion leaders. Their love for the Lord is obvious, and they really have a heart for college aged young adults...it will be exciting to see what God has in store for this group!
Is God speaking to you about serving in an area that you feel you lack ability? I love these two verses:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think; according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20
Trust Him…you will be amazed at how God meets you right where you are and uses you in ways you did not think possible.
Are you available?
~Mike and Nancy Creighton
Day 30: Why Do We Serve God?
The following devotion is written by another one of our student leaders in the youth group!
Serving God is not often an easy road. Serving God doesn't always mean doing what we want to do. It requires self-sacrifice and placing yourself in situations out of your comfort zone.
So why do we serve God? Why do we step out of our comfort zone? We do this because it is what God has commanded us to do. We serve God to show obedience to His commands. He has commanded us as Christians to deny our flesh and follow Him.
“Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his deciples, and said to them “If anyone wants to become my follower he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34
We cannot call Jesus “Lord” or “God” and not do what He commands.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
To call yourself a Christian and confess Jesus as Lord but not obey His commands, is to live as a hypocrite. You are saying one thing yet living another. You are calling him the Lord of your life, Almighty God, and Ruler over all, yet you are not doing what the Lord has commanded you to do.
“Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will do this or that.’” James 4:15
God has called us to serve Him. Each of us does not serve God in the same way, but all of us are commanded to serve. Each of us has been called to serve God in a way that fits us best – whether it be teaching, preaching, being a missionary over seas, feeding the homeless, or helping a neighbor in need. There are endless ways to serve God, but in what way is he calling you to serve? What has God put in your path?
Serving God expresses your obedience to His commands. You just have to stop and find the way that God has commanded you to serve.
~James Bright
Serving God is not often an easy road. Serving God doesn't always mean doing what we want to do. It requires self-sacrifice and placing yourself in situations out of your comfort zone.
So why do we serve God? Why do we step out of our comfort zone? We do this because it is what God has commanded us to do. We serve God to show obedience to His commands. He has commanded us as Christians to deny our flesh and follow Him.
“Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his deciples, and said to them “If anyone wants to become my follower he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34
We cannot call Jesus “Lord” or “God” and not do what He commands.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
To call yourself a Christian and confess Jesus as Lord but not obey His commands, is to live as a hypocrite. You are saying one thing yet living another. You are calling him the Lord of your life, Almighty God, and Ruler over all, yet you are not doing what the Lord has commanded you to do.
“Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will do this or that.’” James 4:15
God has called us to serve Him. Each of us does not serve God in the same way, but all of us are commanded to serve. Each of us has been called to serve God in a way that fits us best – whether it be teaching, preaching, being a missionary over seas, feeding the homeless, or helping a neighbor in need. There are endless ways to serve God, but in what way is he calling you to serve? What has God put in your path?
Serving God expresses your obedience to His commands. You just have to stop and find the way that God has commanded you to serve.
~James Bright
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Day 29: Serve and Be Served
My mule lost his footing and fell off a twenty-five foot cliff, plummeting to the jungle floor below. Falling in two different directions, I landed on a bolder. Multiple injuries threw me into shock. Near the Guatemalan border in Oaxaca, Mexico, our medical team had no cell or satellite phones to call for help. Our hopes for serving these people were dashed. The majority of our team turned back, facing another four-hour trek to seek help.
That February day, my husband Jim and young son Billy bore the brunt of the horror of my grave situation. Earlier that morning we hiked from one village to the next so Jim could provide dental treatment to villagers deep in the tropical forest. Instead he sat with me for hours, unable to control the bleeding from my head. My back sustained the impact of the fall as my skin color bled shades of black and purple. Praying without ceasing, Jim wondered how I would survive such severe internal injuries.
A tiny Christian community responded in full to our team’s summons for help. Arriving at our location later that afternoon, they cut balsa wood and vines with their machetes to construct a stretcher. Carrying me over river crossings and mountain switchbacks to their village located four hours away, the 95-degree heat was oppressive. When my stretcher bowed, they lowered me to the ground to tighten the vines. During those moments, they prayed in their native tongue for their own physical strength and pleaded with Jesus to sustain me during the long journey ahead.
Our team had stayed in their village the previous night, enjoying their hospitality. Yet the poverty made my heart ache. There was no electricity and no running water. Hauling water from the Usila River was an endless chore. Every minute was in preparation for the next. They provided the best of everything for our team. A rare commodity, generous portions of rice and chicken left no doubt that some would be hungry for days to come. Christians in this village lived under constant persecution from the chief, who apparently felt threatened by their newfound joy in Jesus Christ – yet the believers remained undeterred in their faith.
One month later, at home, bedridden and facing a bleak prognosis, I questioned why. Why did I go with Jim? My plan was to help, and I ended up being the one in need. My life was now forever changed, and I accomplished nothing. My identity as wife and mom ceased. I felt stripped of my dignity. Priding myself on being self-sufficient, the kindness of family, friends and strangers made me uncomfortable, for I couldn’t take care of my most personal needs. Had I not heard the Holy Spirit’s prompting me to join Jim? Were my motives all wrong? I questioned myself, not God. The pain was excruciating – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Narcotics didn’t work. At my lowest, a letter arrived from the missionary in Mexico. Her words provided a soothing balm and a sweet clarity over my brokenness.
“You must understand how God has used you in the most powerful way. Karen, when these people receive medical care from Jim and other American doctors, they’re left feeling grateful, but embarrassed; unable to ‘give back’ in any substantial way. We returned last week to the village and were able to tell them of your survival. Their tears of gratitude gave me the certainty that God used you in a mightier way than you could have ever dreamed possible. Jesus took your obedience in leaving the comforts of home and instead of having you serve these people, He allowed a village to serve you. His ways are not our ways. During the coming months, while dependant on others and you feel like Peter pleading, ‘No, Jesus, you shall never wash my feet.’ Remember that your tragic accident allowed these faithful few to tell the next generation about the day they rescued and saved the life of a woman whose husband cared for them.
John 13:5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with a towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
~Karen Rhea
That February day, my husband Jim and young son Billy bore the brunt of the horror of my grave situation. Earlier that morning we hiked from one village to the next so Jim could provide dental treatment to villagers deep in the tropical forest. Instead he sat with me for hours, unable to control the bleeding from my head. My back sustained the impact of the fall as my skin color bled shades of black and purple. Praying without ceasing, Jim wondered how I would survive such severe internal injuries.
A tiny Christian community responded in full to our team’s summons for help. Arriving at our location later that afternoon, they cut balsa wood and vines with their machetes to construct a stretcher. Carrying me over river crossings and mountain switchbacks to their village located four hours away, the 95-degree heat was oppressive. When my stretcher bowed, they lowered me to the ground to tighten the vines. During those moments, they prayed in their native tongue for their own physical strength and pleaded with Jesus to sustain me during the long journey ahead.
Our team had stayed in their village the previous night, enjoying their hospitality. Yet the poverty made my heart ache. There was no electricity and no running water. Hauling water from the Usila River was an endless chore. Every minute was in preparation for the next. They provided the best of everything for our team. A rare commodity, generous portions of rice and chicken left no doubt that some would be hungry for days to come. Christians in this village lived under constant persecution from the chief, who apparently felt threatened by their newfound joy in Jesus Christ – yet the believers remained undeterred in their faith.
One month later, at home, bedridden and facing a bleak prognosis, I questioned why. Why did I go with Jim? My plan was to help, and I ended up being the one in need. My life was now forever changed, and I accomplished nothing. My identity as wife and mom ceased. I felt stripped of my dignity. Priding myself on being self-sufficient, the kindness of family, friends and strangers made me uncomfortable, for I couldn’t take care of my most personal needs. Had I not heard the Holy Spirit’s prompting me to join Jim? Were my motives all wrong? I questioned myself, not God. The pain was excruciating – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Narcotics didn’t work. At my lowest, a letter arrived from the missionary in Mexico. Her words provided a soothing balm and a sweet clarity over my brokenness.
“You must understand how God has used you in the most powerful way. Karen, when these people receive medical care from Jim and other American doctors, they’re left feeling grateful, but embarrassed; unable to ‘give back’ in any substantial way. We returned last week to the village and were able to tell them of your survival. Their tears of gratitude gave me the certainty that God used you in a mightier way than you could have ever dreamed possible. Jesus took your obedience in leaving the comforts of home and instead of having you serve these people, He allowed a village to serve you. His ways are not our ways. During the coming months, while dependant on others and you feel like Peter pleading, ‘No, Jesus, you shall never wash my feet.’ Remember that your tragic accident allowed these faithful few to tell the next generation about the day they rescued and saved the life of a woman whose husband cared for them.
God used you to restore dignity to Indians in a little village in Oaxaca, Mexico.”
John 13:5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with a towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
~Karen Rhea
Day 28: LOVE
“If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3
Oh this stop light again! You know the one coming off of Father Hurley Boulevard and onto 355? I hope I get the green light and can just wiz by. Every time I see that lady standing in the median strip I get this award unsettling feeling. “Homeless, out of work with three kids.” Is that true? If I give her money she’ll probably just use it for drugs! Maybe she is just a con artist or something!
The judgmental statements continue to rush through my mind, in hopes that I can justify what I am about to do... NOTHING. I just turn up my “Christian” music, lock the door, avoid eye contact and hit the gas as soon as possible to move away from this akward situation. Hey, I don’t know her!
I have done this many times. No doubt I am wrestling with this. I saw the movie, The Soloist, the other day, and it seemed like what the homeless person needed most was a friend. Okay, I’ll try something different this time. I’ll just say, “Hi.”
I pull up my car closer to her and roll down the window, still feeling uneasy about the whole situation – but then our eyes connect. All of my judgments come to a halt. Her glassy eyes, the lines on her face... each detail about her looked like it had been worn down, like life had just chiseled away and taken from her whatever chunk or piece it wanted.
I ask, “How are you doing?” A glimmer of hope sparkles in her eyes. The cup in her hand is right away released to her side. Money is not even mentioned. She quickly begins to share with me some of her story. Turns out she was more eager for me to just listen than she was concerned about how much change I could scrounge up. To be treated like a person rather than an object was more valuable to her than any amount of money in my wallet. She needed (needs) what most of us want and have – a friend.
“How are you doing?” Those four simple words might have been the most import words of my day! Then the verse in 1 Corinthians 13:3 hits me again, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
Love... it is not about material possessions, though supplying practical needs may be a piece of the fruit of it. It is not about pride or even having the right words. It is about being – being there for someone... seeing and responding to a person... not pretending they are invisible. The world will do that, but not our Jesus! He did not ignore the prostitute, the tax collector, the sick, the poor, the rich, the pure at heart or the complicated. He simply rushed to LOVE them.
I need to work on this area of loving people. I need to rush to LOVE the people God places in my life, or simply in my path. How about you?
~Wendy Mindte
Oh this stop light again! You know the one coming off of Father Hurley Boulevard and onto 355? I hope I get the green light and can just wiz by. Every time I see that lady standing in the median strip I get this award unsettling feeling. “Homeless, out of work with three kids.” Is that true? If I give her money she’ll probably just use it for drugs! Maybe she is just a con artist or something!
The judgmental statements continue to rush through my mind, in hopes that I can justify what I am about to do... NOTHING. I just turn up my “Christian” music, lock the door, avoid eye contact and hit the gas as soon as possible to move away from this akward situation. Hey, I don’t know her!
I have done this many times. No doubt I am wrestling with this. I saw the movie, The Soloist, the other day, and it seemed like what the homeless person needed most was a friend. Okay, I’ll try something different this time. I’ll just say, “Hi.”
I pull up my car closer to her and roll down the window, still feeling uneasy about the whole situation – but then our eyes connect. All of my judgments come to a halt. Her glassy eyes, the lines on her face... each detail about her looked like it had been worn down, like life had just chiseled away and taken from her whatever chunk or piece it wanted.
I ask, “How are you doing?” A glimmer of hope sparkles in her eyes. The cup in her hand is right away released to her side. Money is not even mentioned. She quickly begins to share with me some of her story. Turns out she was more eager for me to just listen than she was concerned about how much change I could scrounge up. To be treated like a person rather than an object was more valuable to her than any amount of money in my wallet. She needed (needs) what most of us want and have – a friend.
“How are you doing?” Those four simple words might have been the most import words of my day! Then the verse in 1 Corinthians 13:3 hits me again, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
Love... it is not about material possessions, though supplying practical needs may be a piece of the fruit of it. It is not about pride or even having the right words. It is about being – being there for someone... seeing and responding to a person... not pretending they are invisible. The world will do that, but not our Jesus! He did not ignore the prostitute, the tax collector, the sick, the poor, the rich, the pure at heart or the complicated. He simply rushed to LOVE them.
I need to work on this area of loving people. I need to rush to LOVE the people God places in my life, or simply in my path. How about you?
~Wendy Mindte
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