September 2017 – Daily Devo Time

Daily Devotional for September 30, 2017 – Do you “stay in your lane”?

Romans 12:3-8
I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.

If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.

Last year, I volunteered at the elementary school – primarily in Timothy’s 2nd grade class…although I did help a few other teachers with some tasks, like making copies and specific art projects. Yesterday, I went to school to eat lunch with Zola and her first grade classmates. It was my first visit this school year…and I was merely there as a “visitor” with the “mission” of eating lunch with my niece.

As the classes lined up to make the trek to lunch (which is almost the equivalent of a city block), it became apparent that one of the teachers’ aides who accompany the group was missing. An aide was at the head of the line, signaling to the students to get quiet and pay attention. Zola looked at me and said, “Hey, Mrs. XYZ is not here today, so YOU can be Mrs. Knight’s helper!” I explained that I there as a visitor – not a volunteer – and Mrs. Knight did not need my help.

Of course, I could have helped. I could have monitored the back of the line, assisted in the cafeteria with opening milk cartons and packets of food in lunch boxes. But that was not my “place”…and out of respect to the men and women who were there doing their job, I did not interfere. If you are a teacher – or you know someone who is – you know how hard it can be for us to “stand down” and not get involved!

Here’s the thing…we have to learn to “stay in our lane” – in everything from what seems as innocent or harmless as encouraging first graders to stay in a straight line traveling to lunch…to sharing opinions that were not solicited…or jumping on a particular bandwagon in an attempt to fit in or look important. Sometimes, even when we have the capabilities and the “fit” seems a logical one, God is gently whispering…”That’s not your circus – not your monkeys!” And we would do well to listen!

We often allow others to pressure us into “sticking our finger into two many pies”…and nothing ends up being done suitably. Ask God to show you what you do well…what He wants you to do and where/how He wants you to serve…and make that your focus. Know when to say “When!”…and when to step aside and let someone else complete his/her job or mission. Let God show you when to be the teacher/aide/volunteer/confidante/counselor/fundraiser/preacher/mediater/healer…and when He wants you to be the “visiting aunt/uncle/friend/guest”.

We are all part of the body of Christ…with important missions and functions. Let’s just be sure that we remain focused and address those with which we have been tasked. Leave anything other tasks to whoever God has assigned to complete them…and pay attention to how well He weaves it all together for His glory.

Daily Devotional for September 29, 2017 – Where do you fit in?

Romans 12:1-2
So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Today, I heard the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, speak about the dire situation in her city and across the entire island. She noted that they are now literally in a life-or-death crisis…and “We.are.dying.” My cousin Freeda sent me an e-mail message in which she described the continuing devastation in and around Houston, Texas, where she and her son reside. She described the difficulties that people are facing with cleanup, restoration and recovery…how people are battling bacteria, mold – and insurance companies. Thousands still are homeless and dependent upon the kindness of neighbors, friends, family members, and area churches for provisions of food, clothing, shelter, and basic necessities.

This afternoon, I shopped at Walmart and online. I bought groceries for the coming week…extra “treats” for a picnic in the park that we have planned for Sunday afternoon…dance leotards for Zola…and more. I received a shipment of 150 rubber duckies that I ordered online to put in Halloween treat bags at Nathan’s school next month…and pajamas to set aside for inclusion in the children’s Christmas stockings. I have to admit, I felt a little guilty about having the “luxury” to spend and carry on with my life in this manner, while others are desperate for even a bottle of clean drinking water.

Greg and I have made a disaster relief donation to UMCOR for hurricane victims. We continue to pray for them…and for rescue and relief workers in each area affected. God doesn’t tell us to stop our daily routines because people are hurting in another area of the world. But we must be sensitive to what is happening around us. We must stay closely attuned to what He wants us to do each and every day – with everything from our time and money…to how we speak and act toward others.

Before we start talking about the new car we just bought…or how much we made in the stock market, we should consider that those within earshot might be struggling to make ends meet. Before we talk about how we need a new outfit, gizmo, new house or car – or to win the lottery or tomorrow’s big game…we should stop to think that people in our “neighborhood” need encouragement, a compassionate ear, physical healing, or someone to hold them while they mourn…in addition to material necessities.

Before we decide that we need to toss out something that seems a little dog-eared in favor of a newer, bigger replacement…we need to consider that God may want us to “make do” with what we have – and serve Him better with what He has already provided! In short, I am feeling a little ashamed tonight about how much we take for granted…including our relationship with God and the blessings He gives us. Most of us are pretty lousy stewards of our Christian faith and the missions and ministries that God has entrusted to us.

Let’s stop and take a collective breath. Let’s look around at what we have and ask ourselves, “How can we better utilize this to serve God?” Let’s spend some time each day thinking about those who have lost everything…and counting our blessings for what we have been granted. Let’s vow to be followers of God and His desires…not the crowd and current culture…and let’s begin today. I’m ready…are you?

Daily Devotional for September 28, 2017 – Lessons in faith from a pup named Zombie

Romans 12:11-13
Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

This morning, I shared a video on Facebook about a little pit bull puppy named Zombie. This pup was left on the side of a road in a trash bag with her front feet taped tightly closed and her mouth taped shut. The front feet were badly deformed as a result…but Zombie’s personality continued to shine…so much so that a woman who met her came back the following day to adopt her.

The mangled paws didn’t keep this pup from running and chasing toys…swimming in the ocean…and loving on everyone she encountered. And over time, a miraculous thing happened…the legs straightened! To look at Zombie now, you probably wouldn’t know that she ever had any issue with her front legs…and you would surely be enthralled by her spirit and her “cheerful expectancy”.

I listened to news reports this morning of people in Puerto Rico who are beyond desperate for water, food, fuel and medical supplies…which are all sitting at a holding dock awaiting transport. Like the puppy, Zombie, many Puerto Ricans at least feel like they have been tossed to the curb in a trash bag with their hands and mouth taped shut.

Meanwhile, people across America have become burned out with news of the hurricanes. After Harvey and Irma, we don’t have a lot of energy – mentally or physically – left for the victims of Maria. We’re tapped out financially and emotionally. We’ve run out of fuel for this disastrous situation…and we’ve moved on, in many regards. We now give the tragedy in Puerto Rico little more than a passing glance as we flip through the channels.

The trouble is…we do this with so many situations. We grow weary of praying for this person or that circumstance. We are exhausted after serving in this ministry or that one – and often seeing little to no progress. We are sick and tired of dealing with one crisis after another. We.are.burned.out – and completely out of gas!

Read this passage from Romans 12 again. God never gives up on us, so how can we give up on Him and the missions and ministries of His Kingdom? How can we stop caring for even ONE of His children? What are we to do when we are emotionally spent – and the needs keep coming?

First, remember that you are not alone. There are many who feel just as you do. More importantly, God is on our side. As long as we have His power and sustenance, we.can.do.this! Additionally, acknowledge that we don’t have to conquer the world singlehandedly. Most of us will not be hopping a plane to Puerto Rico – or any other disaster-stricken area – to pass out food, water and supplies. But this doesn’t mean that we cannot help.

We can always pray…and if you think your prayers don’t matter, start keeping a prayer journal. Make a list of the people and circumstances for which you pray…then review it each week/month/year. Put a little star or checkmark beside the ones where a change occurred. Give yourself a visible reminder of how God hears our petitions and works in the situations we give Him. This may not happen overnight – and God may not answer precisely as you envisioned…but I promise, it will happen.

As trite as it sounds…keep the faith! Keep trusting that God is in charge and working in situations that seem hopeless or endless. Ask Him to “recharge your batteries” and give you renewed energy for serving according to His will. You may have to step back for a few minutes – or even a day or two – and take a little breather…but get right back to work after you have rested.

Do not give up! Don’t let the devil wear you down to the point that you throw up your hands. Keep persevering with the hope and enthusiasm of a crippled pit bull named Zombie…and watch what God can do with your efforts!

Daily Devotional for September 27, 2017 – Whose voice has your attention?

Revelation 21:3-5
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” The Enthroned continued, “Look! I’m making everything new. Write it all down—each word dependable and accurate.”

Maybe you don’t see this in your own life, but it seems to me like the devil has been plenty busy lately trying to stir up trouble. When I turn on television news, read the newspaper, or open up my social media accounts, I almost audibly groan. There is one frustrating story/post after another. Good friends…brothers and sisters in Christ…family members and more are seriously divided on dozens of fronts. Many are so up in arms that they almost appear ready to rip off the heads of others in anger and frustration.

The current climate is disturbing…frustrating…heartbreaking…and downright discouraging. But we must not allow this to be the case! I will be honest, I skipped over a few scripture verses in my outline this morning that spoke to issues that I felt might be divisive. It occurred to me that even in an outline of scripture passages, the devil could be trying to stir up trouble! “Talk about this and get people really excited/upset!” he seemed to be saying.

As I prayerfully moved on to these verses from Revelation 21, I was reminded that it may be time for all of us to take a collective breath and remember that God is still on the Throne. He has not “moved out of the neighborhood”. God will have the last word!

I got behind lately on reading the daily entries in Jesus Calling*. While catching up this morning, God showed me a consistent theme that reminds that a battle is taking place to control our minds. When we consciously block the words and influences of the world (and the devil) – and concentrate on Jesus – we operate in a “heavenly realm” and experience the peace and life-sustaining “energy” of the Holy Spirit.

Several times, the entries for this month made these suggestions…don’t worry…stay focused on Jesus…let go of things that frustrate, alarm and disappoint you…call on the Holy Spirit to fill you, guide and comfort you…and trust Jesus to handle everything!

If you are like me, you may find that you call on the name of Jesus a lot more often these days…and that’s a good thing! I have repeatedly told our little ones and those I encounter at church that “when you even whisper the name of Jesus, the devil cannot stand it…and he actually shrinks into the background.” I’ve experienced this a lot lately…and am even more convinced that our hope lies in Christ’s promises. He truly will wipe away every tear, free us of dissension and heartache…and make all things new and lovely. Our job is to keep whispering His name – and believing that He will show up in our lives.

The struggle is real…the enemy does exist, and he will stop at nothing to divide and upset us. Are we going to let him…or are we going to call on our Savior to “come into the neighborhood” and be our Ruler and King in all things, forever and ever? Whose voice will you hear today…and whose will you whisper?

*Jesus Calling ~ http://jesuscalling.com

Daily Devotional for September 26, 2017 – Who are you fooling?

September 26 ~ Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.

“I have a memory like an elephant!” Timothy told me proudly over the weekend. And indeed, he and his siblings seem to never forget anything we tell them. So when I promised a few weeks ago that…”When you visit next, I will make you ginger snaps,” I knew that I really needed to make that happen!

Grandma E laughed and said, “You’re spoiling him!” Yes, I am…but there’s more to it. It’s one thing to fail to make good on a promise to bake cookies…but broken promises and attempts to “sugarcoat” a situation can quickly escalate into something else entirely. So when I tried to appease Timmy’s desire to call someone on the phone by pretending to be that person, he was very upset with me. “You think I’m a fool!” he said through tears. “You tried to trick me!”

My mistake was innocent and unintentional…and I asked Timmy to forgive me. And while things did eventually smooth out…he will not forget – nor will he readily believe me the next time. Even the trust of an 8-year-old is earned…and I have some work to do!

This verse from Proverbs 16 is not just about “kings” – or even world leaders. The words address anyone who is in a position of “authority” or leadership…and remind us that when we fall short of righteousness in our treatment of others, there are consequences. When we lie to others, we lose their trust and respect. When we mistreat someone…or fail to make good on promises…they lose confidence in anything we say or do.

Even when we feel we are on solid ground in “sugarcoating” the truth or attempting to spare someone’s feelings with our own words and actions, we often cause harm – or even do irreparable damage. And once we gain this reputation, anything we say or do will be suspect…particularly when it comes to matters of Christian faith.

I completely understand that things happen that are beyond our control. Cookies don’t get baked…promises sometimes are delayed or modified because of circumstances we cannot help. My loving attempt to entertain my nephew resulted in his assumption that I was trying to dupe him…and he is too smart – and too sensitive – for that! My heart was in the right place…and my intentions were good…but sometimes, this simply isn’t good enough!

Then again, we often operate with selfish motives. We lie when the truth would serve us better. We tell people what they want to hear to avoid conflict and/or make ourselves look important or special. We very much treat others like fools…and make no apologies. And then we wonder why they don’t want any part of life as a Christian disciple. They have clearly gotten the message from you and me that this is what a life in Christ entails…and understandably, they want no part of it!

Search your heart today and see where you have harbored ulterior motives. Where have you “led” others or interacted with them in a manner that demonstrated deception, dishonesty, or a lack of moral character and integrity? Have you given others a glimpse of Christian discipleship that is anything but righteous and honest?

Are you serving Jesus in a way that causes others to want in on what He offers to each of us? Are you making a point or making a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven? Isn’t it time you decided?

Daily Devotional for September 25, 2017 – We’re all in this together!

Philippians 2:17-18
Even if I am executed here and now, I’ll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ’s altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout’s fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don’t feel sorry for me.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Those of you who know me understand that “family” is pretty well everything to me…starting with my husband, Greg, and branching out to include Grandma E, our siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins…and friends we love like blood kin. I take great joy and pride in the accomplishments and happiness of each one – and when they are sick, sad, or disappointed, I “feel their pain”.

We don’t always agree…on everything from food choices to politics. But the one thing we DO share is a love of Jesus. My heart swells when I see a family member handle adversity with the strength of God. I take great delight in hearing them speak with confidence that “God is in control.” I am encouraged in my own “faith walk” when I can share with a loved one how God is blessing me – or him/her…and answering our prayers. We are strengthened by this bond…and we are reminded that as Christian brothers and sisters, we are all in this together!

There seems to be an awful lot of divisiveness and dissension these days. I can’t have the television on or scroll through social media for more than a couple of minutes without hearing or reading something that is designed to tear us apart. This is what Paul was speaking against in this scripture passage. We must life up one another…encourage our brothers and sisters…embrace others in spite of their attitudes and opinions on things that really don’t have all that much to do with the Kingdom of Heaven.

We must drill it down and look at each person in the context of his/her relationship with Jesus…and how God is at work in his/her life. We must lift these people in prayer and with words and actions…and as Paul points out – hope that they will reciprocate. We mustn’t wallow in pity – for others or ourselves. We must trust God in all things…even when the “news” is bleak and downright disgusting at times.

We must remember that as Christ’s body, we are all in this together…and we must act like it! How well are you doing?

Daily Devotional for September 24, 2017 – Are you “going high” for Jesus?

Philippians 2:14-16
Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything that they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Several days this past week, I seriously curtailed my time on social media…and my attention to the news reports on television. I got enough information to somewhat keep up with what was going on…and I found that my overall attitude was far better as a result of limited exposure. Frankly, a lot of what I was seeing and hearing was enough to make my head explode!

I found myself wanting to respond to many posts on social media that were less than kind, to put it nicely. But I knew that this was not the right reaction. My mother always said, “Two wrongs don’t make a right!” And responding to the words and actions of those who want to spew venom and make hateful claims and accusations only lowers me to that same level.

I will be the first to tell you that it is hard not to react and respond sometimes. Especially when someone makes a “direct hit” and says or does something hurtful that affects us specifically…our natural tendency is to “strike back”! But when we do this, we misrepresent Jesus, who told us to “turn the other cheek.” If we lash out at others, we give them an opportunity to say, “See…he/she says and does unkind or ugly things, too! We must not be so bad, after all!”

We must always “take the high road” with Jesus. Clench your fists…grit your teeth…and growl under your breath if you must. Go somewhere private and “let it all out” to God. Then ask Him to give you the strength to resist the temptation to argue or grumble to others.

As hard as it is to hold our tongue and check our own attitudes and behaviors, we must do this if we want to truly shine as lights of Christ in this world. And take at least an occasional breather from the news of the day and social media. Limit the opportunities to get “riled up”…and trust God to enable you to keep your cool in situations you cannot avoid. Your efforts will not be in vain!

God takes pride in our faithful resolve to serve Him with a pure heart and mind – and to check our words and actions at every turn. Is this what you’re demonstrating these days?

Daily Devotional for September 23, 2017 – No radar detector required!

Philippians 2:12-13
Dearest friends, when I was there with you, you were always so careful to follow my instructions. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him. For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

If you are of “a certain age”, you may remember the “radar detectors” that many of us had in our cars back in the 1980s and 90s. What were we thinking?! It was as if as long as we knew there were no police in the area “running radar”, we had a license to drive whatever speed we chose! In other words, many of us acted like the laws only applied when police were present. What they didn’t see didn’t count!

When I was teaching, I took a class in “assertive discipline”, where we learned to set clear rules and consequences…and the students learned to follow them. One of the things the instructor said was “Never tell a student…’If I see or hear you do that one more time, you’ll be in trouble.’” The reasoning was that the other person heard, “What isn’t seen or heard doesn’t count!”

Hear this…everything counts with God. We are to be just as diligent about serving Him as we would be if Jesus Christ were standing right beside us…because in essence, He is! If the Holy Spirit dwells in our heart, then we are always in the presence of God. And we must conduct ourselves accordingly!

We have no excuses…we have chosen to follow Jesus and serve Him…now we must act like it – regardless of who may/may not be watching and listening. If God is truly at work in us, this is a no-brainer. No “radar detector” should be necessary to determine God’s presence…we should simply do what He desires and directs at all times…end of discussion!

Are you carefully following His instructions in all things and at all times? Isn’t it time you were?

Daily Devotional for September 22, 2017 – Who gets top billing?

Philippians 2:5-11
Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross.Yet it was because of this that God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Our church is planning a “Ministry Sunday” to recognize and celebrate its ministries and those who serve in them. I have to admit, I’m a little torn about this. On one hand, it will demonstrate to the church body just how many opportunities to serve are available – and how many people are stepping up to fill them. But on the other hand, we don’t serve to be recognized – or we shouldn’t. While I am not judging those who have organized this event – or those who will walk in the “ministry parade” during each service – I am still praying about whether to participate.

This may seem like a petty issue…but let’s think about the words Paul wrote to the Philippians with regard to our attitude. The line between serving with humble obedience and meekness…and at least presenting an air of superiority or arrogance can be a slippery slope. One minute, you’re singing in the choir as a collective worship of God…and the next, you’re seeking a solo opportunity – and your 30 seconds of celebrity. Someone points out what a great job you are doing on the kitchen team…and the next thing you know, you’re telling people that you’re in charge and know best how things ought to be run.

Because we are human, we have to continually check our attitude and ego…particularly with regard to Christian discipleship. Many of us are just a compliment away from “getting a big head” and claiming special privileges. After all, doesn’t everyone know who we are in God’s Kingdom? We’ve served faithfully…and fervently. Our efforts have mattered…and we have a need for the whole world to acknowledge this.

Read the last few verses of this passage again. The fact that God knows what we do to serve Him and represent Him is more than enough. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks…or who truly knows what we do to further the Kingdom. This is not about us! When we start to understand this and serve genuinely and humbly, God is glorified…and big things happen on His behalf.

A lot of us don’t even realize that we are seeking recognition…or that our efforts are even a little bit lacking in the “Humility Department”. Search your heart and your daily living and see where you have been “waving a flag” or “marching in a parade” to gain attention for your faithfulness and service. Ask God to give you an unassuming nature…to fill you with meekness and an inner satisfaction that comes from knowing that He is pleased…and that this is more than enough.

Daily Devotional for September 21, 2017 – Are you ready to put yourself aside?

Philippians 2:1-4
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Today, I visited with one of my “other mothers” at Walmart. We talked about the upcoming Halloween Festival that her church – the church of my childhood – is planning. I remarked to her that while her congregation is predominantly a group of older members, they seem to get as much or more done than any church body I know! When my grandmother died four years ago – and again when my mother died two years later – many in this group all but dropped everything to nurture us and minister to our needs. They fed us…physically and spiritually. They visited, prayed, and offered to help in any way they could.

Estimates are that somewhere between 1500 and 2000 people attended the Halloween Festival hosted last year on the First Baptist Church campus…and they are making plans for as many or more to attend this year. Did I mention that our city’s entire population is just over 7,000…and I would guess that the active church membership at FBC numbers somewhere less than 200? The members of this church will set aside their own plans…they will work tirelessly on food prep, decorations, ideas for games and activities, and more. And I suspect, if a need arises in the middle of the week for a “funeral meal” or a prayer vigil for someone, they will find plenty of time to accommodate this as well.

While shopping in town today, I passed two men from another local congregation who were standing in the parking lot of a flooring company. They were holding signs that advertised…“Drive thru prayer!” Get this…the “drive-thru prayer” ministry is usually held on the church’s front parking lot. But the pastor posted a video on Facebook and explained that a neighbor was hosting a webinar today and was concerned about all of the honking. So the men sought an alternative location for their prayer ministry. This represents “forgetting oneself” on the part of the pastors who were considerate of their neighbor…and by the business owner who offered space on the parking lot across town!

My point in sharing these two examples of love and selflessness is to say that we are all busy. We all have things that must get done, personal interests and goals, and plenty of ways to spend our time and money. But sometimes, we have to set our interests and agendas aside in favor of helping out someone else…and sharing the love of Christ in the process. We have to remember that “it’s not about me”…it’s about Jesus. And when we make it our top priority to serve Him by serving others…He often blesses us beyond measure as a bonus!

Every single one of us needs to stop and take inventory of our lives. Where have we chosen selfish desires and agendas over the work and ministry of Jesus? Have we been more concerned with looking good in front of others – or big and important – than getting “down and dirty” with the mission at hand? Have we sought the ministries and opportunities to serve that will bring us the most recognition…and left the “lesser jobs” to someone else? Have we been considerate of our neighbors and thought of their needs before our own?

If the answer to any of these questions is even slightly affirmative, it’s time for a shift in attitude…and maybe a little time of repentance. We need to ask God to help us align our desires with His own…and to make sure that we always help others get ahead. God may not call us to host a Halloween Festival on our church campus for a couple thousand of our neighbors…but He has some amazing opportunities in mind for how each of us can serve. Are you ready to get started on yours?

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