serving Jesus by serving others

Daily Devotional for November 19, 2021 – It’s time to “wash some feet!”

John 13:10-14
Jesus answered, “People who have bathed and are clean all over need to wash just their feet. And you, my disciples, are clean, except for one of you.” Jesus knew who would betray him. That is why he said, “except for one of you.”

After Jesus had washed his disciples’ feet and had put his outer garment back on, he sat down again. Then he said:

Do you understand what I have done? You call me your teacher and Lord, and you should, because that is who I am. And if your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you should do the same for each other.

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

It is amazing how having clean feet can make your whole body feel better! I don’t know about you, but sometimes, I will sit on the edge of the tub and wash my feet, even a few hours after a shower. Maybe I have walked somewhere dusty in sandals – or worn shoes for a few hours that made my feet perspire. Or maybe I’ve stepped outside barefoot (I know, I know!)…and I just feel like my feet need to be washed. When I go to the salon and get a pedicure, I always feel refreshed from head to toe.

Jesus tells us that we sometimes need to wash our feet, even though the rest of our body is clean. And as I mentioned in the last devotional, washing feet in a Spiritual context has nothing to do with physical cleanliness. This is symbolic of Jesus cleansing us of our sins…of acknowledging us as His beloved disciples – and absolving our past mistakes. That the King of Kings would humbly perform this act for us demonstrates just how highly He values us…and we are called to turn around and demonstrate this for others.

There are a couple of cable television programs that feature podiatrists who treat unbelievable foot issues. If you’ve never seen one of these shows, let me just tell you that what lies beneath the shoes and socks of many folks would astound you – and maybe even make you feel a bit queasy. But these doctors remove their patients’ shoes and socks with little to no reaction. They do not recoil in horror. They do not act as if this is a disgusting situation. They gently and kindly do what they can to help these people correct their problems – and heal.

This is what Jesus does for us…He “removes our shoes and socks” and examines our feet. Then Jesus does whatever is necessary to help you heal and walk upright without pain or discomfort. And you and I have been called to figuratively do this for others in His name. We can’t recoil in horror – or declare this person or that one unworthy of our time and attention. We cannot decide that we will only minister to people who look or think like us. We cannot wash the feet of only those who fit our image of what is “ideal” in some manner. We must be willing to “wash the feet” of everyone. Jesus proved this when He washed Judas’ feet, fully aware that this disciple would soon be His betrayer.

If you have experienced the “foot washing” of Jesus, it is time for you to pay this forward. I don’t mean that you must literally wash another person’s feet…but you must prayerfully ask Jesus to show you how and where to minister to others in His name. And should He literally ask you to wash another person’s feet, you must not hesitate! If we want to really serve as Christ’s disciples, we have got to be willing to “wash the feet” of others. It’s time to “come clean” in our discipleship – and serve with a willing and grateful heart. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for December 22, 2020 – Jesus is enough…learning to be content in all circumstances

Philippians 4:10-14
I’m glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess—happy that you’re again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. I don’t mean that your help didn’t mean a lot to me—it did. It was a beautiful thing that you came alongside me in my troubles.

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.

Have you seen the Saturday Night Live skit from December 19, where the family is unwrapping Christmas gifts? The children and the dad are getting all sorts of wonderful things – just what they wanted! The mother gets a robe. She has worked herself to near-exhaustion to get everything just right – the decorations, the perfect gifts and more. And while the whole family is gleefully exclaiming over every newly unwrapped present, she says, “I got a robe.” When everyone has opened their gifts, there are still packages under the tree. The mother smiles, as she assumes that they have saved her gifts for last…until the father says that those presents are for the dog…who ALSO got a robe!

As with every Christmas, many will work hard to make this holiday season amazing for those they love…perfectly content with the joy in their hearts and the smiles on their faces as ample reward. It will be enough that they have made others happy. Their joy and fulfillment will come from bringing love to those that they love…making them feel valued and precious…demonstrating abundant – even extravagant – care and attention to every detail.

What if we lived like this in our everyday discipleship? What if we embraced Jesus and became the “mother in the robe” who loved others and lavished kindness, encouragement, concern and blessings on others? What if we demonstrated to the world that Jesus truly is enough…that all of the trappings are just that…extras that may bring momentary pleasure, but do not satisfy for the long haul. What if, even in this pandemic and all that is happening our world, we said, “I’ve learned to be quite content whatever my circumstances”?

Today, my family will celebrate Christmas. We won’t be inside this year. Thankfully, God has blessed us with a beautiful, sunny warm December day. We will enjoy the Christmas tree and other decorations through the window, as we sit on the porches. We have carried a few familiar decorations outside to make things more festive. But the decorations are not what will make the day special. What is important is that we come together (safely distanced and wearing masks) to celebrate the birth of Jesus and honor Him by loving each other. Yes, there will be gifts and food and fun. And there should be…it IS a birthday party, after all!

A dear friend told me recently that someday, she thinks we will look back at this Christmas and talk about how strange it was. But we will also agree that it was one of the best ever. What will make the difference? Love! Pure and simple…Christ’s love and care will win the day! These last few months have been difficult – for all of us. But Jesus has been right alongside us every step of the way. Today, we gather to celebrate Him…to be thankful…to love each other and stand content in our present circumstances. Jesus is more than enough…and we have every reason to feel happy and hopeful.

We can do this…we will get through this season in our lives – and all others to come. We are glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess!

Daily Devotional for November 25, 2020 – God is still at work…give thanks for the happy news of peace and salvation!

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who bring the happy news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns.

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

We have had two or three periods of rain and wind lately that pretty well decimated our fall leaves and “color”. But yesterday – and again this morning – we noticed that several trees (we think they are Red Oaks) are clinging to bright yellow leaves in their tops. As we’ve looked out across the mountain and valleys, we have seen the sun dance atop these bright yellow patches and offer sunny glimmers of cheer and happiness. It’s as if God is saying, “I’m still at work!”

In the last 12 hours, I’ve learned of more cases of COVID-19 that remind me that this virus is spreading with a vengeance. I know many people who will not be participating in a traditional “Thanksgiving dinner”…and a case where more than one family member is in an ICU on a ventilator with this horrific illness. Nothing about this holiday will be “normal” for most of us.

And yet, I am writing this from the warmth and comfort of our cozy home. Thanks to an early-morning grocery pickup, our pantry, fridge and freezer are fully stocked. Though our “number” has dwindled this month, every remaining member of my immediate family is relatively healthy and well today. We may not gather around a table tomorrow to eat turkey and the trimmings, but we have ample reasons to give thanks. We have God’s happy news of peace and salvation…and the shimmering yellow leaves on the mountainside are reminding me of this!

How beautiful indeed is the news that the God of Israel reigns! We still have much for which we can give thanks. God’s peace and salvation are not dependent upon holiday celebrations or “fall color”. The LORD is my shepherd…I have everything I need. This is my prayer for you today, as well.

Daily Devotional for June 25, 2019 – Christ brought everything together for us…are we tearing it apart?

Colossians 1:15-23
Christ is exactly like God, who cannot be seen. He is the first-born Son, superior to all creation. Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by God’s Son, and everything was made for him.

God’s Son was before all else, and by him everything is held together. He is the head of his body, which is the church. He is the very beginning, the first to be raised from death, so that he would be above all others.

God himself was pleased to live fully in his Son. And God was pleased for him to make peace by sacrificing his blood on the cross, so that all beings in heaven and on earth would be brought back to God.

You used to be far from God. Your thoughts made you his enemies, and you did evil things. But his Son became a human and died. So God made peace with you, and now he lets you stand in his presence as people who are holy and faultless and innocent. But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message.

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

Last night, Greg and I watched the first two episodes of NATGEO’s “Yellowstone Live”…an up-close look (thanks to amazing advances in technology) at the ecosystem of Yellowstone. This included amazing views of geysers and mud pools, an infra-red camera viewing of baby beavers inside one of the chambers of their dam, and incredible footage of bear, bison, eagles, mountain goats and more. This 35,000-square-mile area in the western United States contains countless examples of God’s creations, forces and powers, and authority.

As I write this message, I am watching a pair of Eastern Phoebes take a break from their nesting duties on our front porch. We can only assume that the babies have hatched, since both male and female are now “on duty”. My observations of this couple have reminded me of the intricacies of God’s love and care for even the least of His creatures…and how much more He must care about the “inner and outer workings” of your life and mine.

I consider the unbelievable attention to detail that God demonstrates every single day in the care of His creatures – all of them. Then I look at the inhumanity that is happening on our nation’s southern border…and I am perplexed. How can people who have been redeemed and made holy, faultless and innocent possibly think that this abhorrent treatment of other human beings – particularly helpless children – honors the sacrifices of Jesus and the blessings of God? How can we treat each other with such hatred, disparity, and disgust…and say that we are living deeply rooted and firm in our faith?

How can we say that our thoughts are pure and we no longer do evil things, when we are treating each other with such unkindness – and even cruelty? If we do not love others, how can we possibly love God and be a servant of the message of Jesus Christ? This is not what God designed. It is not His intention that we treat each other unkindly – much less in an inhumane manner. We can do better – and we must. How will you begin?

Daily Devotional for March 28, 2018 – Are you able to handle “the cup and the baptism”?

Mark 10:35-40
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, will you do us a favor?”

Jesus asked them what they wanted, and they answered, “When you come into your glory, please let one of us sit at your right side and the other at your left.”

Jesus told them, “You don’t really know what you’re asking! Are you able to drink from the cup that I must soon drink from or be baptized as I must be baptized?”

“Yes, we are!” James and John answered.

Then Jesus replied, “You certainly will drink from the cup from which I must drink. And you will be baptized just as I must! But it isn’t for me to say who will sit at my right side and at my left. That is for God to decide.”

Greg and I bought ukuleles for all three children. They love them and so want to play them perfectly. But you don’t just pick up an instrument and instantly begin to play melodious tunes. I’ve shown the children how to strum a few chords. But clearly, they are going to need lessons and lots of practice in order to play well and fully enjoy this experience.

As we think about Jesus’ sacrifices on behalf of us…His ridicule and abuse at the hands of those who didn’t like His message…we must consider that the crucifixion and the resurrection were not the end…they were really just the beginning. You and I have work to do as redeemed believers in Jesus Christ!

We may never be confronted with suffering and sacrifice of the same magnitude as Jesus (though some Christians HAVE been abused and even killed for their faith). But we will face challenges. We may experience heartaches and suffering that will test our faith, obedience, and devotion to our Master. There may be unbelievers who try to “take us down” in a myriad of ways…those who actually become angry – and even violent – because of our stance on certain tenets…and many who will distance themselves from us because of our loyalty to Jesus. Are we up to the challenge?

Here’s what I believe we need to ponder this day of Holy Week. We have been given the most incredible gift ever…and it’s a “two-parter”! Salvation by the blood of Jesus Christ frees us from our sins and provides us with the forever companionship of the Holy Spirit in this lifetime. And then, we are promised a mansion in Heaven for all of Eternity…a seat at the Father’s table…paradise in the presence of God Almighty!

But we have work to do. Just as one must practice in order to play an instrument well, we must “practice” our faith. I can tell you from personal experience that there have been times when I was ready to smash my guitar in frustration…days when the strings cut into my fingers and made them raw and sore. There have been times when I thought I’d rather be anywhere than sitting on a piano bench playing the same passage over and over to get it just right. And there will be days when our discipleship is difficult, painful, challenging…or even boring or frustrating! But it’s not about us…or what makes us “feel good”. And it’s also not about our “position” in God’s Kingdom.

We may be called to be a “solo performer” for God…or simply a “member of the choir”. But it shouldn’t matter. We should be so grateful to be part of the body of believers that we are ready, willing, and able to do whatever God calls us to do…to serve Jesus always – in all ways. We should be willing to “take the cup” and be “baptized” in trials and tribulations. Because we know how this ends. We know what lies ahead for as redeemed sons and daughters of the King of Kings – and it is glorious!

Just as we would like to be able to pick up an instrument and play anything and everything perfectly, many of us would love to just “skip to the end” and bask in the blessings and glory of Heaven – both in this lifetime and for all Eternity. But that’s just not how this goes. We have to do the work…GOD’s work. We must serve Jesus by serving others – and honor Him with every breath, until He calls us Home.

This is the perfect day to recommit ourselves to “the cup and the baptism” as Christ’s disciples. Are you ready to go “all in” for Jesus? Is this the day you’ll get started?

Daily Devotional for January 5, 2018 – Whose prayer partner are YOU?

Romans 15:30
Will you be my prayer partners? For the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake and because of your love for me—given to you by the Holy Spirit—pray much with me for my work.

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

Our 8-year-old Timothy prays some of the most precious – and genuine – prayers that you could ever imagine. Just a few weeks ago, he asked Jesus to help him with his allergies…” because…well…You know. I know that You can…and that You will. So thank You!” I wish I could bottle this faith in the power of prayer to give to Timothy when he is a teenager! In fact, I wish I could bottle it for a lot of people!

So many people are quick to say…”All I can do is pray.” What else do you need to do? I understand that people think they have to physically do something to serve Jesus effectively. And certainly, we are called on to help wherever and whenever we can. I speak often of the need to pay closer attention to the needs of the elderly and shut-ins…children…and those who are disparaged in some way. We must always be open to the opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus. But our first and foremost action should be to pray for them!

I have personally seen the powerful results of prayer. I’ve seen “prodigal children” turn their lives around because a parent or grandparent prayed. My own fervent prayers have been answered more times than I can count. I can’t say the answers were exactly what *I* wanted…but my petitions were answered – perfectly for God’s grand purposes. I know that there are people who pray for me…and whether we realize it or not, we are essentially “prayer partners” – because I pray for them, as well!

Here’s what I want you to know today…prayer is critical to the ministries of Jesus. And I want you to be my prayer partner. We must not only pray for those who are sick or grieving. We must not pray for only those who have great needs in any given moment. We must also pray for those who, quite honestly, might appear not to need it! Because I can assure you, everyone needs our prayers! Just because someone seems to have it all together – and their life appears to be 100% “on track” – this doesn’t mean they have no need of “prayer partners”.

So pray for those in need…the sick, the suffering, and the downtrodden. But pray for those who appear to be doing well, also. Pray for their missions and ministries. Ask God to continue to bless them and pour out His grace and mercy upon them. Pray for those who are likely praying for YOU! Do what God calls you to do physically…but never underestimate the power of time spent talking with Him about another person – regardless of his/her need or status.

From allergies to ailments…to triumphs and tragedies…God hears all petitions – and every prayer counts! Whose “prayer partner” will you be today?

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: