Serve Others

The Value of a Heart

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” – James 3:13,14 In yesterday’s Positive Minute, we were encouraged to store up intangible treasures such as God’s favor, doors opened for us, and being a trustworthy person. Receiving these gifts begins with the value of a heart that’s like an empty cup. This heart is ready to learn and receive from others. It’s not a heart that is arrogant or prideful. It’s a heart that reflects the Lord’s prayer by asking for forgiveness. This reflection of God’s heart was less common in the Roman culture of Jesus’ day. Rome was known for promoting and boasting of its glory and accomplishments at any cost.

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Put Your Jesus Glasses On

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” – 1 Peter 5:8-9 Although we live in a world with many competing thoughts and philosophies, we must recognize that what the world calls a big deal is not always a big deal to God. So often, what we think is not a big deal is actually a huge deal to God. Are you familiar with the famous parable about the sheep and the goats? It says, “For the Son of Man will come back and He’ll sit on His glorious throne, and all the nations will be gathered around, and He’ll separate them into two groups, sheep and goats.” To those on His

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God Calls Us Stewards

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10 As a believer, did you know God calls us stewards? In the Greek language, this word is also translated as manager, overseer, employee, or agent, responsible for business affairs. The focus of stewardship includes households, people, land, and government. Imagine you hired a financial planner, but they carelessly managed your portfolio. Would you trust them with your money, expecting all your financial woes to go away? No, we would ask the question, “Where did it all go and who is responsible?”  When you become a believer, you don’t own anything. It’s all Gods, including money, time, resources, gifts, and talents. Each of these wonderful possessions represents God’s goodness, and we are given the care of managing them. There are so many people that

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Jesus Has Pity

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.” – Matthew 9:10 For so many believers and even myself at times, it’s important to remember that our walk isn’t just about being holy, but it’s about following God’s calling to reach out and help people who are struggling. Jesus shows us that we can serve people who may not have similar thinking, beliefs, or even know God. Jesus taught and demonstrated to his disciples how to have pity and compassion for another’s misfortune or suffering. Jesus’ ability to extend this grace was a true representation of the Kingdom of God. As Jesus is talking with His disciples, He says “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees.” This text is found in Luke Chapter 12. In today’s mindset, the Pharisees had a bad reputation based on their opposition to

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Do What Jesus Taught Us

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31 We know that at the heart of Jesus’ message, and really at the heart of true Judaism, is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. There’s a great apocryphal story relating to this about one of the greatest rabbis of all time, Rabbi Hillel. He lived a generation before Jesus, and his influence continued in Judaism in Jesus’ day. In this story, Rabbi Hillel had an opposing rival: Rabbi Shammai. Legend has it there was a young man who was considering becoming a Jew, but first, he asked Rabbi Shammai, “If you can explain to me all of the Torah while standing on one leg, I will become a Jew.” Rabbi Shammai was put off by his request and chased him off. Then he went to Rabbi Hillel and asked the same

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An Uncomfortable Sacrifice for the Better Good

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 God is calling you to make an uncomfortable sacrifice for the better good. There are invaluable and specific moments in life when we’re called to do something that’s responsible, honorable, life-giving, and meaningful. However, sometimes this can become a really hard choice to make. We know in our hearts we’re supposed to move into these life-giving moments and actions, and we must trust God with our sacrifice. Our sacrifice should never be half-baked, it should never be a half-step, but it should be our very best, and it should be accomplished with our whole heart.  An obedient response to God’s call on our life honors God and brings dignity to our being, but also is practical. This undertaking actually is to your

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Lead Like Jesus Did

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” – Matthew 20:16 One of the hallmarks of this ministry is that we believe that everyone in the Kingdom of God is a leader. You don’t need to hold a title, go to seminary, or be given a formal position in order to influence others — simply living your life before them and sharing your story qualifies you to lead. Having established this, I encourage you to affirm at some point every day — and even say it out loud — “I am a leader!” Once you’ve internalized this truth, ask yourself whether or not you’re leading well. Knowing that both friends and strangers are watching what you do, be intentional in how you model Jesus to those around you, and give priority to imitating His ways. Though the world offers much wisdom and insight on the topic

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Serve Others

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 And I think what’s so important about this is that your life; if you do make this change, if you decide that my life isn’t going to be just about me anymore, it’s going to be about helping others, that all of a sudden you can be grateful when others succeed because you’re serving them. Did you catch that? If you’re serving others, then when they succeed, you’re grateful and happy because you are a part of their success. When you serve others, when you pray for others, when you encourage others, when you root for other people you become a happier person because when other people succeed, you get to be a part of the party; you get to celebrate. Prayer Give me the attitude, God, in which I will root

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