Tag: Serve

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, She, Volume 1

Mary of Bethany, Part 2

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Adapted from She, Volume 1, p 41-42

Read: Mark 14:1-9

 Now while Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of costly aromatic oil from pure nard. … 8After breaking open the jar, she poured it on his head.She did what she could. She anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”

Mark 14:3, 8-9

For at least the second time, possibly the third (Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8), a woman anoints Jesus with perfume. At the home of Simon the Leper, an unidentified woman anoints Jesus’ head on the day the Passover lambs are being anointed (Mark 14:3–9). Jesus praises her gracious act of worship that prepares Him for His burial the next afternoon. (bible ref.com)

Hey friends, if you read the previous post, you may think I’m repeating myself with this one as we continue to focus on a time when Jesus was anointed with perfume shortly before His sacrificial death and burial. While this post, in part, is repetitious as its focus is, again, on a woman anointing Jesus with oil, there are notable differences. The two that stand out to me are 1)the woman is not named (though, with good reason, she is still believed to be Mary of Bethany) and 2)she anoints his head rather than his feet (John 12:1–8). However, today we zero in on the truth and encouragement that she did what she could (v8).

Mary of Bethany considers worldly losses or gains nonsense compared to the spiritual treasure of having Jesus

Bibleref.com/Mark 14:8

As Bibleref.com points out, “Jesus often warns His followers to count the cost of following Him. ” While the disciples “are more interested in what they can gain (Mark 9:33-38; 10;35-41), Mary of Bethany considers worldly losses or gains nonsense compared to the spiritual treasure of having Jesus (Philippians 3:8).” Remember, this is the same Mary, who had upset her sister Martha by choosing to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to Him instead of helping her with the duties of hospitality (Luke 10:38–42).

Jesus tells the disciples who question/criticize her actions to “Leave her alone”. He doesn’t stop there, though. He goes on to teach an important lesson for all of us, saying, “Why are you bothering her? She has done a good service for me. 7 For you will always have the poor with you, and you can do good for them whenever you want. But you will not always have me! 8 She did what she could. She anointed my body beforehand for burial.“

Friends, I don’t know about you, but this one “stepped on my toes”, as I realized this isn’t just a lesson for the disciples of Jesus’ day but for all of His disciples. We are all to have this mindset, putting Him before our desires and above the cultural norm, living for Him, serving Him, sharing Him pleasing Him, loving Him and others as He has loved us … dying to self.

Mary did what she did, not so that others would remember her but to glorify and honor her Lord and master. Yet, to this day, just as Jesus said, she is still remembered for what she did. Which begs us to ask ourselves:

What will you be remembered for?

Mary gave what she had, and Jesus used her and her gift to point others to Him and what is important to His cause. The truth is, we do not glorify God or bring others to Jesus through pious acts or great knowledge and wealth. We bring others to Jesus through our worship of God, humility, humble acts of kindness, love, and obedience. When we honor the true and living God with our lives, others will see Jesus and have the opportunity to know Him.

We all have something to give

Our time
Our talents
Our service

She, Volume 1/p42

I believe that we are wise to remember – God doesn’t desire or need our wealth or wisdom; nor is He looking for outward beauty. His desire is our hearts, given and poured out for Him, our lives a testimony of His love and work on our behalf.

Reflection/Application
  • What is it that you can give?
  • How does Mary of Bethany’s sacrifice and service inspire you?
  • What do you hope to be remembered for?
Response of Worship

1 Living for Jesus a life that is true,
striving to please Him in all that I do,
yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
this is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee;
for Thou, in Thine attonement,
didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other master;
my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.

2 Living for Jesus, who died in my place,
bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace-
such love constrains me to answer His call,
follow His leading, and give Him my all. [Refrain]

3 Living for Jesus wherever I am,
doing each duty in His holy name,
willing to suffer affliction or loss,
deeming each trial a part of my cross! [Refrain]

4 Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
my dearest treasure, the light of His smile,
seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
bringing the weary to find rest in Him! [Refrain]

Source: Our Great Redeemer’s Praise #595

The More We Know
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, She, Volume 1

Martha, Part 2

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Adapted from the study ‘She, volume 1, p 31-32

Read: John 11:1-24

5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again

2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

John 11:5, 20-23, and 12:2

As both Scripture and our study guide point out, Martha “had a history of being moved to action by her love for Jesus.” We see this truth in action after Lazarus dies, and Martha hears that Jesus is coming – she immediately goes to meet Him. It is unclear if she even told Mary that He was coming or that she was going out to meet Him. The fact that Mary remained sitting in the house leads one to believe that she may not have known.

 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

John 11:21

While Martha’s statement to Jesus can be seen as an accusation, it is also possible and even probable that it was simply a statement of sorrow, coupled with Martha’s strong faith that, had Jesus been there, the outcome could have been different. One commentary explains it like this: In full context, her meaning is something like, “this is not how I hoped things would be.” Which was followed by her next statement: “But I know that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.“1 Can you imagine her delight when, after seeing/hearing her faith, Jesus responded: “Your brother shall rise again.”

So then, dear brothers and sisters, be firm. Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:58
Reflection/Application
  • What example(s) does Martha set for us in today’s passage?
  • What could you be doing while you wait for His return?
The More We Know

It is worth noting this piece of trivia from the study guide: “The last time Martha is mentioned she served supper.” – “There they made Him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him.” John 12:2

  1. Bibleref.com ↩︎

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Triumphs over Trials

Using our God-Given Gifts

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, Triumph over Trials / w1d5

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11 and SOAP: verses 10 and 11

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

1 Peter 4:10-11 NLT

Today’s post is borrowed and shared from the LGG, Triumph over Trials edition, p110

As believers, we are living in anticipation of Christ’s return — a reality that should profoundly shape our lives. In this waiting, we are not called to be idle but to be motivated to love and serve the body of Christ intentionally, especially during times of testing and persecution. A united, loving Christian community shines brightly in a dark world, like a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16).

A united, loving Christian community shines brightly in a dark world, like a city on a hill

The command is clear: we must work at loving each other well. Love is not passive; it’s active. It’s not a feeling, but a choice we make every day. It’s seen in the meals prepared for a new mom, the earnest prayers for a struggling friend, and the open doors of our homes.

God has not left us empty-handed in this high calling. He has generously given each of us unique gifts designed to serve and build up the church and others (Romans 12:4-8). These gifts are not for our own glory but given to us by God, fashioned to stitch His people closer together and reflect His love to the watching world (Ephesians 4:11-12).

When we see a need within the church, our hearts should be stirred to meet it. Whether it is encouragement, financial help, prayer, or a listening ear — let’s move towards those needs, not away from them. In doing so, we are faithful stewards of God’s grace, dispensing it generously just as it has been lavished upon us.

As we help others and employ our God-given gifts in service, the world catches glimpses of Jesus in us. Our love becomes a radiant beacon, pointing to the One who first loved us (1 John 4:19). In our serving, God is glorified, and His kingdom is tangibly expressed through our hands and feet.

LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)
  • love and serve the body of Christ intentionally
    • watch for others who need help and seek to meet the need
  • work at loving each other well
  • know and use the gifts God has given you
    • use them for God’s glory and not your own
Question FOR THE JOURNEY

How can you use your God-given gifts to meet a need within your church community or Love God Greatly group this week? In what ways can you be more intentional about loving the body of Christ in anticipation of His return?

PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Dear Jesus, thank You for entrusting us with gifts to serve Your body. help us to love deeply and act decisively, especially when we see a need within our church family. May our lives, fueled by Your love, shine brightly and draw others to You. Amen.

THE MORE WE KNOW

Knowing that Christ could return at any time should affect our thinking.

Peter’s teaching on how Christians should love each other “strenuously”

For more insight on today’s passage visit lovegodgreatly.com/blog

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time, Set Apart - Living a Life for God's Glor

Serve Others

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based on the LGG Study, “Set Apart” / w4d1

Scripture: Mark 10:42-45 / SOAP Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45
Know the Story

It isn’t a physical position or the material possessions that we hold in this life that matters. What really matters is our heart’s position toward serving others.

James and John had asked Jesus for a favor – which was that He allow them to be the ones who would sit on His right and left when He was seated on His throne (35-37). When the others heard about the request, they were naturally angry – and Jesus responded to them – with an example. Actually, He gives them two examples. The first illustration was of the behavior and customs of the rulers of “this world.” The second was of His own servant’s heart. Sandwiched in between the two examples were the instructions, choices, and consequences of how they, as His disciples, were to live. He told them very clearly that they were not to live like the rulers of the Gentiles or those in high positions who used their authority over them. Instead, like Him, they were to operate from the position of a servant’s heart. Plainly put, they were to serve others.

The Love God Greatly journal entry today included this quote that is filled with wisdom and inspiration for living set apart through a “servant’s heart”.

“According to the world, what’s most important in life is your happiness, not your holiness. – Yet, Jesus calls us to a different way of life. He calls us to serve and love others, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. Why? Because when we follow Christ’s example of serving others and putting their needs above our own, we display His love and grace to the world. When we choose to live like Jesus, we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel. We become a light in the darkness, reflecting the heart of Jesus to those around us. – The truth is, serving others can look different for each person. The key to serving others is asking God for guidance and being willing to step out in faith when He shows us opportunities to serve and live set apart.”

Wisdom From the Journey

The time we live in may be different from the first disciples of Jesus, but the teachings we live by are the same. We are called to serve others. It will not always be easy or desirable but it will never be as difficult or undesirable as the way of the cross Christ took for us. 🦋

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
    he took the humble position of a slave
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Philippians 2:6-8
The More We Know

Bibleref.com points out that “It’s easy to mock James and John for their request, especially as it comes on the heels of Jesus’ third prophecy of His death. It’s important to remember three things, however. First, we don’t know how long after Jesus’ prophecy James and John make their request. Second, other Scripture makes it clear that these men don’t fully understand Jesus will die (Luke 18:34). Third, their mother apparently either pushes them to ask or makes the request on their behalf.”

More on 10:45

For more insight read today’s LGG Blog

Posted in Quiet Time

John 13:1-17

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Video starter

Today’s Scripture: John 13:1-17 (S.O.A.P. John 13:14-15)

Question of the Day: Why do you think Jesus chose to wash the feet of His disciples?

Washing the Disciples’ Feet – Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that his time[a] had come to depart[b] from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now loved them to the very end.[c] 2 The evening meal[d] was in progress, and the devil had already put into the heart[e] of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that he should betray[f] Jesus.[g] 3 Because Jesus[h] knew that the Father had handed all things over to him,[i] and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 he got up from the meal, removed[j] his outer clothes,[k] took a towel and tied it around himself.[l] 5 He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel he had wrapped around himself.[m]

Then he came to Simon Peter. Peter[n] said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash[o] my feet?” 7 Jesus replied,[p] “You do not understand[q] what I am doing now, but you will understand[r] after these things.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”[s] Jesus replied,[t] “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”[u] 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, wash[v] not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus replied,[w] “The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet,[x] but is completely[y] clean.[z] And you disciples[aa] are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 (For Jesus[ab] knew the one who was going to betray him. For this reason he said, “Not every one of you is[ac] clean.”)[ad]

 So when Jesus[ae] had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table[af] again and said to them, “Do you understand[ag] what I have done for you? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly,[ah] for that is what I am.[ai] 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example[aj]—you should do just as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the solemn truth,[ak] the slave[al] is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger[am] greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand[an] these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

After Thoughts
Posted in From the Insideout

Loved – to the Very End

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If I am to imitate Jesus – to be a good reflection of who He is – I must know Him well. I must know how He talked, the habits He had – the company He kept, and the way He spent and prioritized His time. I must know how and even why Jesus loved and lived. I must know and understand His character and what made Him who and how He was.

I can only truly find these details in God’s Word, the depth of which is not meant to be examined here today but the crux of which is this – He was from God. God, who had loved the world so much that He gave Jesus, His only begotten Son, to suffer and die so that all who believed in Him might live. Everything He did and said, the way He lived and loved, how He responded, and the things He thought all hinged on Him being from God. Yes, He was Himself God, but He took on human form, making Himself also a man*, and it is that reference that I found myself examining in the passage I read today from John 13:1-17.

Just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that his time had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now loved them to the very end 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, that he should betray Jesus. 3 Because Jesus knew that the Father had handed all things over to him, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 he got up from the meal, removed his outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around himself. 5 He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel he had wrapped around himself.

6 Then he came to Simon Peter. Peter[n] said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not understand what I am doing now, but you will understand after these things.” 8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus replied, “The one who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 (For Jesus knew the one who was going to betray him. For this reason he said, “Not every one of you is clean.”)

12 So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and do so correctly, for that is what I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example—you should do just as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

His habits were Holy and Righteous – why? Because He was from God. He was found most often in the company of His disciples – but also – in the home and the company of sinners. Many questioned this, but we know it was simply and profoundly – because He was from God, sent to seek and save the lost. Because He was from God – He spent His time feeding the hungry, healing the sick, teaching the masses about the Kingdom of God, and communicating with the Father. He came to give life to the full – why – because He wanted us to be one with the Father just as He is. This oneness can only be experienced when we know God, which is precisely what Christ desired for all people – because He was from God.

Jesus wasn’t just their Lord and teacher. He was God Himself, yet, here we find Him, just before His imminent suffering and death, to have gotten up from the table and removing all hindrances prepared Himself outwardly to perform a ‘servant-like’ expression of His love. As Matthew Henry said, “He taught them the value of spiritual washing and the cleansing of the soul from the pollutions of sin,” and He did this through the lowly act of washing their feet. In preparation for His departure, it seems He wanted them to not only witness an act of selfless love but to be the recipients. So, Jesus gave them a very humble and passionately moving example of serving others from an attitude of love and humility instead of from a position or status. He did this throughout His ministry as an example of how we are to live and love and serve. He loved beyond who and what He was and knew He was entitled to*. Jesus lived and taught a love that served not self but others and spilled out in actions that proved His love was not only genuine but one that endures to the very end.

*Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy, 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind, by having the same love, being united in spirit, and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned not only about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well. 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, 6who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. 8 He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death —even death on a cross! Philippians 2:1-8