Serve Your Way Out

Are you struggling? Does the world have you down? Does it seem like it's just not going your way?

Serve your way out of it.

Have you found yourself in a place where you feel far from God? Does it seem like your prayers aren’t being heard? Does it feel like you are alone?

Serve your way out of it.

Let's face it, life isn't easy. There are times when it seems nothing goes right. There are times when we just don’t feel good. There are times when it seems like we receive blow after blow and just can’t catch our breath.

Serve your way out of it.

In times like these it is super easy to hyperfocus on ourselves. Our problems and our challenges take center stage. We lose the ability to see the big picture. All we can see is our situation and our feelings.

When we get to these places I suggest we need a perspective shift. We need to shift the focus from us to others. We need to get back to basics. Jesus tells us to Love God and Love others (Mark 12:30-31). When we are in the dumps, find a perspective shift through love. I understand this can seem impossible when you’re down and feel unloved. Our God is the God of the possible and unending love.

He sees us as great! In fact Jesus says that the “greatest among us shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Greatness is the opposite of the dark place we can find ourselves in during these tough times.

Each week at Downtown Ministries we are blessed by homeless people who jump in and help to set up, breakdown, and hand out clothes. The same people I have come to serve realize the value of service. In their despair and need they can feel the value God places on loving our neighbors. The greatness in choosing to be a servant.

So, when it seems bleak and hopeless. Take charge. Step into God's truth. Serve your way out of it.

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt

Comments

Right In Front of Me

There is one character in the story of the night of Jesus' arrest that sticks out. He seems insignificant to what is happening. He’s almost an interruption in the story. He is only mentioned by name in one of the four gospels, even though the description of what occurred is in all four gospels. Malchus is his name. He works for the people who want Jesus dead. His job, with his compadres, is to seize Jesus and bring him back to the high priest. There he would be subject to questioning, a trial of sorts. As Malchus and his posse are approaching, Peter takes action to protect Jesus. “With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Matthew 26:51). Jesus immediately tells Peter and the rest of his disciples to stop with the violence. I wonder what Malchus thought at this point. I imagine his was in shock, I would guess he was surprised. He had just been attacked and surely is bleeding ...

Glow Differently

I saw this quote recently, “You glow differently when your confidence is fueled by belief in yourself instead of validation from others.” I found myself wrestling with it. I completely agree with the concept that the validation of my worth is not established by the thoughts of others. While I think a positive self image is important, I do not think that it is what really makes me “glow differently.” I hope I glow differently because of whom I believe in, rather than what I believe of myself. The author of Titus says, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7) . Love and kindness entered the world in the form of a m...

Grits

This past Saturday I got the chance to catch up with my friend at breakfast. We connected months ago over grits, of all things. I learned he really didn't care for grits. Turns out his parents used to make him eat them quite often and in many forms. As he has grown older he's made the conscious decision, he's had enough grits for a lifetime. On the other hand, I really enjoy grits. They are a wonderful breakfast food with butter, salt, and pepper. For dinner, you can't beat some good shrimp and grits. I have a recipe for jambalaya grits that will put a smile on anyone's face. It is like jambalaya meets cheese grits. Yum! My friend and I joke about grits everytime we see each other. I offer him some and he politely refuses. Of course, I respect his wishes and don't give him any grits. How do you offer someone grits? Do you insist they eat and like them because you eat them? Do you put them on their plate anyway? Do you treat them differently bec...

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