Joy in Service

Sometimes I have found myself wondering what I am doing with my time. I can get so busy with work and school, and I will forget that the things I do in my day to day life should be focused on God, and serving Him. I heard it said one time that there was a reporter who traveled widely and had the chance to interview many people. The reporter had interviewed quite a range of people, all the way from celebrities to missionaries. This reporter stated that in most cases, the most miserable people were the celebrities, and that the most happy and fulfilled people were the missionaries.

In hearing this, I thought about my own experiences. I have had the opportunity to go on many mission trips to different countries. I have been seen many people that are out on the mission field, giving their lives away in service to God, and the people around them. They are so full of joy, and have an un-explainable, contagious passion for life and service.

I often struggle with the battle that happens inside of me when I start thinking that the right pair of shoes, the perfect outfit, pretty decorations for my apartment, or anything else will make me happy. It is a daily battle that I will think the things in this world can make me feel satisfied. It is funny, because I have learned time and time again, that they do not make me feel satisfied in life. I have experienced times when I feel like I am doing what I was meant to do, and I am so content, and it is in the times that I am serving the Lord, and giving him my time and talents. I have learned this so many times, but I still have to learn it over and over.

WE:

You may have a similar struggle as I do. Maybe you know that God’s Word calls you as a Christian to serve Him and others, but you get so distracted by other things in life. Or maybe you do not know where to get involved, or how to serve. All of us at times have a hard time following God’s will, and His plan. We all have selfish, and fleshly desires that draw us toward what the world has to say. The world teaches us to be selfish, and to find happiness we must seek after all the things the world has to offer. These things will always leave us unfulfilled.

It is in scripture that we are told all the answers to life, and these instructions show us how we are to live our lives in order to find joy in Christ. If we live our lives as Scripture calls us to, in service, then we will be moving toward God and deepening our relationship with Him by obeying his commands. Lets open up to Mark 10:44-45. This passage says “and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” [1]

To give some context to this passage, this is Jesus speaking to his disciples James and John. James and John had come to Jesus and requested that they be given a spot of honor by sitting on the right and left hand of Christ in heaven. James and John had not quite caught on to how Jesus does things. They were still caught up in the Roman cultural push toward titles and honorable positions. They were seeking to be glorified for their good work of following Jesus, but their desire was selfish. When Jesus said, “whoever wants to be first must be slave to all”, he was responding to James and John’s request to be His right hand man.

The word “slave” by one definition says it means “total subjection of one person to another” In the New Testament, the Greek word for “slave” can also mean “servant”. [2] The idea that I am to be a servant for God by being a slave or servant to others does not exactly make me excited. God’s teachings are often counter-cultural in any context. Being a servant to all would not have been the normal desire for people back in the first century, just as it is not the desire of people in our culture today.

I can get excited about being a servant when I read Matthew 25:35-40, which says “³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”[3]

When I read this passage in Matthew, and realize that whatever I do for those here on earth, I am really doing it for God, that gives me some excitement. I want to honor God, and grow in my relationship with Him, so why wouldn’t I want to serve my Savior and Creator? I have come to find that it is such a blessing when I serve others, and show them the love of Christ through my actions. Even though this would not usually be my natural tendency to serve others, I find that as I grow more in love with God, my desire to serve others grows stronger. When we have Christ in our lives, God’s Holy Spirit changes the desires of our heart.

God has called us as believers to be servants. Thankfully, being a servant means we can find joy, and know God. There are so many hurting people out there that need our help. There are so many different ways we can serve. I encourage you to find an area that you can get involved in serving others. There are opportunities at our church in the kids department that would be really fun. You could help on Sundays to love on the younger kids and teach them about God. Or you can help in the church’s food pantry. There are also opportunities outside of the church here locally in our town, like volunteering at the City Rescue Mission, or even helping out a kid in your school who can afford their school supplies. Get your parents involved, and go out shopping for some essential schools supplies that you can donate to a student, or to the school’s guidance counselor to give to the appropriate person. Next time you find yourself bored, or even sad and struggling, try going out and serving someone. I bet that it brightens your day to see someone else blessed.

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[1] New International Version, The Bible, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008

[2] Harpers Bible Dictionary, Slavery, Harpercollins, 1985

[3] New International Version, The Bible, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan 2008

Love your enemy. Matthew 5:43-48

The concept of loving your enemy is a lot to take in. Personally, I have had to learn this, and re-learn it over and over again. It is a hard thing to practice. In my life, I had someone who use to be considered one of my closest friends, and then this person decided to take a different path in life, and this person began to treat me bad, and ignore me. I very much so wanted to be a part of this person’s life, but this person did not want to give me the time of day. This really hurt, and because this person was mean to me, I felt that he was an enemy. I was rude back, and would say harsh things any chance I could, just to get back at this person.

After being angry and becoming bitter at this person, I realized that I needed to give it over to God. I spent months in prayer about this person, and then finally God gave me forgiveness for the person, and love for this enemy. What a freeing feeling to have love for my enemy. I no longer let this person run my life through the bitterness that I had allowed them to bring up in my life. God worked in my heart, and through His Holy Spirit I was able to love my enemy. This person still does not always treat me right, but I really do love this person and want what is best for him.

Who is the person in your life that you need to stop being bitter and angry toward? We all have people in our lives that have hurt us. God wants to bring about forgiveness in your life, and give you the freedom that comes along with loving your neighbor. Something that helped me move toward forgiving my enemy and loving him was considering what Jesus did for me. Because of the sin in my own life, I was an enemy of God. Because God is perfect, we are enemies of Him.

We all have sin in our lives, but the only way we can have forgiveness from God is through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus came to the earth, lived a perfect life, and then died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, if we believe in God and ask for forgiveness of our sins, we can be forgiven and saved and then have a relationship with God who is our heavenly Father. This is the most powerful example of forgiveness, and love. If Christ offered me forgiveness, and loves me, then I can do the same for my enemies.

Theology Wins

I first was introduced to Rob Bell as a senior in high school. His NOOMA videos were creative and intriguing. I had never seen a teaching style like his before and like countless others I was hooked. I knew at this time that I was going to be a part of church and teaching would be a large part of my ministry. I made a decision: I want to teach like Rob Bell.

There has been a lot said the past couple days about Rob Bell’s latest book. There are a few things I would like to contribute to the conversation. You know if I felt compelled enough to blog, I must REALLY want to say something.

1. Rob Bell is great at engaging in spiritual discussion

No doubt, this was what attracted me to him. He approached life, spiritual matters, and the Bible in a way that was different than anything I had seen before. My freshmen year of college I led a NOOMA study with some of my pledge brothers in my fraternity. We had some really great discussion spring forth from some of his videos.

2. Rob Bell fails at bringing his message to the cross

That being said, Rob Bell is a heretic. His messages are intriguing because they begin to explore difficult ideas and concepts. The error of never bringing the discussion ultimately to the gospel is inexcusable. Rob Bell’s teaser video for his latest book proves him to be a Universalist. The evangelical world should not look to Rob Bell for theological guidance. He should resign as a pastor and he should not pose as an evangelical Christian any longer.

3. No man is a hero or a villain

We can learn something from this situation. Our tendency as fallen man is to elevate some to status of “hero” that can do no wrong and place others in a category of “villain.” In this situation, you will see some Christians hopelessly defend Rob Bell. Others will throw stones at him. The polarizing views in many ways show how there are some who are faithful to the man because he is their hero and others will seek to crucify him because he is their villain. No man’s ministry, theology or life is worth exalting or condemning. However, we as Christians must identify those that are teaching contrary to what Scriptures teach.

Rob Bell at one point was a hero in my life. I wanted to mimic my teaching ministry after him. I remember watching some of his NOOMA videos and thinking in the back of my mind “something is off here…” I am very grateful that we live in an age where there is so much bible teaching available for free online. While Christians must guard themselves from living off of others teaching, it saved me from becoming like Rob Bell. Another pastor pointed out flaws in Rob Bell’s “Velvet Elvis” that I did not see in my reading. This was the first time that I saw a Christian pastor identifying another Christian pastor as having poor theology. I am grateful this pastor had the courage to identify Rob Bell’s errors because I assumed there were none.

How should we as Christians respond to Rob Bell? Identify him for what he is: a heretic. However, do not miss the opportunity to learn from the man. Bell does a great job at engaging the spiritual discussion. The bigger lesson to learn: Theology wins.

Alumna

As my time at OU, and my time as an OU Tridelta collegiate member comes to an end, I can't help but thing about the great relationships I have been blessed with. The friendships have meant the world to me and have been my help in growing tremendously because of the examples I have in my life. Each one of the tridelt senior women in my "crew" ;) have impacted me in specific and different ways.

In my friendship with Meghan Moore, I have seen a fun picture of the gift of creativity which God has given her. I have learned a lot this past year specifically about the creativity of God. God is so incomprehensibly creative to create this beautiful earth, and all the beautiful people and personalities. With God's creation, we have no excuse to not see Him in everything. Meghan shows this attribute of God as creator and creative and inspires me. Romans 1:20 "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

My friend Kayley McCoy shows intense joy in her life. Kayley is always smiling, and encouraging others. This is a joy that can only come from our Savior. It has shown me to lean into that joy in Christ, because of her great example. No one has a perfectly easy life or perfect circumstances, but our joy is not in circumstances, and Kayley is a wonderful example of this. James 2:4 "Consider it pure joy my brother, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance"

With Sarah Pappas, I am challenged by her discipline and focus on becoming all that she can be. This discipline is evident in her amazing progress in track as a pole vaulter. God gives us all gifts, and we should use them and work hard at whatever we do. This is what I learn from Sarah. Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

My friend Jessica Dalton is precious. She is always so compassionate and merciful. She shows me a beautiful picture of God's compassion and mercy as he has loved us and offers us forgiveness for all that we have done. God is so merciful, and I see this characteristic shine from Jess. What a loving friend Jessica is to everyone around her. Inspires me to be more merciful and compassionate. Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

In Cherrie Warden's life I see hope and determination. There is a hope that Cherrie has in Christ, and she shows that hope with her life and it is evident to those around her. She uses her story of having hope because of Christ to challenge me and everyone else around her. She has an amazing story and gives glory to God for everything. 1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

With my friend Noralea Jordan it is evident that she has an adventurous spirit, and a serving heart. Her love of adventure leads her into a spiritual adventure with a heart striving to be closer to God. Its beautiful to see her discover God in new ways and challenge me to do so. Noralea is also very thoughtful and serving God and others. It’s a wonderful example of Jesus. Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

And my dear friend Casey Banks shows complete loyalty, and has a firm and unshakable faith. She is a wonderful friend. She is loyal to all the relationships in her life and this characteristic is also seen in her loyalty to God. She has a solid faith in God and is always learning more. It is so comforting to see this loyalty and love, and know that God is always going to love us as His children. Nothing can change that. Exodus 15:13 “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.”; Psalm 13:5 “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.”; Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Such beautiful friends, and such beautiful things they have shown me about my Savior through our friendships. My Tridelta senior friends are so special to me, and I thank my Lord for them. I think the prayer of thankfulness in Philippians 1 is a wonderful representation of what my heart feels these last few weeks before we all graduate and have major life changes and move to different places. Verses 3-6 say "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” It is wonderful to have friends who are partners in the gospel and are going to be continuing in this common goal of ours. God has begun a good work in all of my friends, and He is not done and He will continue to work in our lives no matter where we are!

I pray everyone is as blessed as I am with great friends!

Loving His Word!

La

Blogging?...

Well, thanks to my sweet husband Michael, I now have a blog, so I am going to try to use it from time to time.

It is funny to me to think of having a blog, because the last time I remember having anything like a blog, I was using Xanga and was in middle school. A lot has changed since those days of middle school! For one, I finally married the guy that I had had a crush on since my xanga days. Another change is that I have decided what my "life verse" is since middle school.

It always seemed an impossible task to have a "life verse", because there are SO many great verses to choose from with 32,173 in the Old and New Testaments! but, I heard 1 Peter 3:15 when I was a sophomore in High School, during a history class with a guest speaker. When I heard it, I knew that it was a verse that I loved, and wanted to be a theme for my life.

1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (NIV)

I loved this verse because the first thing it says is of most importance. "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord." This meant to me that first and foremost Christ must be in my heart, and set apart as the Lord over all. I am not to put Him in a position of second or third importance, but he is to be set apart as Lord. A synonym of Lord is 'superior', and Christ being Lord shows He will be of first importance of my life.

I love the next part of this verse that says to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have". I love it because I want my life to be lived in a way that someone could see that I have hope that they would want to ask about. Also I want to be ready to give an answer, to be able to share what is of first importance in my life to others, to glorify Him.

Lastly, this verse says to do this with "gentleness and respect". I want those to be qualities in my life, that everything I do would be done in a gentle and respectful way.

That is my "life verse", I hope that you love it and learn from it as I have.

Loving God's Words,

Lauren