Living with a Christmas Servant Heart

‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” – Matthew 25:40

Obviously around this time of year we focus on and celebrate the birth of Christ.  After all, Christ is in the word “Christmas!”  Many of the songs we sing and the programs we watch center around the coming and birth of Jesus.  He truly is the reason for the season.

I wholeheartedly agree that Jesus should be our number one thought and focus at Christmas, but there is a group that follows a close second – this group is referred to as “others.”  Okay now “others” is a very broad category, but it encompasses anyone and everyone who could benefit from a kind word, a sweet gesture, or a special gift around this time of year.  They may be young children who simply want a gift – any gift – for Christmas, a young store cashier who needs to hear “Thank you for what you do.  God Bless” after a frazzled day of Christmas chaos at work, a senior adult who needs help getting to church on Christmas Sunday because he can’t drive there, or a stranger who wants to make it home for Christmas and needs guidance on how to get there (a situation I have been watching play out for the past couple of weeks…see the section "Servant Hearts" my last blog post and continue to pray for this man). 

There is never a more important time to live with a servant’s heart than at Christmas.  Jesus came to earth in the form of a baby in order to grow and serve mankind.  We live His example by serving others in His name and in His way.  Whether serving someone intentionally or unintentionally, we never know who we might touch when we serve them.  It could even be Jesus Himself.  He reminds us of that in Matthew 20:35-40, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give You drink?  When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?'  And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of there My brethren, you did it to Me.'"  Those are powerful words right there.

I can’t think of any greater example of this thought, and most especially this verse, than the old German folk story called “The Story of the Christmas Guest.”  It was adapted and modernized by Helen Steiner Rice.  This is a beautiful story, centered around the Christmas holiday, about how the people we touch and serve as Christ could in fact be Jesus in disguise.  As you read it, I hope you listen to the message and choose to live this Christmas with a genuine servant’s heart.

The Story of the Christmas Guest

Adapted by Helen Steiner Rice from an old German Legend

It happened one day at the year's white end;
Two neighbors called on an old-time friend.
They found his shop, so meager and mean,
Made bright with a thousand boughs of green.

And Conrad was sitting with face a-shine,
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched a twine,
And said, "Old friends, at dawn today,
When the cock was crowing the night away,

"The Lord appeared in a dream to me,
And said, `I'm coming your guest to be.'
So I've been busy with feet astir,
Strewing my shop with branches of fir.

"The table is spread and the kettle is shined
And over the rafters, the holly is twined.
And now I will wait for my Lord to appear,
And listen closely so I will hear
His step as He nears my humble place,
And I open the door and look in His face."

So his friends went home and left Conrad alone,
For this was the happiest day he had known.
For long since, his family had passed away,
And Conrad had spent a sad Christmas Day.

But he knew with his Lord as his Christmas Guest,
This Christmas would be the dearest and best.
He listened with only joy in his heart,
And with every sound, he would rise with a start.

And look for the Lord to be standing there,
In answer to his earnest prayer.
So he ran to the window after hearing a sound,
But all that he saw on the snow-covered ground…

Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn,
And all of his clothes were ragged and worn.
So Conrad was touched and went to the door,
And he said , "Your feet must be frozen and sore.
I have some shoes in my shop for you,
And a coat that will keep you warmer, too."

So with grateful heart, the man went away,
But as Conrad noticed the time of day,
He wondered what made his dear Lord so late,
And how much longer he'd have to wait.
When he heard a knock, he ran to the door,
But it was only a stranger once more;
A bent old crone with a shawl of black,
A bundle of branches piled on her back.

She asked for only a place to rest,
But that was reserved for Conrad's Great Guest.
But her voice seemed to plead, "Don't send me away,
Let me rest for a while on Christmas Day."

So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup,
And told her to sit at the table and sup.
But after she left, he was filled with dismay,
For he saw that the hours were passing away.

The Lord had not come, as He said He would,
And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.
Out of the stillness, he heard a cry,
"Please help me and tell me where am I?"
He stood disappointed, as twice before,
But shook off his sadness and went to the door.

It was only a child who had wandered away,
And was lost from her family on Christmas Day.
Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad
But he knew he should make this little girl glad.

So he called her in and wiped her tears,
And quieted all her childish fears.
Then he led her back to her home once more.
But as he entered his darkened door,

He knew that the Lord was not coming today
For the hours of Christmas had passed away.
So he went to his room and knelt down to pray,
And he said, "Dear Lord, why did You delay?

"What kept You from coming to call on me?
For I wanted so much Your face to see."
When soft in the silence, a voice he heard:
"Lift up your head, for I kept My Word.

"Three times My shadow crossed your floor,
Three times I came to your lonely door.
For I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet.
I was the woman you gave to eat.
And I was the child on the homeless street."

Source
“The Story of the Christmas Guest,” http://www.thefamilyinternational.org/christmas/articledd6e.html

Thankful No Matter the Circumstance

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When the Pilgrims first prepared that infamous feast and came together to unite in fellowship with the Native Americans, I wonder if they realized the impact that moment would have on generations upon generations that came after them.  Although their Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days, many of the Thanksgiving traditions we celebrate today – eating, playing games, fellowshiping, giving thanks – were all a part of that very first Thanksgiving!  It’s truly a testament to their story that an event that happened in 1621 could span the course of time and still be virtually identical for millions of others in 2014.

For the attendees to that First Thanksgiving feast, it wasn’t so much about the food, but rather the coming together of two completely different parties as they worked together to live their lives in unity with one another and through some pretty difficult circumstances - famine, harsh winter, and even death.  It was about gratefulness of not only being alive and with family, but also thankfulness of fellow man and in working together to accomplish something beneficial.  I think that especially today with all of the unrest in our nation in places like Ferguson, MO, among others, that is something we can most definitely pray for and hope happens today.

As I reflect on Thanksgiving, I am incredibly thankful for so much, but certain people and experiences enter my mind today that have made me stop and think about what I take for granted and how thankful I am to the Lord for His provisions in my life.  I hope you will take a few moments to read below and give thanks today for the blessings the Lord has given you…and pray for these particular experiences and people this Thanksgiving.

Life Itself

I’m thankful for each breath I take and each moment I am alive.  I’m thankful for family and friends that surround and encourage me, who let me cry on their shoulders, who laugh and are sarcastic with me, and who pray for me every day.  I’m thankful for experiences that have shaped me and guided me to the path I walk today.  I’m thankful for life. 

This year so many in my church and community have lost loved ones and are spending this Thanksgiving without them - my heart hurts for these sweet friends and I pray God's love to overwhelm them today.  Also within the past month or two, I’ve watched friends and fellow believers in Christ walk through the loss of a loved one who took their own life.  Of course the circumstances that led to that moment are something I know nothing about and even that the family members may know nothing about this side of heaven; but to come to a point where life itself isn’t worth living has to be a place of such intense and extreme loneliness and sadness – even if you are surround by a loving and supportive family.  It’s something that doesn’t make sense at all and my heart breaks for those, believers and unbelievers, going through the feeling today of not being thankful for life.  May they know that the one who gives eternal life is right there holding their hand ready to walk through the difficult and lonely times with them.  May they feel his peace today and every day and be surrounded by love and encouragement.

The Romeike family

I am thankful for miracles and that God hears the cries of His people and answers them.  Earlier this year, I blogged about some sweet friends – the Romeike family; check out “Modern Day Pilgrims.”  Truly the members of this family are modern day pilgrims in our nation.  Just like the Plymouth Rock Pilgrims, the Romeike family came to America to escape religious persecution in their country.  They left everything and everyone they ever knew to come to a place to raise their family in the way of the Lord, something they were unable to do in their native country.

Over the past few years, they fought legal battles and this year it came to a head as their case reached the US Supreme Court.  Would they be granted amnesty or would they be deported?  So many individuals all over the country, but most especially our community, prayed that they would be granted amnesty.  The verdict came back and stated that the final ruling stood – deportation.  It made absolutely no sense that we as a nation founded upon principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness could not see the similarities of this family to that of the Pilgrims and grant them this freedom that they so desperately wanted.  So we prayed…all of us…a nation of us…that God would work a miracle even when it certainly didn’t seem like one could happen.  The very next day, God answered our prayers and the very administration who fought so hard against the Romeike family granted them indefinite deferred action status which meant they could permanently stay in the US.  Truly it was a miracle.  Today the Romeike family…with their sweet “Peanut” pictured with me below…celebrate Thanksgiving with a pretty awesome reason to be thankful.

Servant Hearts

I’m thankful to live among fellow family and friends who seek to live with servant hearts.  I’m thankful that when someone sees a need, they do their best to meet it.  I’m thankful that I am able to encourage children to live with servant hearts and that they listen and take initiative to minister to others.  I cherish the stories they share with me about having the opportunity to tell somebody about Jesus on the school bus or about how they asked for gifts on their birthdays for those less fortunate.  I’m oh, so thankful that these precious children are growing up with servant hearts because that means our future will have individuals to carry on our work and dreams to reach others with the love and message of Jesus.

Each person we touch through our servant hearts could be Jesus in disguise.  I’m ever so reminded of that because of an experience I have witnessed this week at the church.  A little over a week ago a man came to the church office and requested if he could use a portion of our parking lot to load a shipping container.  He is very hard to understand because of his Hungarian accent, but we finally gathered from him that he has lost everything here in America (as his wife and daughter have both died here) and that he has no family or friends and wants to go back home to Hungary.  Unfortunately there have been some issues with the shipping container people and he still hasn’t been able to load his things into the container; he's lonely and frustrated, but grateful for the help we have been able to give.  He gave my dad his address and said, “Here will be my address in Hungary.  I have no family or friends here, but I just want someone in America to know where I will live.”  Breaks.my.heart.  As I’ve watched others help him and as I’ve even spoken to him myself, I am ever so reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.” 

Freedom to Worship

I am thankful for salvation and that I can worship the Lord freely and with no worries of being persecuted for my faith.  This year we have watched many of our fellow man suffer persecution for being believers in Christ, most especially in the Middle East.  From imprisonment to even beheadings – these saints have stood strong for the witness of Christ, something He told us we might have to do. 

I’ll be honest, the subject of religious persecution wasn’t really on my radar until this summer at the Southern Baptist Convention.  It was there I heard first-hand from Naghmeh Abedini, the wife of Saeed Abedini, an Iraqi-American pastor being imprisoned in Iraq because of his faith.  I had seen her on TV and even read about her husband, but it wasn’t until ERLC President Russell Moore spoke about Naghmeh and her husband that I really “heard” their story.  After the presentation, I got to speak for a brief moment to Naghmeh and tell her how I would be praying for her and her children.  I blogged about this experience in “#SaveSaeed this Father’s Day.” 

Over the past few months, I have read her posts and seen her pictures of her sweet family as they go through milestones (like today’s Thanksgiving holiday) in their lives without their precious father and husband.  Through each moment, however, she talks about how she is so proud of Saeed and his perseverance in not denying Christ.  Saeed truly “would rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.”  That is powerful and a testament to all of us. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Giving thanks in all circumstances is hard especially when the world around you is in turmoil, when you are mourning the death of a loved one, when you aren’t sure of your freedom, when you see someone in desperate need of help, or when you are being tortured because of your faith – but giving thanks is important because of all that Christ has done for you.  Not only did he give you life, but He gave HIS life so that you can live eternally with Him.  That fact alone is something for which to be thankful.

The 2014 world most definitely doesn’t look like the 1621 world, but the thoughts behind today span the course of 393 years...give thanks to the Lord and for all He has done for you.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

"Live Like That" Day

"And He [Jesus] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him…”  - 2 Corinthians 5:15a

Ice Cream Day, Best Friend Day, Purple Shirt Day…who even comes up with those?  I mean, I know national holidays are instituted by the government, but run-of-the-mill celebration/remembrance days…where do those even originate?  Well, if any ordinary person is the one who develops such days, I have a proposition for July 4.  I know, I know…that day is already taken as Independence Day, but surely to goodness we take part in both.  What is my proposition for July 4?  Let’s make it “Live Like That” Day!

Why July 4?  

On July 4, 2012, two special kids – Nate & Noah – lost their lives in a tragic lake accident.  The days and months that followed were so difficult and challenging (and still are) for the families as they came to terms with what had happened and how to move on with life.  July 4 has become a day that is hard to look at on the calendar, talk about, and most especially live through as it is just tied to the memory of that unforgettable day.  I’m all about taking a negative and turning it into a positive – so how about taking this difficult day and turning it into a day where we make a difference?  Of course we still take time to remember the boys and pray for their families, but let’s make July 4 a day beyond what it is and make it a day to honor them in a positive way!

Why “Live Like That?” 
In the month or so that followed the accident, the Sidewalk Prophet’s song, Live Like That became kind of an anthem of remembrance of the two boys.  The song talks about how Christians should live their lives as one that points to and impacts others for Christ.  Even in their short lives, Nate & Noah impacted their peers & even adults with their talents and personalities.  At their funeral, the stories of their legacies impacted people follow Christ and recommit their lives to Him.  They lived lives that pointed others to Jesus and even through their passing were still pointing the world to Him.  In relation to that, Nate’s family developed red bracelets with the phrase on them to remind people to “Live Like That” which even found their way to the Sidewalk Prophet band with whom the families have had opportunities to meet and share the boys’ story.

Who are we supposed to live like?  

Jesus.  Plain and simple.  2 Corinthians 5:15a cuts straight to the heart of this – “And He [Jesus] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him…”  In life we all strive for perfection, but we never attain it and frankly will never attain it.  The only perfect person to ever live was Jesus Christ.  1 Peter 2:22 says that Jesus, “committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.”  

What’s the first way we can strive to be like Him?  Giving our lives to Him.  This requires admittance of our sin (all the wrong things we’ve ever done) and the acknowledgment that we are not perfect, belief that Jesus is the Son of God, confession of our sins, and commitment to follow Jesus every day following.  Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God.”  By doing this we receive a gift – eternal life with Him.    

The second way we can be like Jesus is to follow His example.  In the Bible Jesus told us, “I have given you an example that as I have done, so should you” (John 13:15).  We can see many attributes of Christ as we study the Bible but some that come to the top of my mind are – compassion, serving, grace, mercy, honesty, thoughtfulness, endurance, discernment, and the list goes on and on.  We’re not going to reach the level of Christ…we’re imperfect humans…but we can live our lives as Christ by making His attributes our attributes and by following His example.

What do we do to “Live Like That?”

Honestly anything positive, uplifting, or encouraging to benefit the lives of others.  Maybe it is baking cookies for your neighbor, buying the person’s meal behind you, visiting someone who is lonely, writing an encouraging letter to a friend, serving at the homeless shelter, having a good attitude, sharing Christ with someone….ANYTHING!  Even the apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, gives us a list of things we can do:

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. ¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. ¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²² reject every kind of evil.

I can’t think of any better examples of kids that sought to encourage and uplift others than Nate & Noah.  Nate was really into art and loved to draw things for people or teach them how to make some sort of art.  Noah loved to help people.  He would go with his family to give out food on Thanksgiving, was super excited to hand out Christmas gifts to kids who didn’t have any, and even helped me run my computer one day when I taught a missions lesson and didn’t have a computer operator.  These boys had sweet servant hearts and they pointed others to Jesus…they “Lived Like That!”

In Closing
To be honest, every day should be “Live Like That” Day.  We should always strive to grow in our walk with Christ by living like Him.  Our faith in Him should be more than the things we say and the songs we sing – we should always show others the light of Jesus  (I wrote about this in my last blog, click HERE to read it).  BUT let’s set aside this day, July 4...and every July 4 that follows...to strive and do something special or meaningful for someone to honor the legacy of Nate & Noah and ultimately to point others to Christ.   

“I wanna live like that and give it all I have, so that everything I say and do points to You!  If love is who I am, then this is where I stand.  Recklessly abandoned, never holding back.  I wanna live like that.  I wanna LIVE LIKE THAT!”

"Let Our Faith Be More Than Anthems..."

“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” - James 2:17

In my car the first three radio presets are to Christian music stations – K-Love, 106.9 The Light, and AirOne.  You can pretty well gather that if you see me singing my heart out in my car (not ashamed or embarrassed about that BTW), it’s probably to a Christian song.  All the songs I sing in church are Christian songs and I always try to pick ones that represent the lessons God is currently teaching me.   I love how Christian music artists can take the thoughts of my heart and put them into words.  These songs have a way of speaking to your soul.  They say what you are feeling and express what you’re going through and how God is in control of it all. 

Recently, however, I came across a line of one of these Christian songs that “struck a chord” with me (that pun was intended).  In the new Newsboys song, We Believe, there is a short line in the second verse that reads like this, “So let our faith be more than anthems, greater than the songs we sing.”  Goodness gracious…that is one loaded lyric.  When we’re listening to or singing songs about serving others (Matthew Wests’ Do Something), trusting God in hard times (Matt Redmond’s You Never Let Go), sharing Jesus with others (Britt Nicole’s The Lost Get Found), worshipping our Creator (Kari Jobe’s Revelation Song), or living like Christ (Casting Crown’s Lifesong) we have to make them more than just anthems of our heart – we HAVE to live them out. 

Think right now of your favorite Christian song.  Usually for me my favorite changes from week-to-week…but for now think of the one that comes to your mind first.  Sing it to yourself…it’s okay if you can’t sing, we can’t hear you :)  Okay, now analyze the lyrics you are singing.  Are you living those words out?  Do you believe them with your whole heart?  Is your faith more than this anthem…greater than this song you are singing? 

I’m just using the above songs as examples…any song that we sing in a service at church or at the top of our lungs in our car or shower apply to this thought.  We must put feet to our faith (which is evidenced by the lyrics of these songs we love) and make these anthems more than just words.  The book of James had to have inspired this lyric, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17)  FOR SURE we cannot be saved by works alone, we are saved by our faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).  However as believers in Jesus, our works (which include our godly actions and lifestyle) show the world, especially unbelievers, that we believe Christ.  Our actions are the evidence of our faith.  Galatians 5:6 says, “When we place our faith in Christ Jesus…what is important is faith expressing itself in love.”  We don't need to keep our faith locked inside ourselves, we need to live it out!  My NLT Life Application Study Bible sums this up beautifully, “We cannot earn our salvation by serving and obeying God.  But such actions show that our commitment to God is real.  Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of, our faith in Christ” (pg. 2118).

Don’t be passive in your faith.  Yes, it’s awesome you believe in Jesus…but show that you believe in Him!  Be that light to the world.  Be that city on a hill.  “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16)  Let your faith be MORE THAN anthems and so much greater than the songs you sing.

Love Through Action

“Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
– 1 John 3:18

The Mario Brothers…apparently that’s “THE” costume this year as was evidenced by the masses that showed up to Morristown’s community-wide Boo Fest extravaganza.  I think Mario & Luigi must have come through the FBC Morristown booth at least a dozen times last night…except they all looked a little different in the face!  **Side note: wasn’t that video game popular in like the ‘80s?  Crazy how fads disappear and reappear!**

Anyways…our church brought out our mobile bus to this community event and created the coolest booth I’ve seen…a slide booth!  In order to get off the bus, the kids had to slide out it!  I got to be in the bus as the kids prepared to slide out and let me tell you, 100% of the kids had huge smiles on their faces as they realized we weren’t joking…we had a real, bon-a-fide slide!  I heard this over and over, “THIS IS SO COOL!”  I never realized how many people showed up to an event like this and was so overwhelmed that we were able to outreach to that many people over a 4 hour period.  No, we didn’t preach to them, we showed love to them…love for the community, love for the families, and love for the kids.  And I think that’s where outreach starts…love.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  This was a quote by guest speaker (and friend) Rabbi Greg Hershberg this past Sunday when he spoke at First Baptist Morristown.  It was an original quote by Theodore Roosevelt, but the point the Rabbi was making was that in order to reach others for Christ, it is vital to build relationships with them.  This quote rang over and over in my mind last night at Boo Fest and really as I thought about outreach in general.  Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  Jesus isn’t just telling us to love one another; He’s commanding us to love one another which means we MUST do it.  When we love others as He loved us, we are setting an example to the lost around us that Jesus lives in us and is love thereby showing them that He loves them too! 

The lost don’t care if we have a Masters degree in Christian education.  It means nothing to the lost that we have years of evangelism experience in the church.  The lost couldn't care less about how many people attended church last weekend.  But there’s one common concept that the non-believer will understand and that is love.  The average person knows what it means to love someone or something and understands that if they are shown love and care, then they are valued and special.  I think the following scripture speaks so well to this point, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned but have not love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).  As this verse continues, Paul goes on to describe love…that it is patient and kind, it doesn’t envy, isn’t showy, isn’t rude, rejoices in truth, that it “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things,” and finally that it never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 paraphrased). 

As we reach the lost, let’s strive to build relationships with them!  I am seeing this at our seasonal backyard Bible club as we are going to the same location, building relationships through love and care with each of the children, and seeing those relationships lead to eternal decisions…just a week ago one child came to know Jesus through our efforts.  I’ve seen that outreach through love works!  Paul was right, “Love never fails!”

We have a message…a hope…a LOVE that the world needs to hear!  Jesus told us that we are the light of the world and are to shine our light so that others “may see [our] good works and give glory to the Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  Shine your light for Him by building relationships with others through love.  Show them you care.  Show them they’re special.  Show them they’re valued not only by you but by Jesus too.  Love through action.

Living With a Servant's Heart...At Church

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

I don’t wear heels to church.  If I did, I’d fall flat on my face.  Why?  Well, if you see me at church on just about any given Sunday morning, you probably see me running.  No, I’m not trying to run away from you – I’m more than likely trying to quickly get something done or track someone down before one of our three services begin.  Fifteen minutes between services may seem like plenty of time, but trust me, it’s not.  Heels would only slow me down…I need a good pair of dressed-up running shoes! :)

At church on Sunday, while one of our dear media volunteers was running screens during a service, I had a rare chance to sit and reflect.  As I reflected on preparing for and executing the day’s events, I was reminded of all the saints around the world who do the very same thing week in and week out.  I think about people I know who are working in church plants around the United States or friends who are ministering in bigger churches within their community.  My mind immediately jumps to my sweet heart-church, Clearwater Bay International Baptist (CBIBC) in Hong Kong, and my many friends there who serve the Lord in so many different capacities. 

When I recall CBIBC, I remember that this was the first place where I was able to serve in a church.  Growing up in a missions-minded household definitely influenced me in living with a servant’s heart, but CBIBC was where I first was able to live with a servant’s heart at church.  I smile when I think about my little job…but to me at the time it was huge. :)  As an 11 year old, I was the Sunday School attendance collector.  Each Sunday, I compiled everyone’s Sunday School number and turned it in to the pastor after church.  This church grew within me the passion of serving my church – wherever “my” church may be. 

My sweet heart-church, Clearwater Bay International Baptist Church (1999).  I'm in the middle of this picture.

1 Peter 4:10 says that we “should use whatever gift [we] have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”  As believers, God has given us great gifts and talents that we should use to serve others.  Whether it be singing or teaching or running computers or preparing food, we must be good stewards of what the Father has blessed us with. 

What is a good steward?  It is a person who manages or looks after something.  God didn't give us gifts and talents to just to lay dormant in our hearts.  He wants us to use them!  It's by His grace that He has bestowed these gifts and as managers of them we should use them.  I also want to add that I think being a good steward of gifts and talents also means constantly striving to put forth our best effort and ability as we use them.  This comes through practice and/or experience.  The greatest singers don't perform without practice and a sound check.  Their voices just aren't warmed up enough to sound good.  It's the same with us.  Through practice we gain experience and continue to build our talent to become the best it can be. 

A terrific place to use your gifts and talents is at church.  I am SO thankful I discovered this at a young age, I can’t imagine my life now without serving in and being involved in the church.  There are so many avenues in the church in which to serve – teaching (adults, students, kids, even babies), music (choir, orchestra), media (video, audio, screens), cooking (dinners, special events), construction (mission projects), and SO MUCH more!  The church gives you a place to use your gifts and talents, be a good steward of them by gaining experience, and also glorify God in the process!

And glorifying God is what it’s all about!  The Scripture I quoted above goes on to say, “If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11).  Our gifts, our talents, our time, our service…we should use and do all of this to honor the One who gave them…and our very salvation…to us!  It is God, through Christ, who deserves the credit and admiration.  As our Creator, He gave us our gifts.  As our Provider, He provided us the talent.  As our Father, He desires to see us use those gifts and talents.  And as our King, He deserves the recognition and glory for every single ounce of it!  

I’m blessed beyond measure to serve my King.  I’m blessed beyond measure to live each day with a servant’s heart.  I’m blessed beyond measure that I was given that small little job as an 11 year old kid that has blossomed into leadership positions at my current church.  God has given me so much and I pray that I can use my life to give it all back to Him.  

A Word to the Young...

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

“Young” is a relative term and means different “ages” in different situations.  However, at 26, and compared to those I work with/interact with/talk to, I consider myself young…well and the fact that “young” is my last name, ha ha.  Many times, and throughout my own life, we come across situations and experiences that we are deemed “too young” to take part.  “Too young”…those are hard words to hear, especially when it’s something that you would like to do/want to have experience in doing and know you would be good at and enjoy.

Obviously for situations like riding a rollercoaster or driving a car, individuals are too young for safety reasons.  Conversely, for situations like teaching a class or speaking in front of a group of older individuals, young people are less likely to have these opportunities because they may not have the wisdom or knowledge to do these things.  As I’m not a daredevil, my “too young” experiences have been in this second example that I have just presented. 

I definitely agree with the rationale that I don’t have as much knowledge or experience as someone who is older.  A 26 year old hasn’t experienced life like a 56 year old.  However, knowing who I am, what I’ve done in my “young” life, what I like to do, and what I’m good at, I know that I have the potential to do a great job and learn a lot about myself if I had the opportunity and experience of being able to take part in a particular event/class/situation.

“Young” people, let me speak to you first. 

1 Timothy is Paul’s letter to a pastor named Timothy.  He was considered a youngster compared to others in his community/area and we know this because of how Paul encourages him in 1 Timothy 4:12.  Paul says to Timothy, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  Basically Paul is saying, “I know people are telling you that you can’t do this and you can’t do that, but don’t listen to them.  You know your heart; you know you’re following God’s Will.  Show others that this is what God’s designed you to do and show them by how you live your life.”  There are a good number of other examples from the Bible about individuals who made a Godly difference when they were young…Joseph, Samuel, a young David, Jeremiah, Josiah, Esther, and the apostle John…just to name a few.  Young men and women who lived Godly lives and went on to accomplish great things for God…many during their “younger” years.

Young person (and I'm speaking to myself too)…we know in our hearts and through much prayer and guidance from the Father and those who we trust (a parent or mentor) that God has destined us to be involved in certain areas that mean something special to us.  Sometimes it may be hard for those outside our realm of closeness to realize that we indeed would be a great asset or addition to their particular ministry or area because they feel that we may be too young to be successful at it.  Paul, however, offers us some help!  Set an example.  Set an example in the way you act, speak, live, behave, move, decide, walk…I think you know where I’m going.  As young people, we have to prove ourselves…but not boastfully or sarcastically, rather through living as Christ.  We may have to do grunt work or things that we don’t necessarily want to do, but by doing these things in a timely manner and with a positive attitude, it shows others that we have what it takes to be a great asset to their team.

Living a Christ-like life shows maturity beyond your years and can really intrigue those who may be skeptical.  I love what God told the young prophet Jeremiah because it shows us that God has indeed called us as young people to do what He has designed us to do.  God says, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.  Before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5).  God designed you for a purpose.  Don’t let age stop you from fulfilling it.

“Seasoned” individuals, I have a word for you too!

Be willing to take a chance on us young folks.  Yes, we’re still learning the ropes of life, but we have a lot to offer the world.  We have energy, excitement, and lots of enthusiasm… especially about something we are passionate about.  We can be great advocates and supporters.  We may make a few mistakes along the way, but we will learn from them and know never to make that same mistake again.  We can even inspire our peers and even those younger to be involved in your particular area or ministry thereby increasing your workforce!

I wouldn’t be as involved in children’s ministry today if it wasn’t for an amazing mentor from Alabama who took a chance on a “misfit-middle-schooler” and let me become involved in children’s church on Sundays showing me that I have a love for teaching kids the Truth.  I wouldn’t have the media responsibilities at church today if it wasn’t for two dear ladies who taught me how to use the TV graphics equipment in our church media room, thereby inspiring me to become involved in all things media ministry.  All of these individuals took a chance on me and singled out gifts I never knew I had.  I’m forever grateful for that. 

Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children [young people] come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”  We are the next generation…teach us, inspire us, encourage us, and mold us into workers for the Kingdom so that we can do the same for those that come after us.

I absolutely love it when the young AND old can come together and serve God in unity.  As believers, we are brothers and sisters in Christ and we have a lot of gifts, experience, and knowledge to offer each other.  Our age should never be a factor in teaching, serving, reaching, or going.  God’s called us all…young and old…to great things, we just have to be ready and willing to do what He’s called us to do.  Take a chance, step out on faith, live as Christ, and be amazed at the journey on which God takes you!

I Serve At the Pleasure of....

I haven’t done a post in a while that lives up the original premise of this blog…meaning the phrase “living with a servant’s heart”…but I was inspired the other day to write this, so here it goes! :)

When I was in high school, I took AP Government.  Looking back, that seems so NOT me, but nevertheless, I took the course.  I remember that one of our assignments was to watch an episode of the TV show “The West Wing” and report on how it related to what we were studying.  I don’t remember anything about the episode, but I do remember thinking, “This is the most boring-ist show ever.  Why would I want to waste my time watching this?  I don’t understand politics.  Where’s the remote?  I want to change the channel!”

You know what’s funny about growing up?  You come to find out that things you didn’t like/appreciate as a kid, you begin to pick up/enjoy as an adult.  Think about it…vegetables, exercise, politics, etc… Well, now that the show is on Netflix, I now find myself watching episodes of “The West Wing.”  My…how time changes things :)

I am not a political junkie by any means and a bunch of stuff on that show still doesn’t make sense to me, but I was struck the other day with a phrase that I hear quite often on the show - “I serve at the pleasure of the president.”  All of the president’s staff and cabinet are found quoting that phrase when they are asked by the president to do something.  What an interesting phrase that I think we could most definitely relate to our service to Christ.

As believers, isn’t Christ our commander in chief?  Yes.  As believers, shouldn’t we live our lives in service to Him?  Yes.  In fact, God created us to serve Him – Ephesians 2:10, “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  God, through Christ, has given us more than we ever deserve – the best of which is eternal life through Christ – and so living our lives in service to Him is the very least we can do as believers.

In fact, God has gifted His children in many different ways so that they can serve Him through many different avenues.  Romans 12 speaks of the different gifts that God has given His children and says “even if we do have different gifts, use ‘em!” (that was APV – Allison Paraphrased Version).  Maybe you’re good at singing, computers, teaching, sports, driving…the list could go on and on.  GOD HAS A PLACE OF SERVICE JUST FOR YOU!  Christian ministries upon ministries exist in churches and communities today that could most definitely use the gifts and talents that God has given you.  Don’t waste them!  Use them to serve your commander in chief – your Creator – your Sustainer – your Redeemer!

Serving Him may take us out of our comfort zone, it may require sacrifice, and it may require more-than-normal trust in God.  No matter what the cost, He will bless you for your service to Him.  The binder that I use for all of our screen media information has a verse clearly displayed on the front cover that I pray is an inspiration to the volunteers for that ministry and I pray will be an encouragement to you.  It’s from John 12:26, where Jesus says, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also.  If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”

So…next time God asks you to do something just for Him, what will your response be?  May our hearts cry out – “I serve at the pleasure...of the King of Kings.”

It's Noisy in Here!

In the noise and confusion of day-to-day living, do we really stop and listen to what God is trying to tell us?  This noise and confusion doesn’t necessarily have to be audible commotion; it can be continuous thinking or even uncontrollable worrying.  I know for me personally, my mind is constantly wrapped up in thoughts of the day or thoughts about my future.  What words from the Lord have I missed out on because my mind was wrapped up in the noise and confusion of the hour?

This thought recalls to my mind the story of how God spoke to Samuel.  1 Samuel 3:4 says that one night before he had gone to sleep, the “Lord called Samuel.”  Thinking it was his teacher, Eli, Samuel ran to him and said, “You called.  I’m here.”  Eli must’ve said, “Um, sorry Sammy, but it wasn’t me.  Go back to bed.”  So Samuel went back to bed, but he heard his name again!  So again he goes to Eli, thinking it was him.  Eli says, “Sam, I didn’t call you.  You sure your hearing is okay?  Go back to bed.”  Samuel goes back to bed and again hears his name.  He goes to Eli once more, and by this time, Eli realizes that Samuel isn’t crazy and that God is the one who is calling Samuel’s name.  Eli says to Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if He [God] calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).  Samuel followed Eli’s instructions and when he heard God call his name for the fourth time he said, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).  God then proceeded to tell Samuel some important news.  We find out later that as Samuel grew, God “revealed Himself to Samuel through His word” (1 Samuel 3:21).

Most times, I feel like Samuel, in that I can’t hear beyond the noise of the day.  So many thoughts consume me that I don’t take time to truly stop and listen to what God wants to tell me.  I’m so thankful God is a patient and forgiving God who waits for me to shut off all the commotion so that I can focus on Him.  In His presence is knowledge, wisdom, understanding, life, peace, joy, love, strength, and the list goes on and on.  I love Psalm 16:11 that says if I go into His presence, He “will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of His presence and the pleasures of living with [Him] forever.”  In this season of my life, I am learning patience and “waiting upon the Lord.”  How can I “wait upon Him” if I don’t stop and listen?  Hmm…makes ‘ya think, doesn’t it!?!

Turning off the noise depends on me.  When that happens, like Samuel, I can truly say “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Living with a Servant's Heart in Phoenix, Arizona!

This has been a truly awesome week!  I have spent this week in hot Phoenix, AZ working at the Southern Baptist Convention as a page.  Being a page means you are responsible for having people fill out papers with their motions/amendments/points of order/etc. and delivering that motion/amendment/etc. to the platform.  The platform page is then responsible for delivering the motion/amendment/etc. to the page coordinator for editing and then to the Recording Secretary of the Convention for permanent record in the Convention books.  The platform page then makes copies of all the motions/amendments/etc. for delivery to The Committee on Order of Business, the press room, the Recording Secretary's office, and various other members of the platform.  I am the platform page and have been for the past 3 years.


I must confess, I love my job as a page.  It is so exciting as I get to experience everything from a birds-eye view.  Many of the other pages man microphones and thus only get to see what goes on at their particular microphone. Their job is not easy by any means!  Sometimes they have some pretty contentious people to deal with!  From where I stand on stage, I am able to see the entire convention floor and whether or not stations are covered, help is needed, or if meeting the page half-way might be better than having them walk the whole way.


According to the Recording Secretary, this year's convention has been historic:
1) It was the smallest convention since WW2
2) It was the first time a resolution was made and passed overwhelmingly (chosen resolutions are normally pre-determined and are not allowed to be discussed); however, the SBC body voted to vote this one through
3) It was the first time a person got up & nominated himself for president of the SBC (he didn't win)


I must admit, for a small convention, I thought it was quite busy.  There was a lot of back & forth among amendments and many questions for many of the convention entities.  But...I wouldn't trade that for the world...it kept me busy & completely engaged.  


All of this is to say...I love the Southern Baptist Convention...I love being a Southern Baptist, I love what the SBC stands for, & I love being able to work for the people who are the face of Southern Baptists.  If I could be a life-long page or a life-long convention worker, I would do it in a heart-beat.  Who knows, maybe I can?!?  


You see, I have dreamed of being able to work for the SBC or one of its entities.  I knew this time around, I had to network & market myself.  I was able to make some contacts and they gave me some great advice & encouragement.  They also said they would keep their ears & eyes open.  Some even offered to be references for me!  That's so affirming & I am so thankful!


Being a page helps me fulfill my life goal of being a servant for Christ & live with a servant's heart.  This week I have adhered to Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. God is the ultimate One that I want to please.  He is the source of my strength & the One I should praise, honor, magnify, & glorify with my life, actions, & service.


I thank you Lord for the gifts you have afforded to me and that you have allowed me to use them to follow you!  You have blessed me immensely this week by providing for me, allowing me to make key contacts, and by reaffirming the call you've placed in my life to serve you.  I desire nothing more than to live my life wholly and fully for you.  You are the One that I praise.  You are the One I adore.  I love you Lord.


A sidenote: for the record, it has been quite hot here in Phoenix!  Today's high was 107.  Arizona heat is dry, however, & so your hair doesn't do wacky things and it doesn't make you (or I guess me) sweat that much.  Phoenix is a very beautiful, clean city & I would love to return to sight-see someday.

Using your gifts to serve God

So this is it. First blog post...I've often wondered about starting one of these, I mean, why would someone want to read my ramblings?...And yes, I probably will ramble! But I got to thinking...with the struggles I've gone through this year and the blessings I've experienced, and all that God's taught me from these trials, blessings, and adventures...I can be a blessing to others through the insights I've gained throughout the year.

I call this blog, Living with a Servant Heart because that is my life-long goal. We should all have goals...to be good students, parents, leaders...and I believe, full-on, whole-hearted servants for our King. He has blessed us with a gift (or maybe even gifts) and expects us to use them. Come on, admit it, when you open a gift on Christmas morning that you've been waiting all year for, you're not going to not use it! No, you're going to use it and cherish it and the one who gave it to you. Why are the gifts that God has given you any different? We should use what He has given us and cherish Him who has given it/them to us.

God's for sure blessed me with some amazing gifts of singing, using computers, teaching others (esp. kids). I cherish them every day and thank Him every day for giving them to me. Sometimes, I'm overwhealmed by what all God's given me. I feel as though I should use each and every gift God's given me all the time and feel discouraged when I am not able to because of time or energy, but my dad gave me some good advice a few weeks ago, he said, "Allison, God's given us gifts to use at different points in our life. We may not be able to use all of them at one time, but we know that we will be able to use them in the future." That really reasonated with me and I believe was a word from the Lord himself, through my dad saying, "Allison, calm down...breathe. I know your heart. I have given you these gifts. Don't worry, you'll use them for me..in time."

My dear, dear Rabbi friend Greg Hershberg (well, he's the only Rabbi I know actually) said this a little over a month ago, "Don't serve God out of obligation, but desperation." This statement drove home the point of servant-hood to me. I serve God not because I feel as though I have to because of what He's done for me, but I serve God because I am desperate to do anything and everything for Him BECAUSE of what He's done for me!

I know God's given you a gift. It could be the gift of encouragement, singing, technology, art, teaching, driving, and the list goes on and on. You know you have it and you know you're good at it. Don't set it by the wayside and say, "Oh, I don't have time for it." "There are other people better at these things than me." "I'll do it later." God gave you the ultimate, greatest gift ever - eternal life through His Son Jesus. Aren't you desperate to give back to Him? Using your gift for Him is a sure-fire way to do so! And in the process, you will be showing the love of Christ to others and become a blessing to others in the process. Being a blessing will inspire others to serve God too. It'll be a chain reaction! :)

My parents had us watch "Psalty the Singing Songbook" videos on Sunday morning and I'll never forget this one song on one of the videos that has still stayed with me even to this day. The little girl stood there with a flower in her hand and sang to God, singing, "Make me a servant, humble and meek; Lord, let me lift up those who are weak. And may the prayer of my heart always be, make me a servant. Make me a servant. Make me a servant, today." I have made that my life's prayer and song from that moment I first heard that song on the video. Make that you're servant-song too.

"And may the prayer of my heart always be....Make me a servant. Make me a servant. Make me a servant, today."

Well, hopefully I didn't ramble too much! I just wanted to share my heart. I hope that I can share more with you in the future. Pray for me as I continue to walk this journey with the Lord, that I follow His ways and His will. I just want to serve Him...for the rest of my life.