Wash My Feet

 “So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.”John‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭5‬

The example in scripture of Jesus’ washing his disciples feet is an act of humility and a way to die to self.

Most people don’t like people messing with their feet. Feet take the beating of the entire body with cracks, corns, blisters, hammer toes and so forth and many are ashamed of their feet.

To allow feet washing is a sign of humility. I have heard of weddings where the bride and groom wash each other’s feet as a way to die to self and serve the other. What about you, could you allow someone to wash your feet? Not a pedicure but truly be humble and let someone serve you in that way. In the faith based movie ‘Redeeming Love’ the character Michael played by actor Tom Lewis washes his brides Angel (Abigail Cowen) feet after she had run away yet again on the dusty road leading back to the brothel. (Check it out on Netflix).
Humble yourself and in due time you will be exalted. It’s just feet. 

PRAYER: Father help me not be so uptight about serving in areas that seem dirty and ugly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Is Your Identity Your Idol?

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.Revelation 3:20 

I was thinking of this and came up with a few identities formerly or now for myself. Athlete, gym girl, runner, hiker, movie goer, Ohio girl, Army officer, energizer bunny, Superintendents kid, writer and so forth. Is your identity rooted in what you do and what you want people to know about you and admire or is it rooted in Christ?

Perhaps you were on fire for the Lord at one time but somehow got derailed by the culture who made you think you don’t need ‘religion’. Deep down if you once trusted Christ as your savior what caused that identity to be thrown in the recycle bin? 

You may need to have your spiritual fire relit and you may even need new friends. If your peers live more for the culture forgetting Christ it may be time for a re-set. Have you found a church home to build relationships in or is Sunday your play day? You need a place to go to worship Christ as King and one where God’s word is honored and taught. Start today and search your heart. Forgive yourself for mistakes and ask God to help you find your identity in Him. 

PRAYER: Lord forgive me when I have tossed my faith aside and let this culture and its lies and temptations shape me. I pray for anyone I know stuck in a rut who needs to run back to Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

You Can’t Force People To Like You

"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."Proverbs 27:17

Not everyone is a people person and for those of us who are it is hard when you are shunned or belittled or hurt verbally in any way. If that happens you need to pray for the person being ugly as there may be underlying causes that made this behavior happen. 

The age of social media has hurt many for if you are blocked or unfriended it hurts but social media is not real, remember that. I challenge those on it to fast from it for a while. It may do you a world of good use the time you would scroll to pray. 

Just remember that God always loves you and he is a 24/7 friend. It is Satan who tries to get you distraught even for some to the point of taking their own life. Cry out to God and let Him hear your heart. 

PRAYER: Father I give you my life, my friends, my family, my concerns. I lay them all at the foot of the cross. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

 

 

 

Honor Our Heroes

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends”Johnson 15:13

Today is a day set aside not to shop for a new mattress but to pay respects to those service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. 

Memorial Day originated as Decoration Day in 1868 to honor Union soldiers who died in the Civil War and has evolved into a national day of remembrance for all U.S. military personnel who died in service.(Pasted from Co pilot google search). Originally it was celebrated on 30 May but due to Monday’s being deemed holiday 3 day weekend days moved. 

Do you like your freedom? Remember those heroes who jumped on grenades, died on battlefields and by roadside bombs, and many other ways to secure our freedom. Those still alive have scars mental and physical. On Veteran’s Day in November we honor all veterans but today it is for the war dead. Remember the heart break of their families too and find a Veterans cemetery to go pay tribute. 

PRAYER: Here in America we are so blessed. Even though we have had attacks on our own shore most of the time we are safe due to men and women who answered the call to serve. Let us not forget this huge sacrifice. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

What Is A Birthday?

The day you were born regardless of the circumstances is pretty important. You were created by God for a distinct purpose whether you have discovered that purpose or not. 

A birthday is not something to dread but seemingly after someone hits 40 they start bemoaning their wrinkles, age spots, gray hairs. Give thanks for each day of life and celebrate whatever milestone you are at. 

The culture makes older people out to be helpless like ‘put them in a home’ so you aren’t bothered by their aging issues. Older people are to be honored and respected. Open doors for them. Help lift carry on bags into the overhead. You get the idea? Eat healthy food, watch your weight, and get exercise to take care of your ‘temple’ as lots of medical issues stem from not taking care of yourself properly. And give thanks for the gift of life. 

PRAYER: Father I ask you help me to show respect for all people and those who are older than me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Run To The Marvelous Light

 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Do you realize that God is not the author of confusion or pain? No matter what is going on in your life right now He is with you whether you feel it or not. 

Don’t base things on feelings but on faith. You have to believe that God has heard your prayers and is working things for your good and He knows the big picture so to speak.  

Lean in to God. Talk to Him daily just like He is right there sitting next to you on the sofa. No fancy King James language required. He loves you and wants you to love Him back. 

PRAYER: I need you Lord. Use me in lives of people you place in my path whether family, friends, or strangers. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Can You Sit Tight?

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Sit tight means to refrain from taking action or to be still. This takes self control which is a fruit of the Spirit. When you try to play Holy Spirit Junior you can make a real mess of things. 

What are you waiting on in your life? Waiting and ‘sitting tight’ takes discipline. When your human nature wants to take matters into its’ own hands trouble and chaos is knocking at the door. 

Our world does not like waiting. There is instant everything. No wonder you have a difficult time being still. I am dealing with something now and my fingers want to text or my mouth wants to open so I have to cry out to God. What do you need from God? 

PRAYER: Father in the big scheme of things are have things pretty good yet when I seemingly want more or try to orchestrate things it is not good. Help me remember to give all things to you and to smile when doing it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.