Servant Leadership

DAILY VERSE

But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.

Mark 10:43

DEVOTION

Jesus’s vision of leadership must have shocked his disciples. How can a leader also be a servant? This question continues to challenge believers even today. Most people tend to seek positions of power rather than opportunities for humble service.

We must treat others with respect, care for their human needs and seek what is best for them, even as we seek the best for the organization in which we are a leader. When we are in charge of people, we are called to be their servants.

He explained that Gentile leaders “lord it over their people” and “flaunt their authority.” But followers of Jesus must walk a different path.

Then God Stepped in…

DAILY VERSE

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1

DEVOTION

The Old Testament is full of references to the coming of Christ. Knowing the New Testament only cements that as you go through it. References will leap from the page when you least expect it.

His-story is something to behold. Man created in the image of God, unable to follow His strict instructions and warnings, fails. Kicked out of the Garden, clothed in animal skins, doomed to toil for eternity.

Then God stepped in and made a way back to Himself!

God if Watching…

DAILY VERSE

Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.

Proverbs 24:12

DEVOTION

Our conscience is what prods us when we are doing something wrong. Most of us with common sense have a clear vision of what’s right and what’s wrong.

In Texas, we have the usual four lanes of traffic on the freeway. But it’s unspoken knowledge that the far-right lane is a free-for-all, the next is 10 miles an hour over the speed limit, and so on.

You can bet that the next state trooper who pulls you over and gets a “Look, I didn’t know” is surely going to blow his or her lid.

God is watching…

Forks in the Road

DAILY VERSE

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.

Proverbs 12:1

DEVOTION

We’ve all had plans for our futures. Some may be lucky enough to see those plans accomplished, but for most of us, our lives seem to take some offramps and turn us down forks in the road we didn’t see coming.

Just remember, God has you where he wants you.

It may not be where you expected or wanted to be, but God has you there for a reason. You may never find out why God pointed you in a certain direction, but He put you there to accomplish things He put into motion.

A Huge Crowd of Wintnesses

DAILY VERSE

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.

Hebrews 12:1

DEVOTION

“A crowd of witnesses” is watching. We tend to forget that our walk is not a solo endeavor. We have fellow believers surrounding us with prayers, ready to give us advice, but they’re also watching us for pointers.

God created us to be relational. That’s why the church was created. We will face many trials throughout our lives. We cannot bear that weight alone, nor should we.

God has placed people in your life for a purpose. Don’t hesitate to ask them for help when the waters get deep.

Enough

DAILY VERSE

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.

Psalm 23:1

DEVOTION

We, as a society, have become used to having everything at our fingertips. Consumerism has gotten much of society to focus on accumulating “things” as opposed to being content with small luxuries.

It’s easy to get overtaken by this sort of thinking. But if we focus on what we have, our salvation, and our relationship with Jesus, we quickly realize we have enough.

Everything good comes from God. We should gratefully approach Him with thanksgiving.

Our Thought-Life Matters

DAILY VERSE

It is the thought-life that defiles you.

Mark 7:20

DEVOTION

They say, “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.” It’s undoubtedly true. The enemy is always waiting for a way in. If not focused on good things, our thought-life can easily fail us.

We’ve all been there; out of nowhere, a strange thought comes into your mind. It even shocks you that it popped in there. But isn’t that how Satan works? We have to be vigilant over our minds if we are to thwart the enemy’s attacks.

Be On Guard

DAILY VERSE

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away. Their worship is a farce, for they replace God’s commands with their own man-made teachings.”

Mark 7:7

DEVOTION

There are people who talk the talk, but don’t walk the walk.

As Christians, we like to give our business to fellow believers. We place our trust in people who walk through the church doors, believing they are like-minded.

Unfortunately, some people are still under the assumption that works will gain them entry into heaven, and by that, they have no faith at all.

Be on guard. Actions speak louder than words.

Your Eyes Have Been Opened!

DAILY VERSE

They still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the multiplied loaves, for their hearts were hard and they did not believe.

Mark 6:52

DEVOTION

As you go through the New Testament you realize how often Jesus rebuked His disciples and lamented, “How long must I put up with you?”

The truth had been hidden from them. It was quite some time before they started catching on to the fact that He was actually the Messiah.

So, it’s understandable a world that has not yet been exposed to Jesus would not recognize His position over them. The love and miracles. The grace and redemption.

Once you experience Jesus, there’s no going back. Your eyes have been opened!