Week 24- #Prepare “Service”

“The Greatest Example"

For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.” - Mark 10:45

Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. - Philippians 2:4

Every believer has received grace gifts, so use them to serve one another as faithful stewards of the many-colored tapestry of God’s grace. - 1 Peter 4:10

I have several theories why some people fail to share their gifts with others.

I believe one reason is many of us think we have nothing worth giving.

For some, they may not know how to share the gifts, because it’s never been modeled for them.

While still others have yet to even acknowledge the gifts they have in the first place.

Well let me just remind you, the reader, you don’t have to be exceptionally talented or “gifted” to serve. In reality all you need to do is be aware of the needs of those around you.

And then prepare to take action.

Sometimes serving simply means being present with someone who needs the comfort of an intentional and concerned listener, while other opportunities can provide a variety of actionable acts of service, filling in the gaps for others crossing our paths.

Although an extremely admirable and memorable experience, acts of service must not be evident only within the annual mission trip, or church outreach, but should be displayed in our acts of random kindness to our fellow man on a daily basis.

When our preparedness is practiced by keeping our daily walk consistent, then we will be able to see through God’s eyes, exemplifying our readiness. Even when unexpected spontaneous service opportunities appear.

And if we are to prepare for real service, we must do what Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:4 to “Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.”

If we have any desire DADs in our hearts to be like Jesus, and be the DAD God calls us to be, we can prepare to serve others by starting with our children and our wives.

DADs, you cannot hide behind the thought that you have nothing to give or gifts to share. All it takes is a desire to put your needs behind others and be alert for action.

“For even the Son of Man did not come expecting to be served by everyone, but to serve everyone, and to give his life as the ransom price in exchange for the salvation of many.” Mark 10:45

DADs, let us not forget we were made to serve. We have no excuse. The greatest example has gone before us.

To God be the glory!

DADs, “get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon Men Suit Up!

**Today we discussed preparation to “Service.” Next week we will consider how critical it is to prepare “Reflect” along the life’s journey.

Note:*For this new year of 2021, the combination of my age (understanding my own fragile mortality), this current and ongoing global pandemic, and most recently the personal loss I’ve experienced of one of my students, has amplified the need to land on one word...#Prepare.

In this "pursuit to prepare" I am determined to dedicate the 52 weeks of 2021 blogging every Week about one aspect of preparation God lays on my heart.

As mentioned in week 1, the word “prepare” means “to establish, fix, or apply.” It conveys the idea of deliberate effort over a prolonged period of time.