Unseen and Hidden Heros

  
     As I was thinking of what to share today, I couldn't help but think of those who are always "behind the scenes" serving; in our churches, schools and communities.  It seems I have been in the nursery more than in the church service over the last few months and I have been reminded that there are so many servants that go unnoticed and unrecognized  because what they do is not out in the open where everyone can see, its not glamorous or showy. Throughout scripture the Lord was always reaching out and or ministering in some way to the" least of these". The women at the well, the tax collector, the lepers and servers like Martha and Mary and many more. Christ had a heart for the unloved and unseen people around him. Do we?  I have asked the Lord to show me the "hidden heros" around me and then show me how to love and minister to them as HE did. Its amazing when you just ask, how HE will answer. HE is just waiting for us to ask.
   I will never forget a phone call with my daughter when she was visiting in the mental ward in a local hospital. " Mom, she said " These workers and those they are helping are truly  the "least of these" that no one sees "It breaks my heart" she said. She then later shared with me how she felt led to bring all the workers on that floor dinner and how surprised they were that someone took notice of them and their patients.  I have often recalled her saying that and the actions she took when I see the homeless, those that clean our schools, churches and other public places , the bag boys, the garbage men, those that care for our loved ones in hospitals and nursing homes and I could go on and on. Sometimes they just need a smile and a thank you for a job well done, an encouraging word , offer to help or fix them a meal to show they are appreciated. These small acts can often open the door to share Christ and His love for them.
   When we take the time to acknowledge or talk with the "Unseen and Hidden Heros" in our lives ,we will see that they are just like us. The same God that created us created them and loves them equally as he does you and I.
  Lord, I pray you will show us how to love and acknowledge the unseen and " hidden hero's" around us everyday. Help us to thank them and show them acts of kindness in return for how they serve us. Forgive us for how we pass by or tend to look down at them and even think lesser of them because of the job they do, how they act or how they dress. Bring the "least of these" to our attention all around us and show us how to love them as you love them Lord. Remind us Lord, that when we serve them we are serving you.
    
Matthew 25:40  Assuredly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me"    

 
    

"What Did She say?"

      Have you ever been in a conversation and heard someone say something harsh or hurtful about another person? I would venture to say that all of us have. We have been either the recipient of the hurtful words or we have been the one who has said the hurtful words.  The bible has a lot to say on this subject ,so alot of what I will share is straight from scripture. Can I just say that we have all been guilty of not harnessing our mouth and speaking before we think. It is part of the sin nature within us that Satan likes to use to do the most harm within our homes, churches and relationships in general.  How can we control these harsh and hurtful words from leaving our tongues? The bible tells us that it is the most difficult part of our bodies to harness. " For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word he is a perfect man, also able to bridle the whole body." James 3:2.
The first thing we must realize is that we cannot do this on our own. " But no man can tame the tongue ,it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:8.  Isn't it amazing how in the same sentence we can be kind and then spout of  words that crush and  tear down those we love.  "Out of the same month proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so." James 3:10. So, where do we start? The first place I recommend is memorizing Gods word. "His words I have hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119 . God tells us right here that memorizing His word helps prevent us from sinning so I think this is a great start!  Hurtful words come from the heart. The more of Gods word we have hidden in our hearts the less room for harmful words. So if Gods word squeezes out evil words, lets get memorizing! Also the more we submit to the Holy Spirit the less we are in control of our words and actions, which we all know never turn out that well. We have to submit to His power daily, His power prevails over our fleshly desires, of envy and self seeking, that produce the harmful words towards others. It is the filling of His spirit that replaces our evil and fleshly spirit.  "Come Holy Spirit and fill us today. " are words to a powerful song we always sang in church when I was growing up. So thankful God is bringing them to mind as I share with you today.  He is always faithful and will continue  to mold and chisel away  at our hard hearts whether we want Him to or not. It is much easier though if we are willing to let Him. " Lord , I desire to become more and more like you ,so fill me with your spirit and words so I can speak words that encourage and build up others. May I be an earthy example of your love and kindness towards my brothers and sisters in Christ and a world that needs to know you."

Serving is a Lifestyle

    As we have begun a new year the Lord has impressed on my heart a more intentional call to serve. What does that look like and how can we more effectively serve those around us. First, let me say that to really serve as the Lord intended us too we must be in a place where we  fellowship with him daily, in His word and in prayer. This is how we begin to hear the Lord speak and prick our hearts to act on His behalf.
    I was at a women's retreat a few weekends ago and got to hear a sweet friend share how she and her family have weaved serving others into their daily lives.  This was such a confirmation of the Lords working in my heart in this area.  I have always had a heart for serving but through the years feel like it has been sparatic at times. I have quenched the spirits nudging often times due to "business" even church business. Can you imagine that we can  get so busy doing church work that we lose site of "His work".  Our desire to be active in the church  is wonderful and God honoring, but if we are not careful , it can be all consuming to the point of neglecting the call to serve and love the lost community outside of our church walls.
    The Lord will prompt your heart daily to the needs around you if you are in daily contact with Him. He speaks when we get still and listen. We cannot be thoroughly equipped for service without ongoing exposure to Scripture. This week as I asked the Lord to prick my heart to the needs of others and it was amazing to me how He spoke just because I asked. The blessings from serving are unmeasureable if we will just listen and act. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 "To this end we always pray for you, that God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power" I encourage you to pray for flexibility in your schedule and creativity as you serve others. It is an exciting command and calling on our lives as believers! This is my friend Rhonda's website if you would like to see some of her creativity in serving.  www.cultivatingahome.com    Happy Serving!