Friday, June 19, 2020

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TO BE SERVED OR TO SERVE?

Today’s Reading: Matthew 19-20

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

 

A young man seeks God in St. Gabriel Church, a Greek Orthodox church in Nazareth. This is the place where some believe that the angel appeared to the Virgin Mary announcing that she would give birth to Jesus. In the crypt of the church flows what is called “Mary’s Spring,” an artesian well from which the people of Nazareth would draw their drinking water.

Key Verses: Matthew 20:27-28

And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave– just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.

 

There are several key differences between the structure and leadership of a typical company and the Church. The first difference is apparent in our key verses. Usually in a secular setting, a leader emerges who is hard-driving, ambitious, and strives for a higher position. This is entirely the opposite of Christ’s teaching regarding the Church. Only the humble should lead; they lead not from a place of pride, but from a position of serving. Another difference has to do with power. In the Church, the “Chief Executive Officer” is always the Chief Servant, and we seek to serve Him, the Lord Jesus, instead of ourselves.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Jesus, please make my heart more and more like Yours – a servant’s heart. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I learned a lot from my Dad. He was a farm boy who served in WWI, had an earned doctorate, served as a college President, and served God in Egypt as a missionary for 21 years. Twice when he came home on furlough, he was assigned to a country charge (Pastoring two or more congregations). He kept coveralls and boots in the trunk of the car. He would visit from farm to farm, find the farmer, and ask if he could help him clean the cow stable. When I had a day off school, I’d be there with him. After an hour or so of work, he would say to the farmer, “Do you suppose we could have prayer with you and your wife?” He was never turned down. The churches filled up and people came to know Christ.

Yours as a slave of the One who washed other people’s feet,

David

P.S. A few years back, I was interviewed by Jim Cantelon on the 100 Huntley Street telecast during Father’s Day week, and I shared about my father. If you would like to watch it, click HERE for part one and HERE for part two.

16 thoughts on “Friday, June 19, 2020”

  1. Yes, we pray Jesus, that You make our hearts more and more like Yours – a servant’s heart. Amen! We love You Lord God. You are our only hope in this lost and darkened world. But Satan will not win because You are the King and the ultimate victory is Yours. We help You claim that victory with our prayers and remaining in Your Word, Lord. We give You all the thanks and praise. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. His blessings upon you, fellow saints in the Lord. May your day be truly rich.

    May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
    May the Lord grant all your requests.
    Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
    He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.
    Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
    Psalm 20:5-7 NIV

    “You Know My Name” sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-vz-EWiIsY

    Reply ↓

  2. Love that Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I think that’s a little bit of Heaven! All nations in unison praising God. I knew pretty much about David’s history but I am still amazed at how faithful he was and how God delivered him from the scars of the past. He will do that for anyone who will truly seek Him. Thank you Lord.

    Reply ↓

  3. “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” We ask, Lord, for Your will to be done in our families, our homes, our communities, our workplaces, and our countries. How we need You!
    Thank You for these faithful witnesses like David Mainse, his father before him, his wife and children after him. You have Your faithful ones in every generation, Father, and we pray for this generation we are part of. Help each one of Your people pass the Truth on to those around them. In Jesus’s name, amen

    Reply ↓

  4. Thank you to everyone who prayed / is praying for the young couple that I mentioned yesterday, Scott and Marie. I am believing that God will respond to our collective prayers and do a miracle in their lives and the lives of their children, for His glory.
    Thank you Beverlee for your very valid concern. I would not post anyone’s name without permission. It would violate people’s privacy and interfere in their personal circumstances. We need to be sensitive to that……thank you for mentioning it so that I could clarify.

    Praying a blessing on each and everyone today. May the Lord come to your rescue wherever you need it.

    Reply ↓

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