Hello! I am Sue Hoppen and welcome to King of Kings’ Lenten Devotions, “Transformed in Christ”
Today is March 26th and this week we are reminded to Be Like Jesus in Dealing with Brokenness
Today’s truth that transforms is: Serve Others First As an Offering to the Lord
Our Scripture reading is from Colossians 3
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
How are we “Transformed in Christ” and shaped to be more like Him?
Mother Theresa would require of volunteers at least one hour of prayer a day before they could assist in caring for the poorest of the poor. Those that were not able to spend such intentional times with the Lord seldom lasted in this emotionally exhausting work. Why? Their first service was that which is given to the Lord, not just those suffering. Even what might seem futile, bringing some comfort or dignity to the dying, these servants can first offer their service to Lord. This is what Jesus did. His life was first an offering to God and then to us. That is what we do as well. We first minister to Jesus as we minister to the needs of those around us. As you serve others today, think first about who you are first serving. You are serving Jesus who has first served you!
Unexpected, warm, salty tears rushed down my cheeks as I pulled through the intersection and headed home.
Part of a small, dedicated group of Jesus lovers who serve the hungry weekly downtown, we see many “God things” happen. A woman with the group, kneeling on the ground, tending to someone’s dirty, burned hands, tenderly rubbing them with water and gently administering first aid. So beautiful, it reminded me of Jesus being down washing others’ feet.
The tiny immigrant lady who buys, cooks, and transports healthy, delicious food each week to serve about a hundred or so. The retiree with his van full of tables, utensils, fresh fruit, everything else, and sets it all up every week as he is telling people Jesus loves them. Stories and prayer, smiles, tears being shared. Hot summers or freezing winters. Reciting on those days, “This is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24.
God has plans for me and for you too. God may whisper, He may shout, either way, He calls to us to serve others in His name. (Matthew 25:40). It doesn’t matter what the person I am handing food to looks like or what they have done. They are a child of God, created in His image and He loves them just as much as He loves me, so I love them. I had to learn to be comfortable with this. He tells me to trust Him, (Proverbs 3:5), so after spending time with Him in His word and in prayer, I trust Him and it is amazing.
On this day, I got to give my shoes to a woman whose shoes were tattered and barely hanging on to her feet. She walks around downtown sharing the Gospel and can’t do that barefoot. She had just prayed about it with someone, and God answered their prayer immediately! We wear the same size and in a flash my shoes were in front of her and her eyes got so big! We hugged, we prayed, thanked Jesus, and I walked to my car feeling the gravel poking at my feet, but could hardly keep from dancing! I was so humbled and honored for the privilege of being a small part in His plan. I want that for you too; please give Him your attention and listen. He is calling you.