Encouragement for Today - Aug. 15, 2006

August 15, 2006

Encouragement for Today

“Jesus and the 12 Dudes Who Did”

Katherine Cottle, Graduate of She Speaks Conference

Principle 6

Key Verse:

John 13:14-15, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (NIV)

Devotion:

I once heard that a good test of our parenting skills is how well your children act when you are not around. Who are they when they do not have your constant guidance? When given the choice between the forbidden fruit or life in the garden will they have enough sense to choose life and not repeat the fall of man?

With that in mind, I confess that I am afraid whenever we leave our four-year-old son, Ethan, with a babysitter. What will he try to get into that, he knows is off limits? Did I remember to warn the babysitter about his escape techniques? Will he choose to obey? Will my babysitter ever want to come back? I remind myself that perfect love casts out all fear and I take my husband’s hand and pray for both of them as I shut the door (1John 4:18).

One evening our babysitter, Miss Allison, read the book Jesus and the 12 Dudes Who Did by Mindy MacDonald at bedtime. She told Ethan that Jesus washed the disciple’s feet to give them an example of how to serve one another. She explained that we could show others love by serving them. Suddenly, our impulsive son bolts out of the bed shocking Miss Allison. What was going on in his little head? Where did he go? What was he up to?

A minute later, in the doorway stood Ethan with a dripping wet washcloth in his hand.

“I have to wash your feet Miss Allison to show you that I love you,” he said.

My heart was full when Allison told me what happened. Happiness replaced the fear. It was overwhelming to hear how quickly he heard what the Lord wanted him to do and did it. He chose to act like one of the 12 dudes who did. The disciples may not have always gotten it right the first time but we know about salvation today because when Jesus asked them to go out and tell the world about him, they did. They showed Jesus that they loved him by serving others.

I was secretly jealous because “Mom” has to tell Ethan things repeatedly but the beautiful babysitter did not even ask and he jumped at the opportunity to serve her. Looking past my jealousy, I started to think about how often the Lord has shown me ways to serve others. How have I responded? Did I jump right up and do as He asked, or did I run as hard as I could in the opposite direction? Did I make several excuses about how I could not possibly be the right one for the job and give him a complete list with phone numbers and addresses of others who are far more qualified than I am? I am sure they would at least have more time than I do! When given the choice that will lead to life, will I choose it?

Our son is showing signs of a servant’s heart, one that hears the Lord and does what he is asked. I desire to be that type of child. I want to be a “dudette” who does. What type of child are you choosing to be?

My Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, Please help me to be a dudette who does your will, In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Application Steps:

Prayerfully consider what the Lord has enabled you to do and make a list of the opportunities that God has given you for service. Stop making excuses and get to work loving and serving others as God leads.

Reflection Points:

What are some ways that the Lord is currently using you to serve others?

How can you encourage others to serve with you in a community outreach?

Do you need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for service to others?

Jesus washed the disciples’ feet; no act of service is too small or too unimportant.

Power Verses:

James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (NIV)

Luke 18:17, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (NIV)

Matthew 20:26-28, “…Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (NIV)