Give all you have got

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

Have you ever been around someone who is “next level” in terms of their passion for what they do? I know people like that, and they inspire me. This brings them a greater sense of purpose and begins to make a difference for those around them.

Serving is about what we can do to meet the needs of others. God wants us to take the things we are most passionate about and use them for the good of others and, ultimately, His glory. There are several qualities that true servants have in common:

Serving requires humility. Those who serve always think highly of others and elevate their needs ahead of their own. Even though they are experts, the best will never make you feel inferior for not knowing what to do. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; they’ll make you feel special.

Serving requires learning. Those who serve are always seeking knowledge and wisdom because others are depending on them. Leaders are made to serve others and need to “stay ahead” of those they serve with insight and knowledge.

Serving requires commitment. Those who serve have an unwavering commitment to others’ success. They don’t give up when challenges or obstacles arise. In fact, those bumps in the road energize them to help you overcome. They reject excuses and encourage you to do the same.

It’s an act of love to lay down your life for another. Using the gifts and talents God has given you is a powerful way to make a big difference for others.

How can you use your passions and gifts to serve others? 

Dear Lord, You have made us and You know us. You know how You want to reach the world through us. Please show us how You can use the things we are passionate about to serve and encourage family and friends. Give us a heart for service that comes from Your love.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

A passion for Jesus

Psalm 63:1 (ESV)

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

    my soul thirsts for you;

my flesh faints for you,

    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

In the Antarctic summer of 1908-1909, Sir Ernest Shackleton and three companions attempted to travel to the South Pole from their winter quarters. They set off with four ponies to help carry the load. Weeks later, their ponies dead, rations all but exhausted, they turned back toward their base, their goal not accomplished. Altogether, they trekked 127 days. On the return journey, as Shackleton records in The Heart of the Antarctic, the time was spent talking about food -- elaborate feasts, gourmet delights, and scrumptious menus. As they staggered along, suffering from dysentery, not knowing whether they would survive, every waking hour was occupied with thoughts of eating. Jesus, who also knew the ravages of food deprivation, said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." We can understand Shackleton's obsession with food, and it offers a glimpse of the passion Jesus intends for our quest for righteousness.

Dear Lord, help us to have a passion for the things of You. Help us be faithful as we seek the things You have for each of us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

What is Your Passion?

Psalm 119:97 (NIV)

Oh, how I love your law!

    I meditate on it all day long.

One of the most unusual tourist attractions could be found in the Kensington, PEI area in Canada , between 1958 and May of 2008. The vision for this unusual attraction was that of Lieutenant Ernest Johnstone, who fell in love with the splendor of Great Britain while in military service during WWI. As his vision grew into a passion, he determined to share this splendor with those back home by replicating many of England's most renowned castles and buildings on his native Prince Edward Island.

Once back from the war, Lt. Johnstone purchased a 45 acre farm near Kensington. He immediately began to fill in the hollows, uprooted the old, dying trees, and hauled tons of granite rock. After the Second World War, he and his son, Archie set to work. By 1958, his reputation had spread all over the world and tourists came in droves to visit his replicas. Eventually he opened his grounds to the public.

During that time, anyone can purchase tickets to enjoy some 30 miniature replicas of British structures, ranging from the York Minster Cathedral, to Dunvegan Castle, to the magnificent Tower of London. The grounds hosting these works of art were composed of well-manicured gardens in the perfect British style. Many of the structures could be entered, and these are furnished with famous paintings, replicas of furniture of the era, and even replicas of the British crown jewels!

What began as a passion for sharing Great Britain architecture with Prince Edward Islanders, became renowned worldwide, and was shared with over well over three million travelers from around the world. Just like Lt. Johnstone had a passion, we as Christians, do as well. Our passion is to share our love for Jesus to the world around us.  And just like Lt. Johnstone was able to turn his passion into something great, we can turn our passion for Christ into something monumental just by sharing Jesus with one other person. We may be concerned about how people will receive our testimony; however, if we persevere, a spark will be ignited that will, with the help of God's Spirit, spread like wild fire.

It only takes one testimony to snatch a soul out of the devil's grasp. Will it be yours?

Dear Lord, Help our passion be for You. Help us use that passion to spread the spark of Your love to one person today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.