serving others

Love Does No Harm

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“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.  The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery’, ‘Do not murder’, ‘Do not steal’, ‘Do not covet’, and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.  Love does no harm to its neighbor.  Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Romans 13:8-10

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while visiting the Garden of the Gods park near Colorado Springs)

Life of Love

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“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Ephesians 5:1-2

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Spiritual Gifts

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“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.  If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.  To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.  Amen.”

1 Peter 4:10-11

(This photo was taken in June 2012 in Chicago while on a mission trip)

What Do Others See In Us?

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It is said that people can learn about other people by watching their actions.  This is very prevalent with toddlers and young children.  When we are little we are like a sponge soaking up whatever we are exposed to…when a child is playing with something and gets frustrated and exclaims “Dammit” the adults will look in surprise and wonder where did you hear that?  Well they don’t come up with it all by themselves…they have witnessed it either live in-person or on TV or some other form of media.

This ability to learn by watching others does not disappear completely when we become adults.  Yet in our self-centered world we forget the impact our actions have on those around us.  The most popular verse around this thought is John 13:35…“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  There is also a popular christian song entitled “They will know we are Christians by our love”…it has been covered many times by groups like Jars of Clay, For King and Country and artists like Rebecca St. James.

All of this points to one simple fact, people will know what you stand for by how you act in every situation and every interaction…so when you think about your daily life…What do others see in you?

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

(This photo was taken in the fall of 2013 by my daughter in central Minnesota)

Comfort and Healing

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“Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

James 5:13-16

(This photo was taken in the summer of 2013 at Custer State Park in South Dakota)

Friends and Faith

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“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.  Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.  If anyone thinks his is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.  Each one should test his own actions.  Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.  Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please the sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Galatians 6:1-10

(This photo was taken in July of 2014 by my friend Matt while our families were spending time together at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Use Your Gifts

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“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.  Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:8-10

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at Kaanapali beach on Maui)