Monday Morning Encouragement - Make Me a Servant

 

Source: Heartlight.org


"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10


As the youngest of three children, born to a mother almost forty years old, I was told that I was "an accident". I'm sure my mother didn't mean to hurt me with those words. In her mind it was a simple fact . . . I wasn't a planned pregnancy, so therefore I was conceived "accidentally." Although hearing that from her lips caused some distress in my young life, after hearing the gospel and receiving Christ, I then understood that my conception was not an unplanned pregnancy. My Heavenly Father planned my birth from before the creation of the earth, and He had work He wanted to accomplish through me. He still does.


The Westminster Catechism defines a man or woman's purpose in life as "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." We glorify God when we live according to the truth of His word the Bible, come to know Him intimately, and understand that our true home is Heaven. We're just passing through here.


We enjoy God when we follow His purpose for our life, which simply put means when we are serving Him. This is the "abundant life" that Christ taught. When we perform acts of service, something wonderful happens. We begin to see how our life can make a difference. We may not influence the world like the great evangelist D. L. Moody, but think about his Sunday School teacher Edward Kimball. Mr. Kimball told Moody how much God loved him, and that led to Moody's conversion. Moody went on to evangelize thousands of people. Although Edward Kimball is largely unknown, God used him significantly in His plan to reach the unsaved.


This is just one of many inspiring stories of faithful Christians who make a difference every day for Christ. The great  Hebredes Revival of Scotland in 1949 came after two elderly housebound sisters Peggy and Christine Smith began to pray for revival. 


My point in sharing these particular stories is that God often calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. We may never see the fruit of our service, but rest assured that nothing we do in the name of Christ goes unnoticed by Him. Our work doesn't save us. We are saved through grace by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, our gratitude to Jesus for His sacrifice should move us to open our hearts to service.


Today's music video is Make Me a Servant by the Maranatha singers. Although it was recorded sometime ago, it still speaks to me about being Christ's servant. I hope you enjoy it.




I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.



24 comments

  1. THIS is a great blog post!
    Thank you for sharing your heart.

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    1. Thank you, Christine. Nice to see your pretty face! xx

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  2. Hi Nancy,
    Unfortunately a lot of unplanned babies or as they were sometimes called "change of life babies" were born. My brother was one and my mom made the mistake of telling him he was a mistake and that profoundly effected him. I am sorry that happened to you too. Words sometimes can really hurt in deep ways. I am glad you got to know that you are wanted and loved just as any other baby. We are all conceived and meant to be here and have purpose. I am so happy you were born and have touched my life. xoxo Kris

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    1. Thank you for these sweet words, my friend. They mean a lot. xx

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  3. Such a great reminder, Nancy. And that song! 😭 I’m feeling it as I move my parents and “help those who are weak”.

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    1. You are and always have been a true servant, Linda. It may be time for a "catch up" phone call. Hugs.

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    1. I'm glad you feel encouraged. Have a great day, Carrie!

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  5. Hi Nancy.... those are such good words to hear today! My youngest sister has always been told, for years, that she was an "accident"! I wonder if that affected her in any way. I want to send her these words and scripture to remind her that she was indeed NOT an accident and was put here on Earth for a purpose and specific reason. She is indeed such a caring and nurturing girl (lady)... and has no end to her giving and doing for others. She IS a pure gift to us other 3 sisters! Beautiful song too! Hugs.. Marilyn

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    1. Thank you for sharing this, Marilyn. Is this the sister that visited and created cards with you? xx

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  6. This makes me think of a message I heard at a funeral. We had friends that had a 4 month old son die of SIDS. It's been about 25 years now but the message stays with me.
    The pastor said each person is born with a purpose, and God never takes someone before their purpose is complete. He said baby Kyle had completed his purpose, others may need 100 years before their purpose is complete. That message blesses me and I thought it went along with your message about God's calling in our lives.

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    1. Wow! Great story you, Mari. I have friends who have lost infant children, and I'm sure this message would resonate with them. Thank you for sharing! Hugs

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  7. I understand your feelings too. I was the youngest of four and my Mom was also close to 40 at my birth. Although I was often referred to as an accident by other people, including my Grandma, my Mom never said that. I always felt love. I'm so glad that God wanted me to be born to that family so I would be in thh place I as to meet my dear Husband in Sunday school one week when I was 15 years old. God is SO good to us.
    Blessings and hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Your mom sounds pretty special. I met my late husband at 16, and we were married for 37 years before the Lord called him home. It's good to "grow up" together. LOL Thanks for sharing, Betsy. Hugs.

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  8. I always cringe when I hear those terms! I like "surprise" better or the truth that the child is a gift!
    While some of us may not have been from unexpected pregnancies, some of us were just not the personality or temperment wanted by a parent. I've been in that position, and its hard too.
    Thankful for God's redeeming love, that sings and rejoices over us! He made us for his purposes!

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    1. Agree. I'm so grateful for our Heavenly Father, who so lavishly loves us! Hugs.

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  9. That song reminds me of my brother who would break out in song when we were toiling in the kitchen at a family gathering. :) We have so many folk who need lifting up right now. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here Nancy.

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    1. Love the story of your brother and you in the kitchen, Ellen. So fun. :) xx

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  10. Nancy... you had asked if the sister I talked about is the sister I craft with.. and the answer is YES! She is my "baby" sister, though is 65 now. I did send her your post, and she thanked me.... and said she never felt like a "mistake" or accident as she felt unconditional love from mom and dad both. I'm glad to know that! She has truly been a blessing to me and my other sisters.. and her sons and other family members. she is so much like my mom.. who was also giving and so helpful to others. xoox Marilyn

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    1. I'm so glad your sister felt unconditional love from your parents. They truly gave her a precious gift. Thanks for sharing, Marilyn. xx

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  11. Nancy, I almost feel like this post was written especially for me . . . I needed to read this at this particular moment in time,. Thank you :)

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    1. I'm glad you found this helpful, Connie. God always knows what we need, and when we need it. Hugs.

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