To Serve....

The past few weeks with the Jr. High and High School students we have been discussing "Service". It seems to fit the time of year as we get into the holidays and we can choose to approach it in one of two ways.... to give or to receive. I know that sounds so "campy", but really it is true.

With our students we are emphasizing "giving" to those who have a need. To serve. To love Jesus in a way that it pours out to others in doing what Jesus did. He helped the poor, the sick, and the lost. And since we are to be "Christ-like", we are called to do the same.

All over the world, everyday, families and communities suffer. Some because of economic hardships, or a tragedy (such as Haiti earlier this year). And in those moments, we can be a light to that dark corner of the world.

So, we encourage our students to do the same. To help at People's Kitchen by serving a meal, or donating clothes to local churches or organizations that are truly "not for profit". We encourage them to have toy drives, food drives, and blanket donations for those who are homeless. There is even a need in our church for families who need clothes, or food, or even just pure and unconditional love.

This can be a joyous time for people as they come together with their loved ones, and for others it is a dark time as they are lonely and have no one. Will you be that someone? Will you be the one to love those who have no one loving them? Reminding them that Jesus loved them so much, he was nailed to a cross-- died-- to prove it... but also a God who keeps His promises by rising on the 3rd day! That  is a love we are to pour out to others.... because we received it first, even before accepting it.

As we look to the holidays.... where can you love? who? and how and where can you serve? Anything from a shoebox going overseas for a child in need of basic needs and toys, to your neighbor next door who needs a babysitter for a few hours so they can take a night job to pay for their needs. There is no limit on how God can use you in this time, if you let Him. To be like Christ is to serve. Are you ready? Do you want to be used? Are you ready to sacrifice your time, your wants, and your needs in order to share Jesus and His love? If so... get ready.... cause God will.