Often, it seems we get all caught up in the tasks that need doing and overlook the people and the relationships God has placed in our lives. Do we truly want to make a difference in the world? Are we willing to walk as Jesus walked and love as He loved? Katie Davis, a young American missionary who is selflessly pouring out her life among the people of Uganda, has discovered the true joy that serving others brings. In her book, Kisses from Katie, Beth Clark writes:
“People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world. They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters. They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world.”
We see many beautiful examples of serving in Jesus’ life as He, the King of Glory, touched one life at a time--the leper, the blind beggar, the adulterous woman, the lame man, the woman at the well, and many others. He did not condemn, but He took the time to touch their lives with the incomparable love of God and their lives were changed forever! This is why Jesus came, “not to be served, but to SERVE, and to GIVE His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
To serve others effectively on this earth, whether on the Emmaus Walk or in our local churches, or wherever God has called us, we can only do so effectively by doing it in the power of His Holy Spirit as we walk in His love—the love that is patient and kind, not jealous or boastful or proud or rude; the love that doesn’t demand its own way, that’s not irritable, that keeps no record of wrongs; the love that does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out, that never gives up, never loses faith, and is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance (paraphrase of 1 Corinthians13:4-7).
May our service to our Lord always be energized and motivated by this awesome love that He has placed in our hearts! God bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine upon you as you go forth and serve others in His glorious name!
Please pray fervently for the four remaining walks of the year:
#319, September 7-10, led by Sheila Murphy
#320, September 14-17, led by Judy Smith
#321, October 5-8, led by Rich Knox
#322, October 12-15, led by Brigette Little
We ask that anyone who makes a contribution in memory or honor of someone include an address to which an acknowledgement card can be sent. And lastly, please remember that one must be 18 years of age to work an Emmaus Walk.
DeColores!
Les
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