Tag: jeannie waters

Serve One Another: What’s on Your Serving Tray Today?

Jeannie Waters30 Comments on Serve One Another: What’s on Your Serving Tray Today?

What do the words “through love serve one another” in Galatians 5:13 mean to you? God taught me a lesson about this verse through my husband.

 “Do you have to help move the piano after church?” I asked one Sunday morning years ago. As usual, my husband was the first to volunteer. I’d planned to hurry home after the last amen, serve lunch, and conquer my to-do list.

He called over his shoulder. “This will only take a few minutes. Be right back.” I watched him smile as he used muscle and a willing spirit to help move the grand piano across the worship center.

Similar scenarios arose often. One weekend he helped a friend move furniture, repaired security lights for a widowed friend, and helped our daughter with a wood-working project.

 I was happy he helped, but his service didn’t always fit my plans. My gifts were different, so I didn’t understand his.

Years later when I learned about the spiritual gifts God gives every believer, I repented of my impatience and self-centered attitude. I thanked God for the gift of service He’d given Ray. It’s his God-given ministry.

Called to serve

 Our gifts and styles of service vary. They are uniquely designed works empowered by the Holy Spirit.

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

1 Peter 4:10 ESV All verses in this post are taken from the ESV.

Some serve by teaching and others, like my husband, minister in practical ways. Some lead well, and others excel in offering encouragement. We are all called to exemplify Christlike behavior, but we’re especially gifted in some areas. Our gifts connect the pieces of His work like a puzzle. We each have a hand in “fitting” together a beautiful picture of God’s love. The Bible teaches

Through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

The best example of a servant is Jesus “who … did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant …” (Philippians 2:6-7). The Son of God even washed the dusty feet of weary disciples. He said, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35).  

In addition to the Good Samaritan parable, we find numerous examples of service in the New Testament. While Paul was imprisoned, a friend met his needs (2 Timothy 1:16), and Tychicus encouraged the Colossian believers (Colossians 4:7-8). Dorcas fashioned clothing for widows (Acts 9:39), and James teaches us to look after orphans and widows (1:27) and provide for those in need (2:14-17).

In our lives today, when the family of God serves as He intends, more needs are met, fellowship is sweeter, and each member has the joy of serving well. Do you sometimes wonder as I do which needs God is calling you to meet? 

When the family of God serves as He intends, more needs are met, fellowship is sweeter, and each member has the joy of serving well. Share on X

A story of service

Consider my story of Rachael, a believer who longs to serve God with her whole heart. After reading her Bible, she knelt to pray beside a table with a large wooden serving tray on top of it.

Father, I trust You to guide my life, but something bothers me. I don’t feel like I have much to offer, but I know Your Word says You gift every believer. I want to serve others well, but, Lord, the needs are great, and my time and skills are limited. I notice needs daily in the lives of family members, church friends, and even strangers. Am I to take food, send money, babysit, clean a house, send a card . . . I’m never quite sure. Who do you want me to serve this week?

Scripture warmed her heart and directed her thinking, as usual.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8).

“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Assured God would guide her, Rachael smiled. She glanced at the wooden serving tray on the table and imagined it filled by God with the resources she’d need for the day—gifts, talents, time, words, material possessions, and smiles. She determined to converse with Him and listen to His promptings as she watched for opportunities. She bowed her head and asked her heavenly Father to open her eyes and her heart.

What about you and me?

Although we may feel like Rachael, with limited skills, God has gifted us to meet the needs He’s planned for us to meet. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Let’s take inventory of the ways God equips us with gifts that fit someone’s needs like a missing puzzle piece. Our day and the day of those we serve will be brighter.

Father God, lead me to communicate with You throughout the day that I might serve well in Your name. May You receive glory from those works. 

A brief interruption

Excuse me please for one minute. My husband is calling . . . I’m back and apologize for the delay. My sweetheart was heading out to help a neighbor remove a fallen tree. We had planned to work in our own yard today, but I’m thankful for examples of godly servants in my life, aren’t you?                                   

Let us hear from you

Please share your thoughts about serving others. How has someone served you or someone you loved? Why do you think serving others is so important? How can you use your gifts to serve Jesus and others this week?

All Scripture verses are taken from the ESV.

Which Promise of God Does Your Heart Need Today?

Jeannie Waters30 Comments on Which Promise of God Does Your Heart Need Today?

We can trust God’s promises because He’s faithful to keep them. Two symbols of promises touched my heart last weekend.

Here’s my story.

Late Friday afternoon, Ray and I drove twenty-five miles to our favorite restaurant, a quaint, upscale café. As we held hands to pray over our anniversary dinner, I noticed our wedding rings—symbols of the promises we’d made years ago.   

After a delicious meal and dessert, we recalled and laughed about our early marriage misunderstandings. The first occurred several months after our wedding.

Ray had promised this ready-for-Christmas-in-September girl we’d get a Christmas tree when he returned home from work. Filled with seasonal cheer, I watched for his car. When he arrived, I climbed into the passenger seat. He looked puzzled. “Why did you get into the car?”

“You promised we’d buy a Christmas tree today. Aren’t we going into town to find one?”

He chuckled, opened the car door, and called me to follow him. We walked through a pasture on his family’s property where we lived and stopped at a fence. He pointed to a row of cedar trees. “I didn’t say buy a tree. I said get a tree—one of those.”

“Get a tree” to this city girl meant traveling to a store or Christmas tree stand. To my raised-in-the-country husband, the translation was “cut a tree we already have.” We finished our coffee and laughed at the memory of a promise made and kept before our first Christmas season.  

We paid our bill and left the restaurant. A gentle rain quickened our steps to the car. Soon, my husband navigated a sharp curve in the road, and we spied the evening’s second symbol of promise.

Clouds obscured part of the rainbow’s arch, but the visible portion looked as if God painted one broad brushstroke of the spectrum’s colors onto a rain-soaked sky canvas. A striking sight.

After the flood, God described the rainbow to Noah as a symbol of His promise.  

When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds,I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.

Genesis 9:14-15 ESV

The rainbow represents one of God’s promises, but His Word contains many. As we admired the beautiful streak of color for several miles, we thanked God for His faithfulness. No translation is needed for His promises.    

When I fret about how I’ll accomplish my to-do list or which choice to make when decisions arise, God’s promises calm my heart and turn my eyes toward Him. He shows me whether I’m trusting Him or myself. Concerns about the future that trouble my heart, shrink in the light of His Word.  

Here are truths about life with God I’ve studied lately.

We don’t walk alone. He promises His presence, strength, and help.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

 Isaiah 41:10 ESV

He assures us of wisdom for trials.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

James 1:5 ESV

Jesus offers supernatural peace in a troubled world.  

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

John 14:27 ESV

Our wise Father knows our needs and provides for them.

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.”

Psalm 84:11 ESV

Do you need a promise from God today?

On a card, write one of these promises or another you find in the Bible. Keep the card handy to read and pray when troubling thoughts arise. God’s Word is a symbol of His faithfulness you can cling to as you trust Him.

Ray and I noticed two symbols of promise last weekend—our wedding rings and the rainbow. Symbols are important, but they are only reminders of God’s faithfulness. We don’t place our faith in signs or in life events. Our heavenly Father asks us to trust Him.

We can trust God’s promises because He’s faithful to keep them.

We can trust God’s promises because He’s faithful to keep them. Share on X

How has a promise of God sustained you? What’s your favorite? Perhaps one of us needs the one you’ll include in your comments today. Let’s brighten each other’s day with God’s words.

A heart-felt thanks to each of you, reader friends, for reading and leaving a comment.  

Incorporate Four P’s into a New Season of Learning with God

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on Incorporate Four P’s into a New Season of Learning with God

Although I chuckled at my kindergarten students’ responses, I counted their eagerness to listen as a predictor of learner success.

Years ago, I’d designed a lesson on evaporation. The five-year-olds noticed the water level in our uncovered classroom aquarium was lower than usual. I asked, “What do you think happened to the water?”

Stacey guessed I’d scooped some out, and Adrian asked if the aquarium had leaked. Then Brian bounced up and down and yelled, “I know, I know. The fish drank it.”

Stephanie folded her arms and said, “No, they didn’t, Brian. Mrs. Waters, tell us what really happened to the water.” Twenty-five little wiggly bodies paused, tilted their faces toward mine, and waited for an answer.

What if we began each day, hearts tilted toward Jesus, our Teacher, with the enthusiasm of my kindergarten students?  

At this time of year, students and teachers prepare to meet new challenges. Each season of learning requires an eager mind set and determination to discover truth.

You and I may not enroll in a class this month, but when the sun rises each morning, new opportunities unfurl to delight in God’s presence and marvel at His lessons. Filled with enthusiasm for learning, we can ask God to transform our hearts as we study the Bible.

When the sun rises each morning, new opportunities unfurl to delight in God’s presence and marvel at His lessons. Share on X

Let’s pray each morning with the psalmist,

Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.

Psalm 119:18 NKJV*

Are you ready for a new season of learning with God? Sharpen your pencils and note any verses or ideas below that resonate with you.

Four P’s for Eager Students of God’s Word 

1. Pray.

We can ask God to teach us what we need to learn. He may remind us of a lesson we’ve forgotten, lead us into deeper study of a familiar passage, or show us verses we haven’t studied before. I like to pray words of Scripture like these:  

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. On You I wait all the day.

Psalm 25:4-5

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.

Psalm 143:8

2. Prepare your heart.

Receptive students who understand the relevance of a lesson learn best. When we humble ourselves and admit our need for God’s daily guidance, our hearts open to His teaching. He promises to forgive confessed sin and instruct us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.

Psalm 32:8

3. Position yourself to listen.

Jesus’ followers and curious bystanders gathered to listen when He taught on the hillsides. Surely, their homes and occupations held numerous tasks, but they paused and positioned themselves to hear Jesus speak.

When Jesus visited the home of Lazarus, Martha complained about Mary’s failure to help with meal preparation. Jesus honored Mary’s choice to sit at His feet and listen to His teaching (Luke 10:38-42).

Mary, the disciples, and the hillside crowd shouldered daily responsibilities like we do. The stance or location matters not, but we each need time to meet with God. What’s the best time and place for you?

4. Ponder biblical lessons you learn.

Meditate on the verses or passages you study and record in a journal what God teaches you. Ask Him to transform your heart with His Word.

James 1:22 reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

Ponder these questions:

  • How will I obey His words and honor Him today?
  • How will my walk with Jesus change because of this passage?
  • In what ways will my study lead to a more victorious life with Christ?
  • Armed with Truth, how will the Light of Jesus shine from my life this week?
  • How will the sword of the Spirit, God’s Word, help me fight spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:11-17)?

Are you ready for a new season of learning with God?

Let us hear from you

Won’t you contribute to our “class discussion?” The Bible says, “Iron sharpens iron,” to remind us we need each other.

What makes you eager to learn from God? How do you tune your ears and position yourself to hear from Him each day? We’re eager to hear your answers.

*All verses are taken from the NKJV.

Would you like to pray for students and teachers as they begin a new school year? Here’s a former blog post on the topic: https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/three-ways-you-can-influence-the-lives-of-hundreds-pray-for-schools-in-your-community/

Follow Two Biblical Steps to Lighten Your Backpack of Cares

Jeannie Waters24 Comments on Follow Two Biblical Steps to Lighten Your Backpack of Cares

Years ago, my dad helped Carson, my twelve-year-old brother, prepare for an overnight camping trip. “Son, now that your backpack is full, try it on and make sure you can manage the weight. It’s really heavy. You don’t need all these campfire pots and cans of food.”

“Oh, I can handle it, Dad. No problem. I’ve been swimming all summer, and I’m really strong. Will you put it on my back now?”

“Okay, but remember you’ll have to hike through the woods to the campsite.”

Carson slipped his arms through the straps. We watched as he rocked onto his toes and leaned forward, hoping to maintain his balance. Although his lanky arms boasted budding muscles, his slender frame was no match for the backpack’s weight.

I’m sorry to report this older sister laughed when the weight of the load pulled him backward and down. He wasn’t injured, but he landed on the kitchen tile and resembled a turtle who had the misfortune to land on his shell.

“You were right, Dad. I guess it’s a little too heavy. Maybe I should take out some of the pots and canned food. Will you help me repack?”

Lesson learned.

Sometimes as adults we carry around more weight than necessary and allow burdens to rob us of joy. We might insist we know best and struggle for a while leaning forward with determination to keep our balance. We often fail to take the next step—lightening our load.

Our heavenly Father offers wisdom in a passage about submission to Him.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride] …casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” 

1 Peter 5:6-7 Amplified

Two Steps

Ready for step one? The passage tells us humility is the first step toward a lighter load. When we recognize our inability and God’s strength, a humble heart positions us to seek and receive His help.

When we recognize our inability and God’s strength, a humble heart positions us to seek and receive His help. Share on X

The second step involves “casting all your cares” on God. The word casting in verse seven means letting go of something and pitching it to another person or location. Humbling comes first, and casting follows.

Like my brother, when we realize our load is too heavy for our limited strength, we abandon pride and humble ourselves before one who can help us.

God designed us to depend on His strength, not our own. He planned to bear our burdens before we knew they existed. 

God designed us to depend on His strength, not our own. He planned to bear our burdens before we knew they existed. Share on X

Jesus bore the sins of the world on His shoulders. He’s certainly capable of carrying the heavy weights of our hearts.

Does the gravity of your burdens encumber a joyful walk with Christ? I hope the following idea will help you when your backpack weighs you down.

Try This

Draw a line down the center of a page in a notebook or journal. In the left-hand column, use a pencil to list burdens that distract you or weigh you down. In the right-hand column, list some of God’s promises. Consider these and others:

  • He promises to forgive us when we confess (I John 1:9).
  • He provides for our needs (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 7:11).
  • He offers peace (John 14:27) and wisdom (Proverbs 2:6).

Now imagine holding each burden in your hands. Read 1 Peter 5:7 and follow God’s instructions. One by one as you pray, erase your burdens and list them on His side of the paper beside a promise.

Encouraging Words

All your heartache and circumstances won’t disappear when you pray, but the burden of them, the weight that’s too heavy, will rest on His shoulders. Your heavenly Father is bearing them with you and for you.

Take a deep breath, my friend. Thank God for His hug of relief. Smile. Yes, smile even when burdens feel heavy because you won’t bear them alone.

With our Burden-Bearer beside us, let’s settle into our campsite for the day and rest in His promises. “He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].” 

How does remembering God’s strength and 1 Peter 5:7 help you release burdens? I look forward to your comments.

A related post: https://jeanniewaters.com/blog/the-answer-to-anxiety-is-on-the-table/

What’s in Your Suitcase? Three Treasures to Pack and Three Attitudes to Leave Behind–a guest post by Sylvia Schroeder

Jeannie Waters32 Comments on What’s in Your Suitcase? Three Treasures to Pack and Three Attitudes to Leave Behind–a guest post by Sylvia Schroeder
What's in Your Suitcase? Three Treasures to Pack and Three Attitudes to Leave Behind by Jeannie Waters
JeannieWaters.com

Welcome to Sylvia Schroeder, my friend and today’s guest blogger. Her excellent writing sprinkled with humor and biblical perspective will encourage you. Whether you plan to travel this summer or enjoy a staycation, don’t miss Sylvia’s wise words.

Her bio and website link are below. You’ll love her short blog posts filled with strong teaching and humor. As a mom, grandmother, and missionary, she shares heart-warming stories filled with truth.

What’s in Your Suitcase: Three Treasures to Pack and Three Attitudes to Leave Behind by Guest Blogger, Sylvia Schroeder

Suitcases lined the pathway to our front door.

“Are we moving?” I asked my husband.

His good-natured chuckle assured me the body-building trek to the car and back would not be held against me. Surely, I thought, we don’t need all this for a short vacation. But then, what if it’s cold? What if it’s hot? What if there’s rain? What if we’re hungry?

We’d checked the weather app, mapped cheapest gas, and bought a plethora of snacks. We prepared for every contingency we could imagine. We both have great imaginations.  

However, in my detailed planning to get-away, sometimes I pack what I don’t wish to and leave behind what is most important. Perhaps you do the same.

I look at being on vacation as a blissful departure from reality. As if I can leave myself behind along with daily stresses. But I always come with all my own baggage packed too.  

We find Paul the Apostle in 2 Corinthians feeling vulnerable like we do at times. His heart weighed heavy with concerns. “I had no rest in my spirit,” he wrote (2:13 NKJV). He was burdened beyond measure, above strength, and despaired of life (1:8). He felt hard pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down.” (4:8-9).

It sounds to me like he needed a reprieve. He needed a break. He could have used a vacation.

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Recently my husband and I both needed to leave behind busyness and stress. We longed for rest and renewal. We desired a reprieve from distractions. A short holiday turned into a lovely respite. We walked the beach and delighted in the beauty and sounds of the water. Our time away achieved much for which we’d hoped. We returned ready to resume life with energy and clearer perspective.

However, I can’t say this has always been our experience. Sometimes we’ve folded into our suitcases too many impossible expectations and unreasonable wishes. Situations we desired to leave behind tagged along to our destination, and the bliss we’d envisioned came fraught with less than the imaginary photo promised.

The fact is leisure can be couched in self-centeredness. Vacation away can also become a vacation from God.

The fact is leisure can be couched in self-centeredness. Vacation away can also become a vacation from God. Share on X

Paul, whose resume included prestige, a pedigree of the tribe of Benjamin, Hebrew of the Hebrews, Pharisee, zealous, faultless according to the law, had his share of troubles.

Yet, he considered knowing Christ above all else. He did not carry hidden baggage full of self-centered demands as I might. He kept sight of spiritual goals in each and every location, each and every season.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 NIV

Wherever your summer’s destination, regardless the number of bags you carry, keep them light by leaving behind the following:

1. “I deserve this.”

Isn’t that often our vacation bottom line? If a holiday is all about me, my luggage will not have room for much more. The change of pace we desperately need will be out of reach. I am a hard master to satisfy.

2. “It’s vacation, I can do what I want.”

Work hard, play harder we are told. In many ways vacation is a payoff for time spent in our daily trenches, but the subtle message of this mindset empties my jar without filling it with what is most important.

3. “I will leave all my problems behind.”

If my whole goal lies in getting away from, how dreadful it becomes to go back to.

So, what should you be sure to take instead?

  1. Gratitude. Expectations belong to the Lord. A holiday provides opportunity for intentional thanksgiving. Allow time to bask in what God has done in the past. Name your blessings. Pause for spiritual reset and praise Jesus with renewed energy.
  2. Discernment. Lasting satisfaction is in Christ alone. Choose to rest and replenish wisely. Consider the needs of others. Seek the kind of healthy fun that makes good memories for everyone.  
  3. Devotion. Pack a Bible and journal. Explore God’s Word with curiosity. Pray passages of Scripture. Love and linger in His Presence. Delight in Him. Worship and sing praises.

When you intentionally pack Jesus into your vacation, it is not a self-centered vacuum.

When you intentionally pack Jesus into your vacation, it is not a self-centered vacuum. Share on X

Paul, despite great daily stresses, found renewed strength by humbling himself. He looked away from self and gazed upward.  

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

Are you planning a summer vacation? What’s in your suitcase?

Please share your comments with us. Visit Sylvia’s website When the House is Quiet and connect with her on social media.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Sylvia-Schroeder.jpg
SylviaSchroeder.com

Sylvia Schroeder loves connecting God’s Word with real life. She is an award-winning writer and co-author of “Be Still and put your PJs on.” She is a contributing writer for Salem Media, various magazines, blogs and in several book compilations. Mom to four, grandma to 14, and wife to her one and only love, Sylvia enjoys writing about all of them. 

Her love for all things Italian stems from years of ministry abroad. She’d love to tell you about it over a steaming plate of pasta. Connect with Sylvia on her blog,  When the House is Quiet,  Facebook page or Twitter.