How May I Serve You, Or How Can I Sell You? A new post By Debra Courtney

Photo courtesy: pixgood.com

“…But I am among you as one who serves.” Luke 22: 27

How many of you know that success in this prosperous, generous, and slothful age is easy for a Christian? It hangs like a ripe plum from a tree. With a ladder named wisdom, it is within easy reach of all. Hey girl, climb and take it! Do not make excuses; do not blame others; use the ladder and pick the fruit before you miss out.

Have you noticed now how more than in the past how foreigners often come to America with very little and make prosperous lives? They typically do not complain, sue, or talk of discrimination. They work diligently, live frugally, save faithfully, adapt wisely, and exist peacefully. But others with greater advantages go nowhere. What is the difference? Without knowing God, some practice natural wisdom.

I’d like for us to take a quick look at Joseph who was a teenage foreign slave with a shepherd’s resume, which the Egyptians despised. But he advanced by God’s blessing in Potiphar’s house (Gen 39:1-6). Though accused and convicted of rape, faithfulness in prison earned him an administrative role there (Gen 39:19-23). Then he passed Pharaoh’s sons and ruled Egypt (Gen 41:38-46)! He was a fervent and effectual servant! WOW!

I’d like for us to take a quick look at Daniel who was a teenage Jewish war captive that was made a eunuch. But he graduated at the top of his class in the king’s management program (Dan 1:18-21). Though a foreigner, he was promoted over all Babylon and was chief of staff to King Nebuchadnezzar. He retained his high positions for 70 years, even when Cyrus the Persian took the empire. He was a fervent and effectual servant! WOW!

I’d like for us to take a quick look at David who conducted himself wisely and the nation loved him (I Sam 18:30). What was his background? He was a shepherd from the lowly town of Bethlehem, ignored by his own family when they considered sons for honor. He easily passed his seven older brothers. And the reigning king’s own family chose David over their father. He was a fervent and effectual servant!

So, what are trying to say Debra is the source of success in this characterization? Wisdom! It is the quality that embodies all the instruction of being a servant and not a sales person!

A poor child can be promoted past an old king for one simple reason – WISDOM (Ec 4:13). The king resents being admonished, so he rejects correction. A man too proud to listen to others is worse than a fool (Pr 26:12). A wise child is willing to learn (Pr 9:9). He has no problem being told what to do. That young man is going somewhere! The king, nowhere!

At the very least ponder these examples. Then let me know what you think! (Comment below to continue the conversation.)

Celebrate Your Uniqueness!

                                    ...your voice is unique, and it is sweet to God’s ears.”

                                                                           Song of Songs 2:14

Debra’s life goal is to inspire and motivate women globally to become all they have been created and designed to be by using the guiding principles of their Creator’s word in gaining wisdom, understanding their designed-given personality identities & create their purpose!  You can contact Debra at dwcscc@yahoo.com. 

Are You Successful? - A new post by Sherri Sand

How do we define success? 

Do the things we value carry the same weight in God’s kingdom? 

It’s easy for us to look at someone’s house, car or clothing labels to determine whether they are “successful.” But are those things truly worthy of our priority list? Do they satisfy our souls’ needs for love and connection? Or do they feed a mindset that believes that if we have what others want then we’ve made it? 

When we believe the achievements (i.e. higher education, large salary, the right neighborhood) the world brands as critical for success will bring the satisfaction our soul craves, we enter a race with no clear winners. We are running after an unattainable goal, one that will never truly satisfy. Sure, there is the initial euphoria when we receive recognition for our achievements or a pay raise, but when the excitement wanes we are left restless and craving more. 

More clothes. 

More money. 

More attention. 

God has no issue with education, money or living in a desirable neighborhood, but they also hold no value for Him. Not in the way they do for us. He desires for us to choose the greater things: loving Him and loving people (Luke 10:27, Matt. 6:33). He knows that when we desire what the world dangles in front of us, we will miss the greater things of love and relationships which will truly satisfy the craving of our souls. 

When we release our expectations and step deeper into God’s embrace, we’ll find the freedom and connection our hearts long for - through God and through people. 

   

Sherri Sand is an author and speaker. Her unique perspective unlocks truths and biblical mysteries to bring hope to the hurting and peace to the stressed. She desires to lead people into a deeper relationship with God, where living as victorious overcomers becomes the norm rather than an elusive desire. To read her blog and discover more about living in spiritual wholeness and about Sherri’s novel, Leave it to Chance, visit her web site.