If I could choose a phrase to remind myself of every single day, it would be “I am a servant of all.” 

Everywhere I turn, I find people who are searching for popularity, success in a career, or happiness through financial gain. They’re trying to appeal to a bigger audience, or gain the most likes on their social media accounts. It seems that the focus is always about promoting “me.” 

Yet Scripture states the exact opposite: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant, and whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:11-12). 

You see, Jesus is all about serving others. He is all about putting your own wants, desires, or needs last, while putting someone else’s before yourself. 

It’s a beautiful thing when you see someone who is focused on uplifting Jesus through a life of genuine servanthood. It might be a mother doing the mundane tasks everyday, while pouring herself into raising her children to be more like Jesus. It might be a father who sacrifices his all to provide for his family and daily bring them together in prayer and family Bible study. It might be the friend who takes the time to send encouragement through a hug, or by lifting you up in prayer — not for the praise of others, but just because they are reflecting Jesus. It might be the husband or wife who are dedicated to each other as they constantly look for ways to serve. 

As a little self check in my own life, I ask myself these questions: 

•  Am I easily discouraged when it seems no one notices the day-to-day things that I achieve? 
•  Are there tasks too mundane for me? 
•  Am I actively looking and pursuing ways to serve those closest to me — or those who could never repay?

Jesus was the greatest example of this, and more than any other thing, this is what I want my husband and children to see in me, because we are never more like Jesus than when we are serving Him or others.

Love, 
Erin

#Podcast #SpeakLife #Reminder #Daily #Prayer #Encouragement #Serve #Christian #Jesus

About a month ago, we had some sickness pass through our little family. It’s the hardest when you see your little ones with a fever or cough and you know they feel miserable. Between wiping the runny noses, pushing the fluids, and making sure everyone is on track with their medicine, you just want to do more! 

Our little Everly was particularly pitiful. All she wanted was for me to stay next to her side as she lay on the couch. Every time I would get up to grab something she would cry “Please stay with me, Daddy!” It was totally heart wrenching! 

As I sat next to her rubbing her back that night, I thought of how, as Christians, God is our heavenly Father. No matter what we go through, He has promised to always be there. 

The writer of Hebrews shares this truth: 

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

I would do absolutely anything for my children, and to think how much more would our Heavenly Father do for us? No matter what situation, what pain, what valley or mountain top experience we are going through, you and I can take heart in this truth and claim His promise. 

In this new year we will all experience challenges. But we know that we are never alone. Psalm 23 is a very well known Psalm that tells in more detail of how God takes care of us and is a reminder that He is with us. Take the time to meditate on that passage this week.

Be Encouraged.

Chad

#Podcast #Family #Psalms #Encouragement #Faithful  #Christian

As I sit on the couch, watching my children play together on the floor, I’m thinking about the gift of friendship. Friendship is such a vital part of humanity, but so often people feel alone in this world. 

I ponder the question, How many friends do I really have? I’m talking about the kind of friends that I am vulnerable with. The kind of friends that ask me the hard questions. The kind of friend it talks about in Proverbs 27:17:

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” 

The friend that not only encourages me, but the friend who challenges me in my relationship with the Lord and with others. It doesn’t matter how many social media followers or phone numbers you have in your phone. Think about it with me for a moment . . . who are the friends that you not only laugh and cry with, but who you can honestly pour your heart out to, and trust that they will pray for you and give you wise counsel? I’ll be honest, I don’t have very many friends of this caliber, but the ones that I do, I really treasure. 

You will become like the people you hang around and the people you admire. Choose your friends wisely. 

I want to be a friend to others. I want to care and love them the way Jesus loves me. Sometimes it is hard to know where to start a meaningful conversation with those around you, but I am going to share some questions I typically ask those who I spend time with, and I encourage you to do the same. I pray it will will bring your friendship to a new level, and challenge you in the same way it has me.

1. How are you doing in your walk with the Lord?
Are there certain resources that have been helpful?
Do you feel stuck in your routine?
Do you feel like you are growing spiritually or do you feel stuck in your routine?
2. What specific way can I pray for you?
Do you mind sharing the biggest thing on your heart right now that I can take to the Lord in prayer?

Take the time to share your personal story and resources that have been valuable to you. Be open. Be honest. Be vulnerable. But more than anything else, really pray for their specific requests. The Bible says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 1:16). There is power in prayer. If you can, write a little note and send it in the mail to let them know they are in your thoughts and prayers. You never know how you could touch someone for eternity.

Be a true friend to someone today.

#Podcast #Friends #Prayer #Encouragement #Christian