Monday Reset: He Stooped to Conquer

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 

John 13:14 (KJV)

Think of a person who always wants to be the leader, the one in charge, and the one whose name is on the flyer. In our world, greatness is measured by how many people serve you, but in the Kingdom, greatness is measured by how many people you serve. Jesus, the Creator of the universe, picked up a basin of water and a towel to do the dirtiest, most humble job in the room. He didn't just teach about humility; He modeled the "ministry of the towel." 

Christian Maturity is the willingness to do the jobs that no one else wants to do, without needing a title or a "thank you" to feel significant. It is the heart that looks for the person who is overlooked and finds a way to lift them up.

Friends, your hands are meant for spiritually washing others, not just for waving in worship. Do not allow a spirit of entitlement or "spiritual status" to keep you from the blessing of service. 

Spiritual maturity is found in the believer who is most comfortable when they are helping someone else succeed. This week, Strengthen your walk with a daily search for "feet to wash"—looking for the practical, humble needs in your home, your church, or your community. 

As you stoop low to serve, you are actually rising high in the eyes of the Father. 

Let your life be defined by your helpfulness rather than your demands. Yield your "right to be served" to the example of the Master today.

Lord, give me the heart of a servant, is our prayer today. Help me to see the needs of others through Your eyes and to serve them with the same love You have shown me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Based on a KJV Devotional

The Wrong "IF"

Jesus said unto him, "If thou canst believe". — Mark 9:23

A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the endeavours of the disciples to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ, and therefore, when he was bidden to bring his son to him, he said to Jesus, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” 

Now there was an “if” in the question, but the poor trembling father had put the “if” in the wrong place: Jesus Christ, therefore, without commanding him to retract the “if,” kindly puts it in its legitimate position. “Nay, verily,” he seemed to say, “there should be no ‘if’ about my power, nor concerning my willingness, the ‘if’ lies somewhere else.” “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” The man’s trust was strengthened, he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith, and instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with an injunction never to return. There is a lesson here which we need to learn. 

We, like this man, often see that there is an “if” somewhere, but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. “If” Jesus can heal me—“if” he can give me grace to overcome temptation—“if” he can give me pardon—“if” he can make me successful? No. “If” you can believe, he both can and will. You have misplaced your “if.” 

If you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so shall all things be possible to you. 

All things, without limit, are possible to him that believes.

(Based on a KJV devotional)