September 8

Do What Comes Up

You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God's people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. + 1 Corinthians 16:15-16

When I think of people with a servant's heart, I think of my friends John and Cheryl, who were both military officers when I first met them. Cheryl was a full-time student at the Army War College, and John worked in Washington, D.C., for the National Guard. Both John and Cheryl make it a practice to volunteer above the call of duty in a variety of programs. For example, while a full-time student at the Army's senior-level college, not only was Cheryl very successful as a student but she also volunteered to serve as the chapel choir director and organist. She was involved in other programs including a senior citizens' tea, raising funds for college scholarships, and even spearheading the creation of a U.S. Army War College anthem. Currently Cheryl is involved in volunteer outreaches that serve both local and national causes.

I recently attended John's retirement ceremony, where the citation of his volunteer service outside of his military duties was impressive. Among a list of activities mentioned was his ongoing donation of blood platelets for use at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. While living in the D.C area, both John and Cheryl volunteered for several years, serving military service members at the USO. Retirement was something John looked forward to so he could devote even more time volunteering in his community.

When asked why they serve, Cheryl's response was, "Focusing on others is far more valuable and interesting than focusing on yourself. I hope to be remembered as someone who put others first and worked selflessly for God."

Psalm 100:2 charges us to "serve the Lord with gladness" (Psalm 100:2 KJV). This is the example given by Stephanas and his household and commended by Paul in today's Scripture. It is the example I see in my friends John and Cheryl. The word devotion in this Scripture means they "appointed themselves" whenever they saw a need to work to meet it. Cheryl described it this way: "It's about doing what comes up." I like that! *Brenda

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Lord, you lived your life in service to others, and that is what I am to do as well. I pray your blessing on those who are willing to give of themselves beyond their required responsibilities. You did this for me, suffering through no fault of your own, not only in giving your life for my salvation but also in providing a model to follow as I serve others. I pray for a willingness to do what comes up in service to others today. + Amen.

Brenda Pace and Carol McGlothlin,
The One Year Yellow Ribbon Devotional: take a stand in prayer for our nation and those who serve, (Tyndale House Publishers Inc., 2008), p. September 8th devotion.