Serve One Another in Love.

The Porch is on break until January 19th, 2010, but I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas & share with you something that is on my heart for this holiday season.

“What you believe affects your behavior.” -JP

This weekend I went visit my Mamaw and Aunt Marilyn who live together in Louisiana, and to bring them their Christmas presents from my family. I wasn’t looking forward to the 5 hour drive, but once I got there it was all worth it. Since I have been walking with Christ everything has changed, including how I act when I am a guest at someone’s home. My Mamaw, who is very weak, and Aunt Marilyn were spending most of the weekend in the kitchen cooking for the rest of the family, and preparing for their Christmas celebration on Sunday. I quickly dove in to help, stirring the pots, washing dishes, even dusting their fans that needed it badly. Every time they told me to stop, I said “No, I want to help.” They shared with me that most of the time people just come, eat all the food, bring nothing, leave the mess for them to clean up, and aren’t grateful for all the time, effort, and not to mention the expenses they put into preparing for the celebration. I can’t explain how shocked, and extremely grateful they were for my help.

It got me thinking on the 5 hour drive back, and I wanted to encourage all of you. Not to serve like me, but to serve like Christ. Many, if not all of us, will be visiting friends, family, people in need, and maybe even some people we don’t absolutely love being around. Don’t just show up and let others serve you, be the hands and feet of Christ. Here are some ideas:

Offer to bring something and if they say no, bring something anyways.

Stir the pot… go to the store if they forgot something.

Help clean up trash, wash dishes, and if it’s your family and you feel comfortable even dust for them :)

Make your bed if you are staying at someone else’s home, or fold up the blankets used.

Be sure to say thank you, and even leave a thank you note, or mail one later.

When they ask why you are doing this, share your faith, share the Gospel, share Christ’s love for us all. Be the hands and feet of Christ this Christmas, not just with the needy, but with your loved ones too. If you are the one hosting people, serve with a joyful heart...out of love and thankfulness for our savior Jesus Christ.

“Jesus didn't "become flesh" so we could feel different. He came to this world so we will be different.”

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.-Matthew 20:28 & Mark 10:45

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.- Ephesians 6:7

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, SERVE ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE.- Galatians 5:13

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Praying for you all~

www.theporchdallas.com