Locked out, choosing what is important...

I literally have been locked out of my blog. It seems that Blogspot updated without telling me.   I also haven't had much time to write down my thoughts.  One of my  friends passed away suddenly, leaving her husband and 4 children behind.  Another one of my friends passed away in her sleep, leaving her husband and 3 children behind.  None of us are promised a day.  We have to choose to do what matters?  What should that be for a believer?   Doing the will of the Father.... What does that look like?  It looks  differently for each believer. You might be called to teach, to lead worship, to adopt, to fight for those who can't fight for themselves (children and animals), to feed the hungry, to take care of those in need...    No mater of what we are called to do, it all should look like service.     Jesus set the tone.

Luke 22

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying,“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.[a] 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

I totally see all over scripture that the calling to "do likewise"is not just drinking the wine and eating the bread, but it is also the call to service... to pour out yourselves for others and to allow your like to be broken for others.  Why?  Because we are to mirror Christ/ glorify God.... and because ..as my 9 year old says, "He said so!"    

My two friends died suddenly.  Their lives on earth are other and their lives in heaven have begun.  I am certain they do not regret their times of service and loving people.   Also, don't judge how others serve! Let God tell them how to serve.  For us, we have been serving by caring for animals for people at a Horse Rescue.  ... spreading God's love and helping those who can't help themselves.  We serve by feeding a friend who can't feed herself due to M.S.   We serve by helping people who are sick.  We look for opportunities, even if it isn't convenient, or fun... to serve.   We are so thankful that God allows us to help his people and love on His people.  Be encouraged.  Move... Find a place to love people.   Do the things that matter! 

Philippians 2:1-4 
If therefore there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 

Mark 10:44-45 
and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

1 Peter 4:10-11 
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.