Week 3: Serving Others

Happy Valentine's Day, ladies! I hope you all enjoyed writing a Valentine's card to our very great God today, I know I did. It's fun to take a moment and give him some of that much needed lovin's in this way. Tuck that away for now; get it out and read from time to time to remind yourself of how real and close His love is.

This week we focused on serving others by putting them before ourselves. Show others we have the Holy Spirit within us by what we say and what we do for them. Let them see the light of Jesus shining through. What fun those moments are when people wonder "What makes you so happy all the time?" or "What's gotten into them?" We know the answer, don't we! Jesus!

Our scripture to focus on comes from:
2 Corinthians 8:5
"And they gave in a way we did not expect: They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us. This is what God wants."- The very essence of what it means to be in Third Place! Give of yourself to God, then to others. Give unexpectedly in His name.

2 Corinthians 8:14
"At this time you have plenty. What you have can help others who are in need. Then later, when they have plenty, they can help you when you are in need and all will be equal."  - Give of your time, your heart, your love and joy to others, it never runs out! And when that day comes when you are in a bad mood or feeling down, those around you will return that love and joy.

Remember too to be mindful of how we talk and act towards others.
Ephesians 4: 29 - 32 tells us to not be bitter or angry but to be kind and loving to each other and forgive just as God forgave you in Christ. Look up the full text and read closer when you feel a not-so-nice moment coming on.

Your assignment for the week:
Give or serve unexpectedly. We all wrote down what it was that we wanted to do in service to others this week. Now it's time to jot these happenings down in our journals as the opportunities arise this week. I'll be praying for you!