To Serve (Mk 10:45) by Pastor Matthew Lim

29 May To Serve (Mk 10:45) by Pastor Matthew Lim

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~ Mk 10:45 (full readings)
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Reverend Lim’s Reflections: The  concept of serving is alien to the human heart because it is in a fallen state of sin. By nature, it focuses toward self. It is especially contrary to be a servant toward those who stand in opposition or are deemed undeserving. Yet, it is for this very reason that Jesus came into this  world. The “Son of Man” came not only to set an example of serving but more importantly, to remedy the problem of man’s selfishness and his sinful nature.  Jesus’ selfless life fulfilled the requirements of God’s Law making His death a perfect sacrifice on man’s behalf.  His death was a substitute for man because man could not fulfill the Law’s requirement himself. In the same way His life, received by faith, is a substitute for man’s life so that I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Galatians 2:20). The mandate to be a servant is not only an act of obedience but, for the true follower of Christ, serving others (even those undeserving) is the natural outcome of a new nature.  Combating for the unborn is a vital act of serving on behalf of the helpless.  However, true serving in Christ is not selective.  It extends to the unworthy and even to those who will respond with rejection. It is not reserved for only the loveable and the deserving because it is a testimony of God’s grace in the Christian’s life as he extends to others what has been freely given to him.
* Pastor Matthew Lim is a blessed husband of one, proud parent of two, and boastful grandparent of four (one in the womb).  He is privileged to pastor at Calvary Baptist Church of Hot Springs, South Dakota. He recently had the joy of completing his first “official” marathon with his daughter at the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach Virginia.
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Faith Challenge: While endeavoring to serve the unborn, strive to be a genuine servant to those who do not share our views on the sanctity of life.  Such a testimony of God’s grace may be the only gospel they may be capable of hearing.
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day: St. Madeleine Sophie Barat 
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Faith Quote: “If you love only those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.” ~ Lk 6:32-33.
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Through Christ our Lord,
Rev. Matthew Lim

Gal 2:20