Confession Tuesday

Wow...it's been a while. Sorry. Seems like I lack discipline and can only write when the mood strikes me. Hard to make a living that way...maybe that's why I should keep my day job.

So today I will be brief. I am confessing that I am very excited about my next article which came out in ec Magazine in the March issue. This is not a picture of the March issue. It is a picture of the January issue currently on sale. I could not find a picture of the March cover because it just arrived yesterday, and I do not think that it is on the shelf yet. Oh well...you get the idea.

The article is about service and giving to your church and community. I found it appropriate given the President's recent "Call to Action." We all need to look beyond ourselves and reach to others who might need a hand. Here's the article, give or take a few words. It's more or less a top ten list, bearing in mind the magazine is for kids/teens.

Are you in the service? As Christians we are asked to “present our bodies a living sacrifice which is our reasonable service,” sacrificing ourselves to serve God. How can we serve Christ? It is as simple as this: “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Whatsoever is a pretty broad category. How does “whatsoever ye do” transfer into every day life?

Each of us has talents specifically chosen by God. We are “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God’s design and He has instructed us to use these talents for His glory. We need to follow Christ’s example of servitude and look around at the needs of our community, and then decide how best to minister to others. Think about a few of these practical ideas:

Do you enjoy music, but feel you are not ready to perform at your church? Consider volunteering to assist the music director. Many directors need help filing music, marking or distributing papers and other tasks. You can enjoy the music and serve the Lord by making the music ministry flow smoothly at your church.

Do you have a talent for crocheting, knitting or sewing? Many maternity wards at hospitals greatly appreciate donated, handmade items for newborn infants to wear home. Babies sometime are born to families that do not have much money or have limited resources for such items. How nice it would be for a baby to be able to wear home an item that you have created.

Are you a very patient person? Consider volunteering to assist in the nursery or in the children’s ministry at your church. Young children are full of energy, and sometimes need a little extra guidance. Also, an extra pair of eyes and ears is usually welcome when it comes to supervision.

Are you artistically inclined? Do you enjoy design and layout? Try offering assistance with the bulletin board at your school or church. Your eye for visual design might be just what is needed to freshen up the foyer of your church or the lobby of your school.

Do you enjoy working outside? Look around your community or church for an elderly person that you know who might need help with their yard. Enjoy the breeze outside while being a witness for Christ in your community and helping out an elderly neighbor or friend.

Are you a quiet and reserved type who prefers a little less “high profile” service? Consider a prayer ministry. Create and maintain a list of needs for those in your church, family and community. Commit to diligently spending time in prayer each day for these items.

Are you a computer and electronics guru? The sound system at your church may be complicated, but they probably need volunteers to hook up wires and move speakers or microphones around from time to time. You might be able to learn about new technologies too.

Are you a leader who can get people together? Begin a club in your neighborhood to discuss the Christian walk with others who share your faith and to minister in your community.

Do you faithfully watch the Food Network because you enjoy cooking? Perhaps your culinary skills can be of assistance in the church kitchen or a community shelter. In Mark 9 Christ tells us that even “a cup of water” given in His name will be rewarded.

Do you have a way with words and love writing? Consider offering a short inspirational poem or prose selection for publication in your church bulletin or website.