#Servanthood

[fafnir19]

When wishes come true

Sebastian was elbow-deep in the clutter of an old man's attic, sifting through forgotten trinkets and discarded relics while working a clearing job for an estate.

His fingers brushed against something smooth and cool, and when he lifted it into the dim light, he discovered a lustrous golden bottle. "This is pretty cool," he thought. His boss, the clutter-clearing specialist, saw the gleam in Sebastian's eyes and chuckled. "You can keep that one, kid," he said, as Sebastian carefully stowed the bottle in his backpack. Returning to his cramped student apartment, Sebastian methodically cleaned the bottle. In a whirl of sparkling dust, a figure emerged from within, billowing into the room in a shimmer of iridescence. "Greetings, master! I am Dailan, the genie of this bottle, and you, dear Sebastian, have three wishes at your disposal," the figure announced with a flourish.

Sebastian, thinking it a joke, sarcastically announced his first wish: "Yeah, right. I wish this place was spotless." With a melodious hum, Dailan granted the wish, leaving the room immaculate. "Seriously?" Sebastian murmured, incredulous that he had wasted a wish so frivolously. He mulled over his next move and wished for a smoother path through his studies without such hard work as clearing other people clutter. Dailan nodded, and Sebastian soon received a generous scholarship.

Days passed, and Dailan gently prodded Sebastian about his final wish, but the student remained undecided. "I'll think about it later," he evaded, to Dailan's growing concern. After continual prodding, Dailan explained that he could only fulfill others' wishes once Sebastian had chosen his. Accordingly he shouldn't be so selfish and wait any longer. Unperturbed, Sebastian remained indecisive. A year elapsed, and still, Sebastian hesitated.

One fateful evening, as Sebastian hurried down a dimly lit staircase, his foot slipped, and his body tumbled down, crashing onto the hard floor with a sickening crack. Pain seared through Sebastian's body as darkness threatened to claim him. With his last breath, he heard Dailan's voice echo around him, reminding him of his unclaimed wish. "Sebastian, your final wish," Dailan's voice urged, the urgency palpable. But it was too late. Sebastian's consciousness slipped away. Sebastian awoke to an unfamiliar sight. He found himself in a boundless expanse, surrounded by a vibrant, otherworldly energy. His mind felt weightless, detached from his physical form. Suddenly, Dailan materialized before him, his form shimmering in the ethereal light. "Sebastian, as the one who did not make his final wish, you are now destined to take my place." "What do you mean?" Sebastian's voice trembled as he struggled to comprehend. "You are now Lux, the genie of the bottle," Dailan declared.

"You will grant the wishes of others, just as I have done for you. It is your fate and your burden." Panic gripped Sebastian as the realization sunk in. Trapped in this role for eternity, he understood the weight of his missed opportunity. "But I never asked for this! I never wanted this!" Sebastian screamed, his voice echoing across the boundless expanse. Dailan's form began to fade. "I'm sorry, Lux. This is your destiny now," he whispered before vanishing completely. With a heavy heart, Lux accepted his new reality. As time passed and the world outside the bottle carried on, Lux was bound to wait for his next summoner.

In the wake of Sebastian's death, the apartment underwent refurbishment, with Jasper, the son of the landlord, overseeing the renovations.

Amid the empty rooms, he discovered a solitary blue bottle coated in a veil of dust. In a whimsical impulse, Jasper polished the bottle, and from its depths, Lux emerged, resplendent and enigmatic. "Hello, Jasper. I am Lux, and you hold three wishes in your grasp," Lux intoned with an otherworldly glint in his eyes.

Jasper, his heart pounding with disbelief, tried to make sense of this unearthly encounter. "I must be dreaming," he murmured. "I assure you, Jasper, this is no mere dream. You have stumbled upon a most extraordinary opportunity," Lux insisted, his tone firm yet remarkably soothing. Shrugging off the surreal encounter, Jasper dismissed the opportunity. "I have everything I could possibly want. I don't need any wishes," he conveyed with an air of nonchalance. "It is not about need, my dear Jasper, but about desires unspoken," Lux countered, his gaze piercing and inscrutable. Returning to his abode, Jasper's mind swirled with conflicting thoughts. Lux's words echoed in his mind, urging him to consider the true extent of his desires. Inwardly troubled by the authenticity of his friendships and the superficiality of his aspirations, he revealed to Lux his feeling that others liked him only for his wealth and looks. So Jasper pondered the implications of his emerging wishes. "Fine, if this is what it takes to prove a point, then I wish for someone who surpasses me in wealth and allure, enough to turn straight man gay," Jasper declared, half in jest, half in earnest. Despite his uncertainty in mastering his magic, Lux felt compelled to grant the wish. Suddenly, in a surge of blue light, Lux transformed into a wealthy and captivating figure, stunning in both opulence and charisma, leaving both of them astonished.

Delighted with the outcome, Jasper reveled in the world's admiration for Lux's splendor.

Jasper and Lux strolled through the opulent streets, where designer boutiques beckoned with their luxurious wares. Jasper, resplendent in his tailored suit, and Lux, exuding an almost regal air with his chiseled features and impeccably styled hair, attracted admiring glances as they indulged in a spree of lavish shopping.

Lux emerged from the changing room to see a satisfied grin on Jasper's face. Jasper was content, believing Lux's presence as a wealthy, attractive man would divert attention from himself.

Swathed in the finest fabrics and adorned with extravagant jewelry, they basked in the attention their wealth and attractiveness garnered.

Their escapades extended to the realm of leisure, where they reveled in upscale recreational pursuits befitting their status. Lux accompanied Jasper to exclusive venues, where they partook in leisurely yacht cruises to savor the allure of the sea, and engaged in spirited matches of tennis at elite clubs.

At night, they graced extravagant soirees, their presence commanding attention and admiration. Jasper and Lux immersed themselves in the glittering extravagance that their affluent lifestyles afforded. Lux found himself immersed in a world once beyond his reach, infusing every endeavor with an infectious joy, reveling in each moment as he came to understand the allure of wealth and luxury from an entirely new vantage point.

Worried about Jasper's fate, Lux shared his own story and urged Jasper to express his final two wishes, even if it meant parting ways as Lux moved on to serve his next master.

After a soirée, Jasper and Lux ​​walked home through a dimly lit alley, where they fell victim to a violent attack by a robber. Jasper was seriously wounded.

Realizing the gravity of his situation, Jasper hastily uttered, "I wish for my recovery, and for the assailant to take your place as the genie." A infernal swirl of smoke enveloped the scene, and the assailant transformed into a genie. Lux regarded  the events unfolding.

Expecting Lux to vanish into thin air, Jasper was surprised as Lux remained, now merely a regular human—albeit rich and handsome. "Lux?" Jasper called out, uncertainty lacing his voice. "You wished for the assailant to take my place," Lux explained gently. "My essence is no longer confined to the bottle and I can stay with you." Jasper marveled at these unforeseen developments. The assailant, now transformed into a genie, stood awkwardly amidst the unreal setting, grappling with his newfound abilities.   The new genie, riddled with confusion and uncertainty, struggled to comprehend his newfound existence as Lux and Jasper embraced their friendship and unspoken connection.

Some days later the genie-turned assailant appeared and says:

"Lux has not fully fulfilled your first wish. I'm here to fix this. Your first wish was that Lux shall turn straight man gay. Therefore, from now on you will be gay and desire Lux.” Suddenly, Jasper began to show his affection for Lux intimately. The genie laughed darkly: “How sweet you are, Jasper. I guess you’ll make Lux bi in no time and your bromance will turn into a romance.”

[artandthebible]

Christ Washing the Apostles' Feet

Artist: Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640)

Christ Washing the Apostles' Feet

Jesus washing the feet of the disciples (John 13:1–17) occurred in the upper room during the Last Supper and has significance in three ways. For Jesus, it was the display of His humility and servanthood in forgiving sinners. For the disciples, the washing of their feet displayed a mindset in direct contrast to their heart attitude at that time. For us, washing feet is symbolic of our role in the body of Christ.

[rest-in-being]

[craigtowens]

Use Your Spiritual Gifts Well

We have all been given spiritual gifts. We glorify God when we use them well.

However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy,…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Ayin

I have done justice and righteousness; Do not leave me to my oppressors.

Be for Your slave a guarantee for good; Do not let the arrogant oppress me.

My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation And for Your righteous word.

Deal with Your slave according to Your lovingkindness And teach me Your statutes.

I am Your slave; give me understanding, That I may know Your testimonies.

It is time for Yahweh to act, For they have broken Your law.

Therefore I love Your commandments Above gold, even above fine gold.

Therefore I deem all Your precepts concerning everything to be right, I hate every false way. — Psalm 119:121-128 | Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) Legacy Standard Bible Copyright ©2021 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. Cross References: 2 Samuel 8:15; Job 17:3; Job 29:14; Psalm 19:8; Psalm 19:10; Psalm 51:1; Psalm 69:3; Psalm 102:13; Psalm 106:45; Psalm 116:16; Psalm 119:27; Psalm 119:47-48; Psalm 119:82; Psalm 119:104; Jeremiah 18:23; Hebrews 7:22

Read full chapter

What should we learn from Psalm 119?

[northwoodsfan]

Not For Me! NO Thank You!

“and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” John‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ He washed their feet. All of them. The one who would betray him. The one who doubted him even though he’d seen his miracles, The ones who were racist. The ones who were just along for the ride, The ones who didn’t get it. One could not be a foot-washer…

[letspraynow]

Pastor and Prophet Elton delivers the word on Dec 8, 2024 with a word of encouragement.

[shaykhpodpics]

PODHADITH: SAFE PASSAGE TO PARADISE -

In a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 1855, the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, advised some characteristics which will cause a muslim to enter Paradise in peace.

The first is to sincerely worship Allah, the Exalted. Meaning, to obey Allah, the Exalted, by fulfilling His commands, refraining from His prohibitions and by facing destiny with patience according to the traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. This will cause one to use the blessings they have been granted in ways pleasing to Allah, the Exalted. This is the true meaning of obeying Allah, the Exalted. Obedience extends beyond worshipping Allah, the Exalted, through practices and rituals.

The next characteristic mentioned in the main Hadith is to feed others for the sake of Allah, the Exalted. This is a great deed which leads to the pleasure of Allah, the Exalted, and a great reward. Chapter 76 Al Insan, verses 9-11:

"We feed you only for the face [i.e., approval] of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude. Indeed, We fear from our Lord a Day austere and distressful." So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day and give them radiance and happiness.”

In addition, the one who feeds others for the sake of Allah, the Exalted, will be fed the fruits of Paradise on Judgment Day. This has been advised in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 2449. Finally, a muslim should strive to give all forms of charity regularly, according to their means, irrespective of its quantity, as Allah, the Exalted, judges quality meaning, one’s intention. This has been advised in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 1.

The final characteristic mentioned in the main Hadith under discussion is spreading the Islamic greeting of peace to others. A muslim should fulfill the true meaning of this righteous deed by extending peace to all through their actions and words. It is hypocritical to offer the Islamic greeting of peace to someone and then harm them through one's actions and speech.

A true muslim and believer must keep their verbal and physical harm away from the self and possessions of others, irrespective of their faith. This has been advised in a Hadith found in Sunan An Nasai, number 4998. It includes aiding others according to one’s means, such as emotional or physical support. The one who behaves in such a manner will be provided with support from Allah, the Exalted. This has been advised in a Hadith found in Sunan Ibn Majah, number 225. Simply put, a muslim should treat others how they desire to be treated by people through their speech and actions.

Prophetic Advice on Peace of Mind – Hadith - Complete Set eBook & Backup Link:

https://shaykhpod.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/prophetic-advice-on-peace-of-mind-hadith.pdf

https://spurdu.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/prophetic-advice-on-peace-of-mind-hadith.pdf

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[biblebloodhound]

Build Spiritual Wealth (1 Timothy 6:11-21)

In a world of looking out for number one, survival of the fittest, and hyper-capitalistic economies, many succumb to the allure of trusting in Master Mammon.

But you, man of God, flee from all this [love of money] and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before…

[fafnir19]

Naughty or nice

Kathy and Ben lived in the same apartment building. They often bumped into each other in the lobby or elevator, exchanging casual small talks. Kathy, with her charming smile and endearing laughter, always managed to brighten Ben's day, but he was never quite sure how to respond to her presence. Since Kathy had broken up with her boyfriend, she had been turning to Ben for help quite often, seeking his company and assistance even for the smallest matters. Ben had treated Kathy had never sat well with Ben. So, when Kathy constantly asked for his help, Ben couldn't help but feel a growing annoyance. Perhaps she had been never been a fan of Kathy's ex-boyfriend. He considered him to be an arrogant snob, and the way he treating her ex-boyfriend like a servant because she came from a wealthy family, Ben assumed with a tinge of bitterness. "Hey, Kathy, I can't keep doing this," Ben said one day, his frustration bubbling over. "I'm not your personal assistant, you know. And just because your parents have money, doesn't mean you can make others do whatever you want."

It was St. Nicholas Day, and Kathy pleaded with Ben for help again. "Please, Ben, it's important! I promise I won't ask for anything again," she implored. "You always say that," Ben shouted, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not your servant, Kathy!" Storming out of the apartment building in a huff, Ben collided with St. Nicholas and his helper, Knecht Ruprecht, who were spreading joy and cheer in the neighborhood.

"You've been good this year, young man?" St. Nicholas asked with a twinkle in his eye. "Save that question for the kids," Ben replied, irked by the joviality around him. Without warning, Knecht Ruprecht swiftly stuffed Ben into his sack, ignoring Ben's shouts and struggles. Before Ben could even comprehend what was happening, he found himself in the workshop of St. Nicholas with no way of escape. St. Nicholas's voice filled the workshop as he explained Ben's predicament. "You have refused to help Kathy too many times, young man. As a consequence, you will now work in my workshop until you understand the true spirit of Christmas."

In the following weeks leading up to Christmas, Ben toiled alongside the cheerful Christmas elves in the workshop. The air was thick with the scent of fresh pine and the sound of little hammers and chisels transforming old, forgotten toys into new ones with magical craftsmanship. However, instead of feeling the joy of the season, Ben's heart grew colder as he was forced to immerse himself in the work. Furthermore, the elves had also forced Ben to wear a green tuxedo, a symbol of his servanthood that he couldn't shed. As Christmas drew nearer, St. Nicholas took Ben aside and revealed to him the truth about Kathy. "She is lonely, and she has turned to you because she cares for you. Her constant requests for help were her way of trying to connect with you." Before Ben could process this revelation, the Christmas elves lined up, thanking Ben for his hard work. "Only one thing remains to be done," they declared. Ben was puzzled, for all the old toys had been transformed into new ones. The elves surrounded him, molding him as if he were clay, their nimble fingers shaping his features with delicate precision. As if guided by magic, his once unremarkable visage transformed into that of a dashing, handsome young man with captivating charm. A radiant smile graced his chiseled features; his eyes sparkled with newfound allure, and he stood in stunned silence as he admired his own reflection.

On Christmas Eve, St. Nicholas took Ben on his sleigh to deliver gifts.

But instead of taking him to his own home, St. Nicholas placed him under Kathy's Christmas tree. "Wait, I can't be here!" Ben's panic rose in his throat, but he couldn't move a muscle. St. Nicholas's words echoed in his mind: "You are nothing more than a gift now, a toy for the big girls.". He was a gift now, and a gift couldn't simply walk away from the Christmas tree.

Kathy's gasp filled the room as she laid eyes on the extraordinary Christmas surprise. "Oh, my goodness! This is amazing!" She lifted Ben, who could only watch in shock as she reveled in her new companion, oblivious to the turmoil within him. As their days together unfolded, Kathy found herself ecstatic with the new Ben, soon realizing that he was not only the perfect boyfriend on the outside but was also unexpectedly better in every way, especially in bed. Despite his protests and struggles, he was perceived by everyone as an ideal boyfriend, a mirror image of Kathy's previous beau.

However, Kathy was enamored with her new companion, and Ben couldn't help but notice her joyful laughter and contented smiles. And in the privacy of their moments together, Ben noticed another change – she moaned with delight and found solace in his embrace, making him question the depth of his own feelings.

[markmcole]

What Does It Mean To 'Live Like Jesus'?

In the Gospel of John, a powerful message is delivered in 1 John 2:6: “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” This profound statement sets a foundational principle for followers of Jesus, encouraging us to model our lives after the teachings and example of Christ. But what does it mean to live like Jesus in everyday life? Let’s explore this idea through key…

[hccadc]

Understanding Hypocrisy and Servanthood in Christianity

Introduction In today’s sermon, we delved into one of the most challenging and eye-opening chapters in the Bible, Matthew 23. This chapter is often referred to as “Fright Night” due to its intense and direct confrontation of hypocrisy, particularly among religious leaders. Jesus’ words in this chapter are not just historical critiques but timeless lessons for all believers. Let’s explore the key…

[craigtowens]

Using Your Leadership Power To Serve Others

Godly leaders are always striving to use their leadership power to serve others. What exactly does this look like? On a recent Craig And Greg Show episode, Greg and I discussed this important leadership tension.

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible.  https://craigtowens.files.wordpress.com/2024/01/using-your-leadership-power-to-serve-others.mp3 Godly leaders are always striving to use their leadership power to serve others. What exactly does this look like? On a recent Craig And Greg Show episode, Greg and I…

[chadbrodrick]

Demonstrating God's Love: 5 Actionable Steps

New Blog Post: Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship is reflected through love for others. Practical steps for showing love include serving selflessly.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35 (ESV) One of our greatest responsibilities as followers of Christ is to love others as Jesus loves us. In John 13:35, Jesus tells His disciples that the world will recognize us as His followers by our love for one another. This love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an active, visible expression of…

[melvingaines]

The Benefits of Servanthood (Part 1) - Audio Message - September 22, 2024

https://akronalliance.sermon.net/22318136 Pastor Gus Brown

[tonyburgessblog]

Serving To Lead

Daily writing promptDo you see yourself as a leader?View all responses I see myself as a servant who hopefully leads others to serve. Sometimes servanthood is not seen as important. I like the concept of servant-leadership and we need more of it.