Finding God's Presence ~ A Life of Service

by Nan Jones   @NanJonesAuthor

Guest Blogger, Rose Chandler Johnson  @rechanjo

You're in for a treat today as I share my friend, Rose Chandler Johnson with you. Like most of us, Rose has lived through some difficult moments in her walk of faith. But in those difficult places she has found the Lord to be faithful. Today she is sharing a page from her devotional, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea. Sit back and relax a moment and allow the Lord to quench your soul with refreshment from His word. Rose joins me in praying for you, our readers, as we ask the Lord to give you strength for the journey. 

Welcome Rose!

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25 NIV

Well I remember the time, some twenty or so years ago, when my little children revolved around me like the planets circle the sun. I felt like I was holding them all in place, but God was holding us all.  He was ever present.

One especially exhausting day, as I was changing a diaper and hurriedly juggling many tasks, I said aloud in exasperation, “I don’t have a life!” 

Without hesitation, in an instant, the Lord responded emphatically to my words.  In my spirit, I heard, “No, you don’t have a life.  Didn’t I tell you that whoever will save his life shall lose it, and whoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it?” 

These words came directly to me, personal and real—interjected into my train of thought by a voice of authority. 

At that moment, I knew the Lord had spoken to me.  I realized I was doing exactly what the Lord wanted me to do; I was taking care of the needs of my family.  My service to them was not an obligation, but a holy calling, a vocation to serve the needs of those in my care. 

Jesus became a “servant to all” taking on the “form of a servant” in his earthly life.  His service was love in action.  His selfless love, for our redemption and God’s glory, is a model for all believers.  It is with this same spirit of service that we can dedicate our lives to His service.  By so doing, we are strengthened to give of ourselves to others, in our families and beyond, as we go about our everyday lives. 

Suggested readings: Matthew 16:24-26; Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Cor. 9:19; Philippians 2:7-8.

Journal Considerations:

Can you think of times when your service to others causes you frustration? Self-pity?

What encouraging words would you like to hear at those times?

In your own words, describe what Paul means in 1 Corinthians 9:19.

Prayer:  Dear God, I want to be at your service, doing whatever it is that you have called me to do this day.  Strengthen me to serve.  Give me the love I need to put into my actions.  Show me the tasks you have called me to do, that I may live my life for Your glory.

Today’s Sweet Tea Moment:  What would Jesus do?

Prayer Focus:  Those who devote their lives to God’s service by serving others.

A Tweetable to Encourage Others

Where is God when I'm frustrated? Rose Chandler Johnson @rechanjo shares via @NanJonesAuthor. (Click to Tweet) 

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Meet Rose:

Rose Chandler Johnson’s devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments won the Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award in 2014. It was also awarded the Selah Finalist Award in 2014. Rose enjoys writing for her blog, Write Moments with God and engaging with her readers, who have inspired her to write another devotional, presently a work in progress.  Rose is a native Georgian, and has lived in a suburb of Augusta for the last thirty years. She was a French and English teacher for twenty years. Currently she works as an outreach specialist for a public library. In addition to reading and writing, Rose enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her six children and their families.

God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea

In the South, nothing is more refreshing than a glass of sweet iced tea. Nothing, that is, except experiencing God in those small, everyday

moments. God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is a deeply personal collection of spiritual treasures designed to help readers experience new mercies each morning. Seasoned with insight and grace, this tender

devotional points to the divine presence of God in everyday moments. Whether purchased as a personal resource or given as a heartfelt gift, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea will help readers develop a daily habit of turning to God in those quiet moments of reflection.

Connect with Rose:

Blog: Write Moments With God

Twitter: @rechanjo

Pinterest: Rose C. Johnson

Facebook:Rose Chandler Johnson Author

Goodreads: Rose Chandler Johnson

God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart.com, Christianbooks.com and through your local independent book stores in paperback. Kindle and Nook versions are also available.

Note: Did you enjoy this blog? If so, I would love for you to subscribe my entering your email in the subscribe space in the above right corner beneath my photo. I post on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays and am starting a quarterly newsletter with recipes, praise, a devotion, and special info about my ministry. It would thrill me to stay connected with you and encourage you in the difficult places.