“So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. [43] But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, [44] and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. [45] For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45
I recently traveled on a cruise ship to Bermuda out of Boston this past week. I met some of the most interesting people internationally and from other nations. The conversations were rich and interesting to learn about other people’s cultures. Outside of the walking on the ship at times, finally getting offered to be picked up with a wheelchair to get to the pool which was by the front of the ship. It was a long way from where we lodged near the mid rear part of the ship. I not only felt spoiled, but privileged to be served for one full week. Although I paid for the trip, the staff was all about serving and to make you have a relaxing and wonderful time, which Darlene and I did. We were spoiled like the rest of the guest.
The behind the scenes workers who served so faithfully including the rooms, cleaning, the kitchen, entertainment, waiters, waitresses, the crew leading us on the ship, maintenance and so much more. There was not one selfish person I met or seen on this staff. They were a team and wanted to bless each and every one of us.
The ten disciples were upset at James and John who wanted the best seats in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus reminded all of them to be servants as he reminds us today.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”
The reality in life is that it’s not about us, but to stay focused on those around us. To be aware of others needs and not just my own.
Serving should happen on a daily basis, not once a week in church with some ministry that you are involved in. An effective leader, CEO, COO, manager, teacher, doctor, nurse, etc. is all about serving, not usurping authority or using others to make yourself look good. It was an honor to be served by amazing people from. All over the world.
Jesus wants us to be blessed and enjoy life, however, he gives us a principle to live by and not to become so self centered that we forget our purpose here on earth.
My friend have a great day and coming week. May we be aware of those around us.
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Published by Andy
Greetings! My name is Andy Provitola and I live in New England on the South Shore between Boston and the beautiful Cape Cod region.
The purpose of my blogging and writing is to encourage you in your journey here on planet earth. Life is full of pressing issues and problems and my desire is to discover a place for peace, hope, healing, and contentment. I am a follower of Jesus Christ – God’s one and only Son and I discovered these truths along my own personal journey.
Having discovered a personal relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ does not mean I have to be religious to attain the rewards of heaven. The fact is God provides grace for us and accepts us as we are in His image. In other words, we cannot attain heaven or life eternal on our own, but by God’s loving grace and no merit of our own. Simply by accepting Him by faith and believing.
My goal is to continue to find a balance of life from a spiritual and practical perspective with a purpose to please and glorify God in all that I do because of His ‘Gift of Grace’.
God is not transcendent and so far away that he is out of reach with humanity. God desires that His presence lives within us and not just in the galaxies and the universe. Experiencing the unconditional love of God has been so rewarding and while discovering the truth and purpose for my life. Moving forward in this life is not a sprint, but a marathon when it comes to this race here on earth.
I am blogging because I find it is a good way to connect in a much more effective and efficient way when it comes to communicating and interacting with people that I know or do not know. Blogging and writing challenges me and also stretches me specifically in my thoughts, my mind, my emotions, and my spiritual life. To live a vertical relation with God and a horizontal relationship with others.
There will be a variety of topics and subjects to address including youth, young adults, family, singles, seniors, relationships, etc. Some of the topics will include God’s creation and power, depression, loneliness, suicide, hope, healing, setbacks, financial matters, business, stress, anxiety, care, encouragement, and so much more.
I would like to connect with all walks of life, ethnicity, culturally, other religions, socio-economics, and in so many more ways.
I am currently writing a book and several memoirs about my own life and journey . The journey begins at a young age growing up in Malden, Massachusetts, specifically Maplewood Square to where I am today. I became paralyzed from the waist down as a senior in high school and I share how my life changed for the better!
“But I do not consider my life as something of value or dear to me, so that I may [with joy] finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus. To testify faithfully of the good news of God’s [precious undeserved] grace [which makes us free of guilt of sin and grants us eternal life]. Acts 20:24 Amplified Version
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