Matthew 20:25-28 We were made for times such as these!

Philippians   2:6–7 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men NKJ

The first we will be last and the last first. We are blessed to be born in the time of the Gentiles. All people are created equal in the eyes of God. He shows no partiality. We are united in the reconciliation provided by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  In His eyes their in neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female, slave nor free. He sees the perfect shed Blood of the Lamb in us and not our sins. We were born in such a time as this to balance the evil that seeks to destroy mankind in the blessed assurance of the good inherent in us...and now we see! Out of the abundance of God’s heart we speak. Carla

Matthew 20:25-28

25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” NKJV

The measure of greatness is not position, power, or prestige; it is service.

Only Matthew mentions two blind men; Mark and Luke refer to one, probably the one who spoke. The fact that Matthew records that there were actually two men especially suits his Gospel, which was written primarily for Jews who would have desired two witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6). Son of David, a messianic title (2 Samuel 7:12–16), identifies Jesus as the heir to David’s throne. This cry, repeated in verse 31, shows the spiritual insight of these blind men. The NKJV Study Bible

Another paradoxical statement of role-reversal (Matthew 19:30; 20:16). Rather than exercising authority, a godly leader willingly becomes a servant of others. Jesus does not merely instruct His disciples about what they should do; He models it for them. Faithlife Study Bible

Mark 9:35

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 

Matthew 23:11

But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 

John 13:13–38

You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet…

Philippinians  2:6–7

who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Napoleon reminded us, "Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to choose." 

And because of that, freedom always works better in speeches, than it does in practice. Because if I choose—to commit, to invest, to give—I offer my heart freely. I’m all in.

I offer this little light of mine. If I’m honest, it boils down to this: For whatever reason, I too easily live afraid.

If I open my heart to care, I risk vulnerability.

If I speak out for compassion and justice for the least of these, it is considered too “political”.

To give without regard for reward, is to risk misunderstanding.

To expose feelings (openness and vulnerability), is to risk exposing your true self.

To love, is to risk not being loved in return.

To hope, is to risk despair.

I’ll cut to the chase. When I am afraid, I react (allow the narrative of my life and world to be owned by the shouting and anger, where labels rule), or I shut down (Lord knows I don’t need the drama and headache).

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.

And here’s the good news; every single one of us have been endowed and equipped to be a light in a dark world.

The light is alive and well, for every single one of use. No exclusions. Yes, including the poor, the powerless, the desperate, the outsiders, the forsaken, and the forgotten.

Too good to be true? I can relate.

And I settle for less. Because, “That can’t be me,” I tell myself. I confess that I don’t always see the light in myself.

So. Where do I begin? The advice of a mentor, “Do what’s in your heart.” Sabbath Moments