Rev-Elations November 2007

So much in life is a matter of perspective. The old Law of Echoes says that what we send out in terms of expectations is exactly what we will get in return. So if I expect a meeting to be long and tedious, that is what it turns out to be. If I expect someone to be a drag-out, put-me-to–sleep bore that is what he/she turns out to be. Why? Because my expectations shape reality. On the up side, if I come to a meeting with the expectation of engaging, Spirit-driven decisions, guess what is more likely to happen?

Studies confirm the Law of Echoes. Two teachers in a school were given classes on the same grade level and history of performance. One teacher was told beforehand that she had a class of exceptionally bright and committed students. The other was told he had a class of lazy, under achievers. In fact, both classes were equal in potential. But guess what happened? The teacher whose perspective was shaped positively ended up with a class performing far beyond the other, where expectations were shaped negatively.

To a large extent, servanthood is a matter of perspective, too. What we bring to serving others, we will more likely see happen. It comes down to something as simple as these questions:

· The person I am serving – do I see them as Jesus Christ in disguise, as Jesus asking to be helped (Matthew 25:34-36), or as a bother?

· Do I see selflessly serving another as an opportunity to bring God pleasure or just another commitment I have made?

· Do I expect something in return for my service or do I approach it selflessly?

One great thing about defining oneself as a servant is how you begin to look for the next opportunity and the next. Life is not a series of self-gratifying events, but a high-expectation, longing for the next opportunity to carry a burden, share a cross, or walk alongside.

Thanksgiving month is a great month for this kind of serving perspective. Look for chances this week - at work, at school, out in the neighborhood - to serve. There is no better way to give thanks to God for blessings than to serve in His name. That is what I call Thanksliving. Watch how when you approach life with servant eyes, you live life with servant acts. It is a matter of perspective. It all goes back to the One who looked on us and did not write us off as unteachable, unworthy, or impossible but came “to serve and to give His life as ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed Thanksliving to all.



Rev. Julianne Gebbie

The Road to Success

Mary Ellen Coble has provided the following--

Someone sent this to me and I thought you all would like it.

Philippians 4:16 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, and caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.