JUNE 19
JOHN 21:16- “Lovest thou me?…Feed My Sheep”
Please remember to read “My Utmost for His Highest” for Today
Introduction- Serving Jesus and feeding His Sheep sometimes carries suffering, abuse and an attitude of being used as a doormat. Pilgrims devoted to Jesus Christ hardly notice because of their love for Him. This poem is written for every saint who has ever dealt with
muddy footprints.
A doormat is a funny thing, collecting unwelcome dirt a lot.
Brushing dust from the soles of men. Mats are chosen, paid for, bought.
My life feels like a doormat friend, removing dirt from folk I meet.
Tenderly responding to those I find because God led them to my street.
My feet were once so full of wounds. My dusty walk held many a care.
I stomped and wiped, spreading mud until Jesus heard my prayer.
He took my feet and wiped them clean. His basin and towel were there.
Like His disciples, it was hard to receive. His cleansing showed He cared.
Now I caress every footstep that comes. I share life’s daily cares.
God has divinely positioned me, as I bathe each footprint in prayer.
I’ll collect every discard that comes my way. I’ll filter their words with prayer.
Doormats are a privileged lot, their cleansing shows they care!
©2003-Marlene D. Bergman
Ponder or Journal-Recall a time in life when you felt like someone’s doormat. What lessons were learned? How might a “basin and towel” attitude have helped your coping skills? During Jesus’ time foot- washing was usually performed by the most insignificant servant. How might foot -washing attitudes change relationships today? Think of a difficult person you know. Imagine yourself washing his or her feet. Remember this the next time you meet. Watch for miraculous changes in both your life and theirs. Journal the joys!
Dear Lord, Thank you for the love that You so profoundly demonstrated in Your foot washing ministry. Keep my heart and life in a foot -washing mode. Forgive me for feeling used and abused when I should have surrendered my pain to You. You understand better than anyone the pain of undeserved “doormatism.” In Jesus’ name, Amen.