Tonight at cell group we talked about being of service those who are around us. Quite literally, to be ready to do whatever and whenever God has called us to step into his will. A couple of things that were said that are sticking with me afterwards that I’d like to remember:

1. God is not solely concerned about the end result, He’s concerned about the process to which we’ve gotten there. As a result, He put’s opportunities in front of us that will always stretch our boundaries, because growth requires stretching. If it’s easy, then it’s not growth.

2. Often times we assume before we engage therefore arrive at an “automatic” judgement regarding people and their situations. Don’t fool yourself. That’s pride and God will resist it.

3. If we can’t learn to empathize and sympathize with people, we will lose the art of caring. If you can’t put yourself in their shoes, you will never learn compassion.

4. Everybody wants to be heard and understood. it’s a basic need of human kind. If we are unwilling to listen, sympathize and empathize with people, what is our motivation for friendship?

5. Money is at the core of every mans desire. We want to provide. We want to have more. However, it’s our motivation that determines if we serve money or God.

6. Live life ready to go, but willing to stay. Hold nothing too tightly. You never know what God may require of you.

7. Trust is at the core of everything God requires us to do. If we are being prompted to do something, will we trust His leading or dismiss it as inopportune or inconvenient and walk away?

8. “Craving clarity, we attempt to eliminate the risk of trusting God. Fear of the unknown path stretching ahead of us destroys childlike trust in the Father’s active goodness and unrestricted love.” (Ruthless Trust, pg. 6)