October 2 | Happy Footwork

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You are listening to time for three, a daily biblical devotional for couples brought to you by Sam and Debbie Wood of family Fortress ministries.

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You can purchase a printed copy of time for three@familyfortress.org dot October 2 happy footwork.

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Our scripture reading comes from John, chapter 13 317 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper.

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He laid aside his outer garments and, taking a towel, tied it around his waist.

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Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet and to wipe them with a towel that was wrapped around him.

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He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Lord, do you wash my feet?

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Jesus answered him, what I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.

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Peter said to him, you, shall never wash my feet.

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Jesus answered him, if I do not wash you, you have no share with me.

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Simon Peter said to him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

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Jesus said to him, the one who has bathed does not need to wash except for his feet, but is completely clean.

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And you are clean, but not every one of you, for he knew who was to betray him.

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That was why he said, not all of you are clean.

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When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, do you understand what I have done to you?

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You call me teacher and lord, and you are right, for so I am.

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If I then your lord and teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet, for I have given you an example that you should also do just as I have done to you.

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Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

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If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Debbie: 00:02:09

We know pastors of large churches with enormous responsibilities.

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Because of their faithful leadership, the message of Christ is broadcast and ministry is extended to many people.

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We know evangelists whose travel schedules are intense and fast paced.

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Through their efforts, churches are encouraged and challenged, and the lost are exposed to the gospel.

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These men daily impact our country with truth.

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The tasks they perform are important to the kingdom of God.

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The significance of their work and the urgency of their schedules dictate that they use their time and resources wisely.

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The disciples viewed the ministry of Jesus in the same way.

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They were protective of his time and energy.

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Once they even reprimanded parents who allowed their children to distract him in the passage.

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Today, Peter attempted to stop Jesus from wasting time and surrendering his dignity with the menial task of washing.

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Jesus realized the urgency of his calling and time, but he also knew how to be happy.

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Taking the time to individually serve and show concern for the people who were dearest to him brought him deep satisfaction.

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Washing the disciples feet met their need for that moment.

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Jesus proved that their well being mattered to him, and as a result, he found joy in serving them.

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This joy was not his duty it was his delight.

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Jesus was concerned that the people who gave their lives to serve him might miss this path to happiness.

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He realized they could become so overwhelmed by the urgency of serving the world that they would not take time to individually serve the ones they love most.

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So he asked if they understood what he had done for them.

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This concern can especially apply to spouses who have demanding responsibilities outside of their home.

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The Lord deeply desires that we understand the significance of carving out time to serve our mates and the people closest to us.

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He wants us to be happy and blessed.

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