Happiness is in the Pan

Deut. 16:17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

A few years ago I heard a message preached at Bible Training Institute called Happiness is in the Pan. The pan is referring to a feet washing practice rarely used in today's society, but heavily used in Jesus' time, as well as still practiced in The Church of God. It is just as it sounds- literally the washing of each other's feet in a little pan. Most people are probably cringing as you read this, however, the lesson is not that of disgust- but of servanthood, helping others, giving up of your own pride to better someone else. Notice who was washing the feet in this passage of Scripture-

  John 13:[3] Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;[4] He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.[5] After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.[6] Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?[7] Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.[8] Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Hopefully your attitude on the practice has changed some. If Jesus can be humble to wash his disciples' feet, how dare any of us feel too worthy to do the same?

I am not writing this devotion to encourage everyone to go around asking to wash people's feet. I am writing this devotion to encourage others to step out of your comfort zone, give when you should- not only when you think you could. God will reward your kind heart, and it will make YOU happier. There is no better way to improve your own mood, than by improving someone else's.
All of us having a different missionary base of people that we interact with, that we know, that we see often. We all know people who need a little more than they have. Take some time to help out. Even a smile, a nice card, or just someone to talk to is an act of giving that we each should do more of. In fact, the Bible says that they will know us by the love that we show others. 

Today is Christmas Eve here in America, it is a time of ultimate receiving. Let us all make sure that we are focused on giving more than we receive- not only with our money, but with our hearts and our souls. 

Phil. 4:19 [19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

- Destiny Turner

When everyone leaves...

We've all heard the quote that "A real friend isn't the one that has been there the longest.. Its the one that walks in when the rest of the world has walked out."

I have never lost so many people in my life than I feel like I have this year. It really struck me today though, that the only REAL friend that any of us have is Jesus. He is the ONLY ONE who will accept us through it all. He will stand there always. He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us.

Proverbs 18:[24] A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

If we grow distant from Him, it is because we, ourselves, left His side.

Psalms 73:[28] But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.


Draw close to the One that will never leave you or hurt you.

Hebrews 13:5 (b)...be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.




Dear Lord, thank You for always being there for me when I never deserve it. I am so sorry for the times that I don't treat You like a friend should. Help me to remain close to You. I love You.


-Destiny Turner