Joining the Secret Service Club
In today’s devotion I talked about my desire to tap into Jesus’ super power of secret service. Although that’s truly my heart, I face two challenges with which you might be able to relate. I’m creatively challenged and short on time.
Here’s a list of easy and creative ideas I’ve compiled from several resources to help us along in living out this Secret of Service:
- Offer to water your neighbors’ plants or take in their mail when they’re out of town.
- Take popsicles or chicken soup to someone who is sick.
- Take food to someone in need when your recipe is more than enough for your family (or double it on purpose!)
- Let a friend cry while you listen without feeling the need to “fix it”.
- Send a friendship card when there is no special occasion.
- Get your office mates together to give a little gift of appreciation to your boss.
- Offer baby-sitting services to a single mom who needs a break or a married friend who needs a date night.
- Plan a picnic after church with someone who is new.
- Put an encouraging scripture on a card or leave it on the answering machine with an “I’m praying for you” for someone in crisis.
- Give a pedicure gift certificate to a friend in her 9th month of pregnancy. (Girly-girls want their toes to look pretty even when they can’t see them. 🙂
- Clean someone’s house when they’re sick.
- Call someone just to say “hi” instead of calling with an agenda or to ask a favor.
- Take a minute to direct someone who is lost, even though you’re rushing.
- Write a letter to a child who could use some extra attention. Kids love getting mail.
- Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor, especially in extreme weather.
- Each time you get a new item of clothing, give away something old.
- Bring your assistant coffee.
- Call or write to a teacher who changed your life.
- Write a note to the boss of someone who helps you, and explain how great a job that person is doing.
- Ask someone “How are you really doing?”—and then really listen to her response.
- When you finish mowing your lawn, mow your neighbor’s.
- Offer time and your area of expertise/gifting to someone who needs it.
- Take a new neighbor a plate of cookies.
Often, we don’t ever get to see the results or impact of these small acts of service, but today I did. I got an email from a woman who I reached out to in a small way letting me know she took a huge step. It made me cry to know that God took a little thing I did to accomplish something big in a woman’s life.
Little acts of obedience and service can have big impact. (Click here to Tweet this)
So I want to issue a little challenge. Let’s form a Secret Service Club today. Will you pick 4 of your favorite acts from the list above (or think of your own) and commit to doing one a week for the next month?
If you will commit, please leave a comment saying, “I’m in!” Not only will it encourage each other, your comment will enter you to win a copy of my favorite, classic book Hind’s Feet on High Places. If you’ve already got a copy, enter anyway. Maybe you could serve a friend by passing it on to her!
Also, if you haven’t subscribed to my blog, I’d love to issue an invitation. (You’ll see the place to do it in the sidebar to the right.) I’ll post encouragement for our “club” for the next month, and I’d love to hear how it’s going. Let’s make this a little band of friends serving to make a difference!
I’m in. I often feel like I don’t have the time and can’t do one more thing. Needed this to see some fresh ideas. Thank you! 🙂
I’m in! We homeschool our oldest child, in our curriculum it suggested something similar for a week. Reading this is a wonderful idea and to include my children.
Thank you!
Wow. I made a complete meal for my neighbor. They were grateful but couldn’t figure out why someone would do something like that. What a great opportunity for God to use. I am glad I followed the strong urging. His wife had just had surgery which I didn’t know about.
Heidi,
Thanks so much for sharing. I’m inspired!
I’m in!
I’m in! These are great ideas and many of them are not at all difficult even for those crunched for time. Thanks for sharing them!
I’m in! I have been so blessed by the kindness of others. Sometimes the smallest things make a big difference. We are not always aware of the things others are facing. May God open my eyes to the needs of others and give me His heart. Thank you Amy for the timely reminder that we all can make a difference and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Traice,
Well, since I know you, I KNOW you’re passing that kindness on to others! Hugs to you!
I love this challenge! And I love the Secret Service name. I’m in!
If you follow God’s nudge you never know what might happen. God will use your little acts of kindness to encourage others, soften hardened hearts, or help bring someone to an eternal life decision. Amy has lived what she wrote about. Although I have never met her, God used her obedience to His nudge to bring me to a life changing decision. Thank you Amy for serving Him and making a difference in my life. I hope that He will use everybody who has committed to further His eternal kingdom by following His leading and intentionally seeking opportunities to act out of compassion.
Wow…I can’t begin to describe how your post encouraged my heart. Your words are an amazing honor, and once again I’m in awe at how Jesus invites Him to partner with Him.
I’m in! I already have some ideas for things I can do…
I’m in!! What a wonderful idea that should cause each of us to slow down a bit and take notice of those around us. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
I’m in…thanks for the ideas…I will pass them on to my small group. God’s blessings on you and the way God is using you and will continue to create in you…I love the song, “Desert Soul” and how I am reminded all the time that when my soul gets dry, how I need His creative spark in me…..It is always a blessing when we give of ourselves and through you, Christ is able to ignite His “creative spark” in so many that might read your writings….God’s Blessings
Thank you, Deborah!
I’m in. Wonderful opportunity to be His servants. Thanks for the challenge.
Amy, I could so relate to your experiences! I do a great deal of volunteering and many times I am showered with thanks from those I serve. I usually respond by praising Jesus and pointing upwards to the One who created me to be who I am and where I am and to do whatever I am doing to serve Him by serving others to His honor and glory! But despite all that, I still have feelings of accomplishment and know that my acts are not always selfless but rewarding to my heart and my ego. This post has renewed my humility and will create in me a much more humble approach to each new day filled with God’s “Divine appointments”! I AM IN! God bless!
I too find that to be true, Mary. I want to have a pure heart, but it takes daily (and sometimes moment by moment) heart-checks. Thanks for sharing!
I’m all in! 🙂
I am in. I love the idea of doing little random acts of kindness. I will start with people I know and see what I can do for them… Maybe from there I will get other ideas.
I’m in!! Thank you for the encouragement to step out in faith. I’ve heard our Pastor talk about Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) but have felt embarrassed to approach a stranger…I didn’t want them to think I was strange. I am going to start with people I know and hopefully God will give me the strength I need to show strangers His love.
I hope you’ll share what God does! I’m excited to see how He changes me in this too!
I am in!
Count me in. I always want to do this but don’t seem to stay focused. Praying this will keep me on task and eventually make it a habit.
I try to do what I can for neighbors and friends and family. I’m in.
I’m in! Great ideas and a wonderful way to serve our Savior and show His love to others!
I am in! Thank you for a wonderful reminder.
I’m in!
I’m in! such a great idea 🙂
I’m in. 🙂
I’m in….
I’m IN!! As one who serves on our church’s Hospitality Ministry I am always keeping my eyes open for opportunities (little as they may be) to bring God glory. It’s in the little stuff that God can take to work the BIGGER stuff.
I’M IN….I have be so looking for the push to give more to other. Thanks so much
I’m in! This is just what I needed to keep me going on my “word” for the year: kindness. Thanks so much, Amy. I love you!
Ooooo… I LOVE your word for the year! What an amazing challenge.
Im In, may we serve others as God uses us mightly.
I’m in.
I am all in! This will be a blast!
With God’s help, I will do some of this list-I truly think several of the ideas are very “doable”-thank you for the ideas. One extra idea is this: if you have the money I would suggest paying for part or all of the person in line behind you at the drive through or coffee shop. In this case you really don’t know who they are so are truly doing an anonymous act of service/kindness. Also, nursing homes are places that could use some joy!
I’m in! We are doing bible study on James and these ideas will help us put our faith in action! Thanks!
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
I’m in!! I guess even what a person may consider to be little things can make a big difference in someone’s daily life. Serving God by serving others…that’s what it is about. 🙂
I’m in! Thank you for the encouragement, your message is causing me to ask myself about my heart condition in serving others.
I am in. I love to do things like that and have lots of ideas but often run out of time. Doing one a week for a month is a great idea.
I’m in! On 4/22 I responded to a challenge from Nancy Leigh DeMoss’s Choosing Gratitude regarding the lost art of hand written Thank You notes. I’ve kept a list and so far, I’ve sent 16! The sweet phone calls and emails I’ve received have been priceless. In each one, I’ve shared what they mean to me, how they have blessed my life, ways I admire them and told them I’ve prayed for them… or asked “How may I pray for you?” just in case there’s a special need I’m not aware of… This is becoming a sweet, sweet ministry for me. Also, I learned writing scripture cards from a dear friend and sharing those whenever someone comes to mind is another way to bless and encourage someone. Thank you!! ; – ))
Handwritten notes ARE a lost art, but I sure do love getting one! What a blessing you’ve been to those who have received yours.
I’m in!
I’m in. Thanks for the reminders too ~
Reminds me of the old TV show Mission Impossible. Remember this?
“If you choose to take this assignment …than your message will… not self-distruct!”
Ha! Praying all of us will find unique ways to do our SS for the Lord.
I’m in!
There are so many cool things on this list that I may try to do all of them but definitely the 4.
My pastor challenged us once to take a dollar and commit ourselves to use it in the process of meeting someone new. We had to introduce ourselves and ask them their name and give them the dollar. I met Joshua at the gas station. He was hungry and I bought him breakfast. So cool to see his face light up at being able to order anything off the menu. My daughter gave her dollar to a Frank in McDonald’s he had just enough money for a burger but really wanted fries so she paid for his fries. I have never seen someone that happy to get fries!
Awesome idea!
Im in! Great reminder!
I am in!
Yes, I am in! And thank you for reminding me today of who I am serving!
I’m absolutely in! I live in an apartment complex where a lot of international students reside. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them as friends and neighbors and invite for dinners, parties, and other fun things. God placed it on my heart this week to give fun and Godly birthday gifts to a couple of people who may not otherwise receive much attention to their birthdays. I love the idea of serving others and God is always placing new ideas in my heart!
Julie, before we moved we lived near a university, and our family loved being connected with an international student each year. I really miss that, and I’m inspired by how you’re reaching out!
I’m in!
God has been putting this on my heart for sometime. Though I do a few of these at times, I’m not as consistent as I need to be..
I am in!
I’m in!! My daughter and I call it “Random acts of kindness”!
I’m in!
I faculty a group on drugs and alcohol. Each Group I Serve Each Individual A Cup Of coffee. My workers talk about me i am crazy, but I tell them I am to serve others. They don’t understand I am a servant for Jesus Christ.
Love it! They may not understand yet, but they’ve obviously noticed something different. Love on, sister!
I’m in. What a great idea! Thank you