Donny, great prayer walk today. This past week I have been working on making someone’s day better, like letting lady with cart full of groceries go ahead of me, know it’s a small thing but she looked tired like after long day of work, or wishing a better evening to girl at pizza place after she had just been called an idiot by person on the phone, could tell she was really hurt, could tell by her change of expression she appreciated it. Know those are small things, small steps can help change someone’s heart. Is it being selfish when my day is better after these small acts or is it because I know it’s something Jesus would want me to do sharing kindness and love?
The walk in the cemetery touched me in another way, August 13 was when my husband was suddenly called home. Even though it’s been 17 years, it’s still a hard day. He was a person who would give, help, think about others first, spent 25 plus years serving in U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. Often think about what would he do to help in an unselfish way...
Appreciate the prayer walk every week, continued blessings to you.
I remember it has been around 10 years ago, I was leaving the Walmart store when a lady approached me with her little watch book from Jehovah’s Witness. She had a happy face and I was familiar with her religion. I thanked her nicely and refused the book. I was walking to my truck only to have the Holy Spirit grip my heart and Jesus speak to it. I heard His word of encouragement to look for her and tell her, He’s Alive. I argued a little telling Him I could not find her. Low and behold Jesus directed her to me. So I opened my mouth and my heart and let her know that Jesus wanted her to know He was alive. My selfish self wanted to leave but Jesus saw her as important enough for me to place her need for Him above my desire to weasel out. We need to let others know about His resurrection.
Aug 11, 2022·edited Aug 11, 2022Liked by Donny Mac
Donny I look forward of your Prayer Walks on Wednesday “ DO NOTHING FROM SELFISH MOTION?”
Breath in the thankfulness of all life before you, God wants to give you good things love, kindness so we can share to others. You were in a vicinity of a cemetery and a beautiful park too? I never seen so many beautiful flowers on each headstone? I myself put my own selfish act of kindness to others, I can’t just do nothing as in my little community they call me a servant and a healer. I serve my community because I have a relationship with God also it’s my therapy. We transplanted ourselves here from Minnesota in 2011 to be closer to our only son and we help take care for our three grandchildren. Since my childhood we were thought to serve others than own self. I was an altar server , all of us were raised catholic and I went to catholic school. To date we still serve our orphanage back to my birth country of Philippines even we are not there physically we continue to support that our great grandparents started in late 1940. I need to serve to God and not selfish recognition but truly served him.In fact , the greatest example of a humble servant is Jesus. True, God asks for obedience. Yet he does so in order to free you to enjoy his blessings. He serves you by providing the peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling life you desire.He will not answer the cries of your heart with fleeting remedies. He grows you in holiness and love so that you can experience the abundant life to the deepest degree.
(Matthew 23:10-11 NIV ) You have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant.
The cemetery made me think of people who can do nothing for me. In my selfishness, I see that I serve those who have something to offer. Serving someone who has nothing to give me, not praise or status, wealth or even friendship is so rewarding when it is done just to honor God. No recognition, just service. Big challenge here for the days ahead!
Welp......this is an area God has been working on me so this prayer walk was piling on - thanks for that - haha! The idea of doing NOTHING out of selfish ambition is so contrary to what the world says and also completely goes against our human nature. We have to be totally surrendered for God to be able to penetrate our hearts in this area. I recently had 2 opportunities to do really cool things that cost a lot. I REALLY wanted to do them, but God convicted me before I hit "purchase". They were both awesome opportunities, but they were selfish and I couldn't help but think about what those resources could do helping others. You're right, we need to examine every area of our lives and consider how we can count others as more important than ourselves. I even wrote a poem about it that I will post on my Substack page when I'm brave enough to get that open and personal. Thanks for another great challenge. I loved that God led you to a place where you could think about all those lives gone before and ponder what their relationships with Jesus might have been. Another reminder about those around us that need to know him before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this Prayer Walk. This definitely makes me really think. I know I'm a slave to sin. I also know at times I put my own selfish desires and needs above others which I know in my heart is wrong. I also want to do so much better at this, and like you I have that desire and wish to be there for others more than myself, but what happens, that sinful nature of mine grabs me each time. I praise God that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and his blood was shed for each and every one of our sins. It sometimes is still hard for me wrap my head around that; how can God love me so much to sacrifice his one and only son for me? The fact is HE did and praise the Lord I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Now, what to do about that sinful nature and selfish ambition? I believe it will be a continued work in progress for me for as long as I live due to the fact I know I will sin each day. I know I do want to try and be even more humble and do more for others and place their needs above my own, but at the same time remember that I need to take care of myself in the process. Stay humble and vulnerable before God, pray, and immerse myself in HIS word are the things which will help me to maintain my walk with the Lord. Also, I need to be even more bold in my faith especially to those whom you know are not truly saved. We are called to serve each with own special talents and spiritual gifts. I do know I will try and do my best not for selfish ambition or recognition, but to truly serve HIM with humility. Thanks again Donny! God bless!
Aug 13, 2022·edited Aug 13, 2022Liked by Donny Mac
Donny, I just experienced something pretty incredible a few minutes ago and it relates somewhat to this week’s prayer walk. I was coming back from the last walk of the day at the beach and a lady named Karen stopped me. Naturally, I was a little startled, but I felt very peaceful at the same time. I’m not one that usually stops and talks to strangers, but this time it was so different. I could definitely feel God’s presence guiding me to stay and just talk with her. We talked for awhile, she mostly and I listened which is all that’s needed at times. I learned quite a lot about her in those few minutes. She just needed someone to talk to. She told me that I looked like someone she could trust and personally had the spirit of God showing about them. I almost cried when she said that. Not sure if she is truly saved, but I did ask if I could pray for her. I did, and then she prayed for me. Honestly, I’ve never encountered anything like this before. I’m glad I listened to God’s guidance and not put my selfish ambition ahead of this to ignore her. God made this moment happen. I share this with you if this happened to me, it can for any of us. Easier said than done, because we all fail at this, but when God opens that door, don’t close it, open it and walk thru to let him guide you. Just wanted to share this with the group. God bless!
Interesting how the message of this walk complements what was covered in the previous “are we one?”, I give thanks to the Lord Jesus because I see that the Holy Spirit has guided you, Donny – even when “you” change your route.
If we read the entire chapter 2 of Philippians, we will see that Paul exhorts us to fraternal love, he reinforces the importance of communion among brothers and invites us to seek discernment so that union is unanimous.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity" is part of our sanctification process that is continuous and led by God in the lives of those who have been regenerated, converted and justified, in this process we are taught and shaped to live more and more for Christ.
To live in holiness is to overcome the temptations of our old nature so that we can resist the sinful habits and practices of our flesh.
Pursuing holiness is like going down a road towards a very distant place, so while we are on the road we are on the right track and only God knows when we will reach our destination.
I love Philippians 3:13-15 because Paul, even though he was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus, says he didn't reach "such perfection."
And you see, Paul was not negligent in his spiritual life, on the contrary, he tried very hard to obey God, he was like an athlete on the track making a great effort to achieve high performance.
“doing NOTHING out of selfish ambition or vanity” is a daily challenge on this path in search of sanctification, may God bless us and help us to achieve.
Oh Donny! That was such an emotional walk for me. My wish and hope is that someday soon I can actually take a walk while listening to you. I am praying each day for that to come to fruition. The only relief I get is when I am in meditation or prayer. So I have been trying to fill my day with that. Much love to you!
So far this morning. Pain is significantly reduced. Just numbness and tingling. Yay! The 2 new oils are helping I think along with all of your prayers!!!! Still no word from the docs about scheduling that test. Thank you all!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Donny, This is my first time chiming in, but this one was so deep and it made me really think and realize how much I need god and Jesus Christ in my life. Many blessings to you. Be safe out there!
I am taking this all in, Donny. There was so much in this walk that I need to think through, pray about, and process. Overall, the idea of Grace comes to my mind. That is not a way out of having to do the hard work and look at how I am not putting others above myself. However, I can get bogged down by the feelings of failure quickly. So, I am leaning on Jesus Christ and His Grace that gives me the love to be able to love others. Also, you are being bold in your faith is a testimony to me! I am soaking that in as well. 2 Corinthians 12:9 rings true! In a study I have been doing this summer, I have been challenged with what does surrender really mean. I am being challenged from all sides, it seems, so thank you for continuing to bring up challenging questions and thoughts. Blessings in Florida! May you feel His love and grace today in unique ways! And blessings to all in this dear community. I treasure our connections.
This is a beautiful prayer walk. The cemetery flowers were impressive and provided a nice backdrop for the message. It really hit home because I was just recently visiting my parents’ gravesite and feeling very lonely in a lovely and well-kept cemetery. Wow – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit.” This is surely impossible for us to do on our own and I agree with you. This is an area where I simply fail and feel powerless to even come close to this standard. That’s where God’s mercy comes in to forgive our failures, and where grace comes in to enable us to get to this place. As you put it, we must work this out individually in our own lives. There is a lot here to ponder and pray about. It’s a tough message shared in a beautiful setting. Thank you so much, Donny.
So this prayer walk got me thinking of the dash in my life. Am I living full out, following Jesus or am I hiding a bit behind my past. Then this morning during my Bible study time, what verse should appear for my daily scripture writing, but Philippians 2:3-4 so God got my attention. I check other versions and this is my take. As the my Scofield Bible says V 3 "Let nothing be done through through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." I take this to mean we need to not stir things up or uplift ourselves higher than others, to not be selfish and only be concerned with myself, but to think about others and what they are going through. Donny wonderful thought-provoking questions.
Donny, August has been crazy busy and I haven't been able to listen to any of the walks as they came out, so I determined to sit down this afternoon to go through them and take in all that you have shared. Wow, this one is sure convicting and spot on. It's going to take me awhile to process it all, and it's going to take a whole lot of grace to shift into actually thinking that way and applying it. Thank you for sharing, I so appreciate hearing what God has laid on your heart.
“Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.”
“I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.”
That's a good question. My first thought is, what does the bible say?
I think it's important to first determine if they are a follower of Jesus (His sheep hear His voice John 10:27-30, you'll recognize them by their fruit Matthew 7:15-20, fruit of the spirit Galatians 5:22-23, You'll know them by their love for one another John 13:35).
If they aren't followers of Jesus, that's a different situation.
If they are followers and you feel called to say something. Approach them with gentleness Galatians 6:1, using words that lift Ephesians 4:29
Donny, great prayer walk today. This past week I have been working on making someone’s day better, like letting lady with cart full of groceries go ahead of me, know it’s a small thing but she looked tired like after long day of work, or wishing a better evening to girl at pizza place after she had just been called an idiot by person on the phone, could tell she was really hurt, could tell by her change of expression she appreciated it. Know those are small things, small steps can help change someone’s heart. Is it being selfish when my day is better after these small acts or is it because I know it’s something Jesus would want me to do sharing kindness and love?
The walk in the cemetery touched me in another way, August 13 was when my husband was suddenly called home. Even though it’s been 17 years, it’s still a hard day. He was a person who would give, help, think about others first, spent 25 plus years serving in U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman. Often think about what would he do to help in an unselfish way...
Appreciate the prayer walk every week, continued blessings to you.
Donny I love your walk today.
I remember it has been around 10 years ago, I was leaving the Walmart store when a lady approached me with her little watch book from Jehovah’s Witness. She had a happy face and I was familiar with her religion. I thanked her nicely and refused the book. I was walking to my truck only to have the Holy Spirit grip my heart and Jesus speak to it. I heard His word of encouragement to look for her and tell her, He’s Alive. I argued a little telling Him I could not find her. Low and behold Jesus directed her to me. So I opened my mouth and my heart and let her know that Jesus wanted her to know He was alive. My selfish self wanted to leave but Jesus saw her as important enough for me to place her need for Him above my desire to weasel out. We need to let others know about His resurrection.
Donny I look forward of your Prayer Walks on Wednesday “ DO NOTHING FROM SELFISH MOTION?”
Breath in the thankfulness of all life before you, God wants to give you good things love, kindness so we can share to others. You were in a vicinity of a cemetery and a beautiful park too? I never seen so many beautiful flowers on each headstone? I myself put my own selfish act of kindness to others, I can’t just do nothing as in my little community they call me a servant and a healer. I serve my community because I have a relationship with God also it’s my therapy. We transplanted ourselves here from Minnesota in 2011 to be closer to our only son and we help take care for our three grandchildren. Since my childhood we were thought to serve others than own self. I was an altar server , all of us were raised catholic and I went to catholic school. To date we still serve our orphanage back to my birth country of Philippines even we are not there physically we continue to support that our great grandparents started in late 1940. I need to serve to God and not selfish recognition but truly served him.In fact , the greatest example of a humble servant is Jesus. True, God asks for obedience. Yet he does so in order to free you to enjoy his blessings. He serves you by providing the peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling life you desire.He will not answer the cries of your heart with fleeting remedies. He grows you in holiness and love so that you can experience the abundant life to the deepest degree.
(Matthew 23:10-11 NIV ) You have one Teacher, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant.
Lucy,
I love this scripture, especially verse 12, thanks for reminding her!
Thank you ❤️🙏
The cemetery made me think of people who can do nothing for me. In my selfishness, I see that I serve those who have something to offer. Serving someone who has nothing to give me, not praise or status, wealth or even friendship is so rewarding when it is done just to honor God. No recognition, just service. Big challenge here for the days ahead!
Welp......this is an area God has been working on me so this prayer walk was piling on - thanks for that - haha! The idea of doing NOTHING out of selfish ambition is so contrary to what the world says and also completely goes against our human nature. We have to be totally surrendered for God to be able to penetrate our hearts in this area. I recently had 2 opportunities to do really cool things that cost a lot. I REALLY wanted to do them, but God convicted me before I hit "purchase". They were both awesome opportunities, but they were selfish and I couldn't help but think about what those resources could do helping others. You're right, we need to examine every area of our lives and consider how we can count others as more important than ourselves. I even wrote a poem about it that I will post on my Substack page when I'm brave enough to get that open and personal. Thanks for another great challenge. I loved that God led you to a place where you could think about all those lives gone before and ponder what their relationships with Jesus might have been. Another reminder about those around us that need to know him before it's too late.
I really enjoyed this Prayer Walk. This definitely makes me really think. I know I'm a slave to sin. I also know at times I put my own selfish desires and needs above others which I know in my heart is wrong. I also want to do so much better at this, and like you I have that desire and wish to be there for others more than myself, but what happens, that sinful nature of mine grabs me each time. I praise God that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and his blood was shed for each and every one of our sins. It sometimes is still hard for me wrap my head around that; how can God love me so much to sacrifice his one and only son for me? The fact is HE did and praise the Lord I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Now, what to do about that sinful nature and selfish ambition? I believe it will be a continued work in progress for me for as long as I live due to the fact I know I will sin each day. I know I do want to try and be even more humble and do more for others and place their needs above my own, but at the same time remember that I need to take care of myself in the process. Stay humble and vulnerable before God, pray, and immerse myself in HIS word are the things which will help me to maintain my walk with the Lord. Also, I need to be even more bold in my faith especially to those whom you know are not truly saved. We are called to serve each with own special talents and spiritual gifts. I do know I will try and do my best not for selfish ambition or recognition, but to truly serve HIM with humility. Thanks again Donny! God bless!
Donny, I just experienced something pretty incredible a few minutes ago and it relates somewhat to this week’s prayer walk. I was coming back from the last walk of the day at the beach and a lady named Karen stopped me. Naturally, I was a little startled, but I felt very peaceful at the same time. I’m not one that usually stops and talks to strangers, but this time it was so different. I could definitely feel God’s presence guiding me to stay and just talk with her. We talked for awhile, she mostly and I listened which is all that’s needed at times. I learned quite a lot about her in those few minutes. She just needed someone to talk to. She told me that I looked like someone she could trust and personally had the spirit of God showing about them. I almost cried when she said that. Not sure if she is truly saved, but I did ask if I could pray for her. I did, and then she prayed for me. Honestly, I’ve never encountered anything like this before. I’m glad I listened to God’s guidance and not put my selfish ambition ahead of this to ignore her. God made this moment happen. I share this with you if this happened to me, it can for any of us. Easier said than done, because we all fail at this, but when God opens that door, don’t close it, open it and walk thru to let him guide you. Just wanted to share this with the group. God bless!
Amazing! Praise Jesus. Thank you for sharing
What an amazing experience, Anne, and clearly orchestrated by God. Thanks for sharing about it.
It definitely was!
Interesting how the message of this walk complements what was covered in the previous “are we one?”, I give thanks to the Lord Jesus because I see that the Holy Spirit has guided you, Donny – even when “you” change your route.
If we read the entire chapter 2 of Philippians, we will see that Paul exhorts us to fraternal love, he reinforces the importance of communion among brothers and invites us to seek discernment so that union is unanimous.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vanity" is part of our sanctification process that is continuous and led by God in the lives of those who have been regenerated, converted and justified, in this process we are taught and shaped to live more and more for Christ.
To live in holiness is to overcome the temptations of our old nature so that we can resist the sinful habits and practices of our flesh.
Pursuing holiness is like going down a road towards a very distant place, so while we are on the road we are on the right track and only God knows when we will reach our destination.
I love Philippians 3:13-15 because Paul, even though he was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus, says he didn't reach "such perfection."
And you see, Paul was not negligent in his spiritual life, on the contrary, he tried very hard to obey God, he was like an athlete on the track making a great effort to achieve high performance.
“doing NOTHING out of selfish ambition or vanity” is a daily challenge on this path in search of sanctification, may God bless us and help us to achieve.
Thanks for the walk!
Oh Donny! That was such an emotional walk for me. My wish and hope is that someday soon I can actually take a walk while listening to you. I am praying each day for that to come to fruition. The only relief I get is when I am in meditation or prayer. So I have been trying to fill my day with that. Much love to you!
I am praying along with you and others. May God allow you that gift. In Jesus name. Amen
Thank you so much. I have gotten a little more relief today. But no news from the docs. ❤️❤️❤️
So far this morning. Pain is significantly reduced. Just numbness and tingling. Yay! The 2 new oils are helping I think along with all of your prayers!!!! Still no word from the docs about scheduling that test. Thank you all!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Woohoo. Thanks for your prayers. I found someone that can do the test on the 22 of this month!!!! Bless you all!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Praise the Lord Jan! I know this is great news for you! I will keep praying and thank you for sharing! AMEN!!! Have a great weekend Jan!
You enjoy your weekend also! ❤️❤️❤️
Praying for you my dear friend! God bless!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Donny, This is my first time chiming in, but this one was so deep and it made me really think and realize how much I need god and Jesus Christ in my life. Many blessings to you. Be safe out there!
Looking forward to the next one.
Hello Joanne, thank for "chiming in". 🙂
I am taking this all in, Donny. There was so much in this walk that I need to think through, pray about, and process. Overall, the idea of Grace comes to my mind. That is not a way out of having to do the hard work and look at how I am not putting others above myself. However, I can get bogged down by the feelings of failure quickly. So, I am leaning on Jesus Christ and His Grace that gives me the love to be able to love others. Also, you are being bold in your faith is a testimony to me! I am soaking that in as well. 2 Corinthians 12:9 rings true! In a study I have been doing this summer, I have been challenged with what does surrender really mean. I am being challenged from all sides, it seems, so thank you for continuing to bring up challenging questions and thoughts. Blessings in Florida! May you feel His love and grace today in unique ways! And blessings to all in this dear community. I treasure our connections.
Thank you . Food for thought . Have a Blessed week.
This is a beautiful prayer walk. The cemetery flowers were impressive and provided a nice backdrop for the message. It really hit home because I was just recently visiting my parents’ gravesite and feeling very lonely in a lovely and well-kept cemetery. Wow – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit.” This is surely impossible for us to do on our own and I agree with you. This is an area where I simply fail and feel powerless to even come close to this standard. That’s where God’s mercy comes in to forgive our failures, and where grace comes in to enable us to get to this place. As you put it, we must work this out individually in our own lives. There is a lot here to ponder and pray about. It’s a tough message shared in a beautiful setting. Thank you so much, Donny.
Philip, I totally agree! Hope you’re doing well!
Thanks so much, Anne. I hope all is going well for you too!
Doing well!
So this prayer walk got me thinking of the dash in my life. Am I living full out, following Jesus or am I hiding a bit behind my past. Then this morning during my Bible study time, what verse should appear for my daily scripture writing, but Philippians 2:3-4 so God got my attention. I check other versions and this is my take. As the my Scofield Bible says V 3 "Let nothing be done through through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." I take this to mean we need to not stir things up or uplift ourselves higher than others, to not be selfish and only be concerned with myself, but to think about others and what they are going through. Donny wonderful thought-provoking questions.
Donny, August has been crazy busy and I haven't been able to listen to any of the walks as they came out, so I determined to sit down this afternoon to go through them and take in all that you have shared. Wow, this one is sure convicting and spot on. It's going to take me awhile to process it all, and it's going to take a whole lot of grace to shift into actually thinking that way and applying it. Thank you for sharing, I so appreciate hearing what God has laid on your heart.
I found this in Romans 1
“Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.”
“I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.”
Romans 1:14-15 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.1.14-15.NKJV
Thank you for your answer.
Hey Donny, when you see someone who does this, how do you inform them they are doing something to just get this kind of attention.
That's a good question. My first thought is, what does the bible say?
I think it's important to first determine if they are a follower of Jesus (His sheep hear His voice John 10:27-30, you'll recognize them by their fruit Matthew 7:15-20, fruit of the spirit Galatians 5:22-23, You'll know them by their love for one another John 13:35).
If they aren't followers of Jesus, that's a different situation.
If they are followers and you feel called to say something. Approach them with gentleness Galatians 6:1, using words that lift Ephesians 4:29
Also, Matthew 18:15-18 is a good scripture.
I hope that helps.