John 13:14-15; 34-35

 “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.”

 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples after He had washed their feet at the Last Supper. Our DBC family lives out these commandments of our Lord; namely, to wash feet and to love. In a sense, our feet are being washed through the loving acts of kindness that so many pour out on us. This not only blesses us, but it speaks loudly to our neighbors without using words. They see people coming almost daily to help us and encourage us during this time of Steve’s illness. They see love in action. 

One example of this happened several months ago. Choir member Glenna Butler organized about 20 choir members to come over and sing hymns to Steve. One of our neighbors called while they were here, alarmed at all the cars in our driveway. She thought something had happened to Steve. I told her choir members were here singing and invited her over. She didn’t come but another neighbor came and sat on our deck and listened to the beautiful hymns the choir was singing.

The choir is another of those “families” that make up Denton Bible Church – people serving together who become closer, in many cases, than birth families. Steve’s love of classical music drew him to sing in church choirs all of his Christian life. Until he got sick, he looked forward to choir practice on Wednesdays and the church service on Sundays where he could use his love of music to worship the Lord. The DBC website says this about the worship and music:

God has designed everyone for the purpose of praising His name. It is the primary goal of the Music and Worship Ministry at Denton Bible Church to exalt the name of Jesus and encourage others to join in doing the same. The psalmist writes “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious!” 

Steve always appreciated the emphasis that Kendall, our worship pastor, put on glorifying the Lord through the worship music at DBC. Kendall and his two assistants, Jacob and Andrew came to visit Steve after he was diagnosed with lymphoma and had to drop out of the choir. Here is another example of carrying out Christ’s command to love one another. Their visit nurtured and comforted Steve with the love of Jesus. 

Our organist, Dede Benton and hubby Bob, have also visited several times. The organ is Steve’s favorite instrument. Every Sunday before the church service Steve used to spend a few minutes talking with Dede, so we came to know and appreciate Bob and Dede. Their visits brought back fond memories of times when Dede let loose with the organ and caused Steve’s spirit to soar in worship to God.

Every day when Steve and I pray we thank God for our church family. More next time about those wonderful saints!