Tag: Ministry

“Only One Option”

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Life gives us two options: stop where we are now and walk away, or keep moving forward until your destination is reached.

Giving up is not an option.  At least, that’s what most self-help motivational gurus say.  On this subject, I must agree.  The steadfastness and commitment of our Christian journey is more than obtaining worldly goals, success, and the like.  It’s a continual press onward and upward toward the kingdom of God, and in that, we want to take others along for this wonderful spiritual pilgrimage.

In Acts 13, Barnabas and Paul set out on their first missionary journey.  People, including leaders of cities, were responding positively to the message of the gospel they were teaching (see Acts 13:12).  But as the apostle Paul will learn, while there may be some successes along the way, there will also be some hard times and adversities; in opposition to the positive responses, there will also be some negative ones.

After leaving the area of Paphos, Paul and Barnabas traveled by boat to Perga in Pamphylia and from there into Antioch in Pisidia (Acts 13:13-14).  Searching out the local synagogue, Paul went in and expounded to the Jews present about their national history that led up to the revealing of the crucifixion and resurrection of the Savior (Acts 13:16-41).

But, when the Gentiles begged to hear the same words of encouragement about the Savior, the Jews in attendance became envious and started contending against the work and the teaching of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:42-45).  After this adversarial encounter, Paul stated it was necessary for them [the Jews] to hear of this good news first, and then he proceeded to tell them that now they would focus their ministry on delivering the message to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46-48).

Although the Gentiles were glad about what they heard, and the gospel spread throughout the region (Acts 13:49), the opposition against these missionaries was just getting started.  Troublemakers stirred up prominent men and women of society who persecuted Paul and Barnabas and kicked them out of the region (Acts 13:50).  Nevertheless, this did not stop their joy or the delivering of the message.  Shaking the dust off their feet against this city, they moved on to the next teaching/preaching opportunity which is found in the city of Iconium (Acts 13:51-14:1).

But there, too, we see that the unbelieving Jews caused problems for the missionaries.  Standing their ground in the Word, and continuing to preach His message, Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly for the gospel’s sake until the residents of the city became so divided that violence was sought against them.  Upon finding this out, they fled to Lystra and Derbe and began to preach the gospel there (Acts 14:2-7).

It should not surprise the Christian that such division is found wherever the gospel is preached.  Even Jesus stated, “Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division,” (Luke 12:51).  While some are looking forward to what the truth of the Word of our Lord holds, others do not.  Therefore, wherever progress and footings are made to plant the Word of God into souls, there will always be attempts to stop that from happening.  The job of the Christian is to not give up regardless of the troubles, adversities, trials, and tribulations one faces.  The gospel message must still go out.  There are still souls that need to hear of His saving grace, and as carriers of such a treasure, we must through faith strive through it all to deliver this eternal life-saving message to this broken world.

The troubles we may encounter in any ministry work are not to be a surprise (1 Peter 4:12), rather, it is to be expected (John 16:33). We were never promised the absence of struggles. But what we are told is, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12), and “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). 

God told Joshua in the Old Testament, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9), and while it is one verse we like to quote often, wearing that faith hat and putting it into practice can sometimes escape us when the struggles are before us.

Nonetheless, the ministry and the message are too important not to push through and push forward, and like the apostle Paul stated in Philippians, we too must declare, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (3:14). 

So, you see, there is really only one option. The choice between the two is always ours, but to continue to be and do all God has called you to be, and do, only one viable option is on the table: Don’t Give Up! If the road were always easy and popular everybody would walk it (Matthew 7:13, 14). But everybody in this world out there needs us to continue moving this message forward, even if they don’t realize it.

Paul, through all of his missionary journeys, would continue the press in carrying the gospel to many nations and people. In the process, he would suffer much ( read the rest of Acts 14 and 2 Corinthians 11:23-33). But for him, giving up was not an option. Neither should it be for us. We may never be called upon to experience and endure some of the trials he and many others have faced, but that doesn’t mean that we will be without adversity. May the courage and dedication of our Lord, and the testimony of these witnesses encourage us to carry on. 

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” Hebrews 3:1-3

The struggle may seem hard at times but Jesus promised, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved,” (Matthew 24:13).

Text Free Image by Adam Tumidajewicz from Pixabay

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Relentless!

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Peter, one who walked with Jesus and walked on water, knew the value of the faith he believed and carried in his heart.  He had a deep concern that others would know this value too and refused to let anything stop him from passing it on.

He writes in 2 Peter 1:15, “Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance,” because for people like Peter, Paul, and the others that carried this holy message, facing death, suffering, and hardship due to the ministry was not a surprise.  It’s as if they knew it was part of the package of following Christ (see 2 Peter 2:14; compare 1 Peter 4:12, 13). 

Rather than let the thought of what they would face deter their faith or cause them to shrink back, they used it as a propelling place, putting even more fervency in the work of the ministry while they had time.

What about us?  For some, when things get hard, it pushes a stop button on any progress gained.  But what if we, with the same zeal and enthusiasm as they, refused to let the hard places stop our mission?  What would happen if we, like a woman in the process of a painful birthing experience, continued to push through it all to receive the reward at the end?

There is power in the push!  We are called to be relentless in our faith – not backing down, not easing up.  We have the goal of heaven before us, and as those working as “joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) in this Kingdom work, we want to help and assist as many as possible to find their way to this faith.

That cannot happen if we stop or if we let the thought of what could happen hinder our progress.

We must adopt the mindset of the apostle Paul and say for ourselves, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 3:14).  This is a forward march that refuses to lessen the pace, instead the stride is intensified knowing the prize is ahead.  The work continues with valiant efforts for the benefit of others.

Continue the push.  Be relentless.  None of what we go through or do for Christ will be in vain.  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord,” (1 Corinthians 15:58). 

Our faith is of premium value.  Nothing can compare to what we have in Christ.  Refuse to back down.  Refuse to step aside from the ministry God has laid on your life.  Others are depending on you to keep pushing forward – to be relentless.

“But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:39

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The God-Placements | Carriers of the Ministry

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What does effective ministry look like to you?

Photo by Yusuf sinan on Pexels.com

“This shall be the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, about the most holy things:” Numbers 4:4

Every believer has a place in the calling or ministry of God. There is no such thing as someone who has been saved by grace that is not equipped in one or more ways to operate in a particular gift (s) by His grace (Rom. 12:6). And while the area you are called to work in may not look like the ministry of another (1 Cor. 12:4), it is no less critical in its impact for God’s kingdom.

Like a well-functioning body, every member is needed to step up to the plate with their gifts (comp. 1 Cor. 12:12, 14). While the spotlight tends to fall naturally on those in the front, there are many behind-the-scene positions, if they were not managed by capable persons working in their gifts, then whatever is going on upfront would not be going on at all.

After watching a good movie, especially one with multiple twists and turns, I love to scroll through the credits to see those who participated in the making of the movie. My goal is to see who the writer is. Many eyes may be drawn to the main characters, but the real star of the show is the one who wrote the story. The one who allowed him or herself to spend much time in relative obscurity, working their gift to pull the story off according to their specific design.

There are no wasted behind-the-scene moments when working to help the service of God go forward, when helping to get His story out there. There is no work that we do for our heavenly Father that is to be considered unimportant if we are working where He has called us to work. There is great value in every calling (1 Cor. 1:26, 27).

And it was God who called the Kohathites for a special job. In the days of their wilderness wanderings, when the people were ready to journey, and the tabernacle had to be disassembled into its specific pieces by the priests, it was the sons of Kohath who were commissioned by God to be there to help in the process by being carriers of the holy vessels that were inside (Num. 4:15).

Because they were not priests; because they were not the upfront guys, the items would first be covered (for their protection) so they could not see or touch them (4:17-20), but they were still called upon to help carry the things of God, to help carry the ministry.

Where they were needed to work for the kingdom of God may not seem glamourous (after all, they didn’t get the special garments, with the special office of preparing the special offerings), but the work was helpful in successfully moving the articles of the tabernacle from one location to another.

Friends, your position of performance may not include being front and center. There may be certain parts your calling cannot participate in. But wherever God has placed you, it is important, and your service to Him is valuable.

1 Corinthians 12:18 states, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” This is what I call the God-placements. According to His divine purpose and design, God has a special place for each of us, and every place we serve is essential and profitable for the Kingdom’s work.

While we may put much emphasis on those who are holding the microphone, speaking at large gatherings, singing to multitudes, and writing bestsellers – we forget the joy of being called where God knows we fit. Where God knows we can make the most difference.

We forget the importance of just doing. Doing what we do best for Him, for God. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem to others, it makes a difference for His kingdom.

One psalmist said, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Ps. 84:10). Whichever way you want to interpret that verse, I would rather participate in the humblest of positions in the will of God than out, for in it I will find the richest of all experiences.

Everyone has a place. Everyone in their place can do something amazing that would help this work continue to grow and spread. If it is to hold a microphone, so be it. But if I only get to be a carrier for Him, let me carry the ministry God has instilled in me with all my might and strength, knowing there is no work, big or small, that is done in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

Your reward may not come now with the applause of men (which is a heavy responsibility that produces low returns), but when performed for God, for His glory (1 Cor. 10:31), it will come with a “well done” (Mt. 25:23) from Him, the highest reward and applause we should seek.

Lord, though our flesh may desire to see more, do more, and touch more, let our spirit rest in the truth that if we are called to only be carriers of the ministry, we are called according to Your beautiful pleasure and placement for our lives. Help us to serve in that calling, with all grace, working to please our God and heavenly Father. AMEN!

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“It’s Saturday!”

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The day before Sunday is like no other. It’s the day that comes at the end of the workweek and comes before the day of worship. There are so many possibilities with this day. Sleep in or go out? Veg out in front the TV or seek adventure? Clean or do you say forget it, “I clean every day and today I’m taking a break!” How will you spend your time?

Time. That’s a four little word with great impact. Time is something we can never get back. Time is something that will keep moving forward whether you are ready to go with it or not. Time is precious. Time is valuable. How one spends their time can either add to their life or take away from it.

Time. Extra time is not promised. We can’t buy more time. Rather, we must lay hold of with an iron grip the time that has been allotted to us and make the best use of it for our lives, our families, and our ministries.

Time. What will you do with it? We deserve rest because we worked hard. Take the time. We deserve adventure, something that will heighten our senses because we have stayed the course of the mundane all week. Take the time. Clean? . . . well, we’ll just leave that one alone for now.

Time. As crazy as it seems to us, it goes by in a flash when you don’t want it to and it drags when you wish it would speed up. That’s why every moment counts. Every opportunity should be seized. Every second savored.

Time. We don’t have as much of it as we would like, and yet God blessed us with the amount we need. How we choose to use it is up to us.

What will you do with your time today? There is no right or wrong answer. If you worked hard and want to sit in front of the tv because your brain needs a few hours vacation, then do so. If your body has been stuck in the office all week and you feel a need to stretch and exercise to get it moving, then do so. If you chose to let the house go one day so that you can have time for yourself, then do so. It’s Saturday! It’s your time! Make the most of it for you!

Keep in mind, once this Saturday goes by, it will not come again. Oh, yes, there will be other Saturdays, but not this Saturday. There will be other chances and opportunities, but not like today. Today is for you – it’s your Saturday, what will you do?

Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to redeem the time. Grab hold of today and make the most of it! It’s only here today. So, what will you do with today?

Whatever you do, make today count! It’s Saturday, enjoy “you” on this day!

God bless you and enjoy your Saturday 🙂

 

“It’s Saturday!”

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The day before Sunday is like no other. It’s the day that comes at the end of the workweek and comes before the day of worship. There are so many possibilities to this day. Sleep in or go out? Veg out in front of the tv or seek adventure? Clean (if you saw my post for last Saturday, “When My House Is A Mess” you know what I mean) or do you say forget it, “I clean every day and today I’m taking a break!” How will you spend your time?

Time. That’s a four-letter word with great impact. Time is something we can never get back. Time is something that will keep moving forward whether you are ready to go with it or not. Time is precious. Time is valuable. How one spends their time can either add to their life or take away from it.

Time. Extra time is not promised. We can’t buy more time. Rather, we must lay hold of with an iron grip the time that has been allotted to us and make the best use of it for our lives, our families, and our ministries.

Time. What will you do with it? We deserve rest because we worked hard. Take the time. We deserve adventure, something that will heighten our senses because we have stayed the course of the mundane all week. Take the time. Clean? . . . well, we’ll just leave that one alone for now.

Time. As crazy as it seems to us, it goes by in a flash when you don’t want it to and it drags when you wish it would speed up. That’s why every moment counts. Every opportunity should be seized. Every second savored.

Time. We don’t have as much of it as we would like, and yet God blessed us with the amount we need. How we choose to use it is up to us.

What will you do with your time today? There is no right or wrong answer. If you worked hard and want to sit in front of the tv because your brain needs a few hours vacation, then do so. If your body has been stuck in the office all week and you feel a need to stretch and exercise to get it moving, then do so. If you chose to let the house go one day so that you can have time for yourself, then do so. It’s Saturday! It’s your time! Make the most of it for you!

Keep in mind, once this Saturday goes by, it will not come again. Oh, yes, there will be other Saturdays, but not this Saturday. There will be other chances and opportunities, but not like today. Today is for you – it’s your Saturday, what will you do?

Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to redeem the time. Grab hold of today and make the most of it! It’s only here today. So, what will you do with today?

Whatever you do, make today count! It’s Saturday, enjoy “you” on this day!

God bless you and enjoy your Saturday 🙂

“It’s Saturday!”

1 Comment

 

The day before Sunday is like no other. It’s the day that comes at the end of the workweek and comes before the day of worship. There are so many possibilities to this day. Sleep in or go out? Veg out in front of the tv or seek adventure? Clean or do you say forget it, “I clean every day and today I’m taking a break!” How will you spend your time?

Time. That’s a four-letter word with great impact. Time is something we can never get back. Time is something that will keep moving forward whether you are ready to go with it or not. Time is precious. Time is valuable. How one spends their time can either add to their life or take away from it.

Time. Extra time is not promised. We can’t buy more time. Rather, we must lay hold of with an iron grip the time that has been allotted to us and make the best use of it for our lives, our families, and our ministries.

Time. What will you do with it? We deserve rest because we worked hard. Take the time. We deserve adventure, something that will heighten our senses because we have stayed the course of the mundane all week. Take the time. Clean? . . . well, we’ll just leave that one alone for now.

Time. As crazy as it seems to us, it goes by in a flash when you don’t want it to and it drags when you wish it would speed up. That’s why every moment counts. Every opportunity should be seized. Every second savored.

Time. We don’t have as much of it as we would like, and yet God blessed us with the amount we need. How we choose to use it is up to us.

What will you do with your time today? There is no right or wrong answer. If you worked hard and want to sit in front of the tv because your brain needs a few hours vacation, then do so. If your body has been stuck in the office all week and you feel a need to stretch and exercise to get it moving, then do so. If you chose to let the house go one day so that you can have time for yourself, then do so. It’s Saturday! It’s your time! Make the most of it for you!

Keep in mind, once this Saturday goes by, it will not come again. Oh, yes, there will be other Saturdays, but not this Saturday. There will be other chances and opportunities, but not like today. Today is for you – it’s your Saturday, what will you do?

Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to redeem the time. Grab hold of today and make the most of it! It’s only here today. So, what will you do with today?

Whatever you do, make today count! It’s Saturday, enjoy “you” on this day!

God bless you and enjoy your Saturday 🙂

“It’s Saturday!”

Leave a comment

 

The day before Sunday is like no other. It’s the day that comes at the end of the workweek and comes before the day of worship. There are so many possibilities to this day. Sleep in or go out? Veg out in front of the tv or seek adventure? Clean (if you saw my post for last Saturday, “When My House Is A Mess” you know what I mean) or do you say forget it, “I clean every day and today I’m taking a break!” How will you spend your time?

Time. That’s a four-letter word with great impact. Time is something we can never get back. Time is something that will keep moving forward whether you are ready to go with it or not. Time is precious. Time is valuable. How one spends their time can either add to their life or take away from it.

Time. Extra time is not promised. We can’t buy more time. Rather, we must lay hold of with an iron grip the time that has been allotted to us and make the best use of it for our lives, our families, and our ministries.

Time. What will you do with it? We deserve rest because we worked hard. Take the time. We deserve adventure, something that will heighten our senses, because we have stayed the course of the mundane all week. Take the time. Clean? . . . well, we’ll just leave that one alone for now.

Time. As crazy as it seems to us, it goes by in a flash when you don’t want it to and it drags when you wish it would speed up. That’s why every moment counts. Every opportunity should be seized. Every second savored.

Time. We don’t have as much of it as we would like, and yet God blessed us with the amount we need. How we choose to use it is up to us.

What will you do with your time today? There is no right or wrong answer. If you worked hard and want to sit in front of the tv because your brain needs a few hours vacation, then do so. If your body has been stuck in the office all week and you feel a need to stretch and exercise to get it moving, then do so. If you chose to let the house go one day so that you can have time for yourself, then do so. It’s Saturday! It’s your time! Make the most of it for you!

Keep in mind, once this Saturday goes by, it will not come again. Oh, yes, there will be other Saturdays, but not this Saturday. There will be other chances and opportunities, but not like today. Today is for you – it’s your Saturday, what will you do?

Ephesians 5:16 encourages us to redeem the time. Grab hold of today and make the most of it! It’s only here today. So, what will you do with today?

Whatever you do, make today count! It’s Saturday, enjoy “you” on this day!

God bless you and enjoy your Saturday 🙂