Hard Questions

These are personal study questions at the back of my EBook

Squished! Why God Seemingly Destroys Our Fruit

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How strong is your faith in Christ Jesus, the Lord? Maybe you will never have to face anything as severe as Joseph, Job, Ruth, or Esther but when everything appears to deteriorate, focus on the joy of the Lord; the joy that we have because we are “they who are looking for a country of their own” (cf Hebrews 11:13,14,15). These scenarios intend to challenge you to think about how close your personal walk is with Jesus and how much is earthly baggage.

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1. How would you respond if your house burned down today? Everything in it is now ashes, not one thing survives. Mentally walk through your house right now and look at the things you have. Right now, it is gone! It no longer exists!

What are you feeling the loss of most?

What will replace that loss?

Whom are you going to trust to relieve the loss?

What is it you are afraid of facing the most at the loss of your house?

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2. How would you respond if your spouse died today? Are you walking close enough to the Lord to accept it? How do you answer these questions if the person you love never comes back to you alive today?

Do they know you love them?

Have they trusted the Lord as their Savior?

Have you prayed for them lately, really prayed for their safety, well being, love, strength, spiritual growth? That they are walking close to the Lord daily.

Are they ready to meet the Lord Jesus today?

If the scenario was your children died today, ask the previous questions for this also.

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3. What if your home church burned, there is not a shred of anything left; to what do you associate the building?

What constitutes as loss when the building is no longer available?

How does this affect your worship?

How strong is your feeling toward the activities that you attended?

How much are you accustomed to what was available inside the building?

If how you served depended on the material inside the building, how will you serve now?

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4. What does the pastor mean to you in terms of your church attendance and service?

Do you come to church to hear him or God?

Do you feel uncomfortable when someone unfamiliar speaks?

Are you reluctant to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart through a different speaker?

Do you think all sermons are supposed to speak personally to you?

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5. What happens if you died today?

Are you ready today to meet Jesus?

Is your daily desire to meet Jesus face to face?

Is your family’s faith strong enough to walk with Jesus after your death?

Is there someone you need to tell about Jesus?

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How much of your life since your salvation would be considered building with straw, hay, and stubble?

How much of your life since salvation would be considered building with gold, silver, and precious stones?

These questions are not to depress you but to help you examine your daily spiritual life. Where are your values? Is it your stuff, your people, your activities? Today, can you walk through your house and say to Jesus, ‘I throw it all away.’ The challenge is to do just that.

Where have your thoughts been lately?

Where are they right now?

Do these scenarios hurt? Why or why not?

With the Psalmist say, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23,24). Ask Jesus to clean your house, physically and metaphorically. Ask Jesus to show you where your stuff is hindering your service to Him. Be real.

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Are you ready today for the rapture?

Do you really want to go home?

Is your desire to stand before the Lord and see exactly what He is and whom He is?

Do you love Him enough to let Him have everything?

Do you fear Him that much?

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In the next month do this daily. Think about these scenarios and pray about your thoughts daily.

Revival begins when we want to live. Revival begins when we want others to live.

LIVE!

Revival begins with Jesus!

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Insult My Sacrifice To God

Leviticus Chapter 22 has an interesting list of people God says can and can't eat the holy and most holy offerings.

"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to Aaron and his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they do not profane My holy name by what they dedicate to Me: I am the LORD'" 22:1,2.

The church should be careful to maintain holiness to God as we share meals with unbelievers. Our contributions should be realized as holy offerings to the Lord our God. Taking donations from the unsaved should be forbidden so as not to profane God's holiness in their eyes.

Though the Hebrew Law isn't an integral part of what the church follows, we do know the need for keeping Jesus' Name and Person holy. And in light of some practices where unbelievers are invited to share meals in a church building, I think we need to be a bit stronger in showing holiness of Jesus' Name and Personage to unbelievers today. (I am not promoting legalism)

I say this in regards to the practice of many church's 'public suppers' where a donation is taken or a fee is charged. The unsaved have no concept of God's holiness, His Sovereignty, or that He doesn't need anyone's money.

If a congregation cannot afford the offering of a meal for God's glory then they shouldn't be having 'public suppers' and making the unsaved pay for it.

No money should be taken from the unsaved person who comes to share the meal, and their attempted donations should be refused,  so as to let God show Himself mighty in the congregation and among the lost.

You can't keep people from trying to pay for their salvation on a Sunday, or anytime you pass an offering basket. To help alleviate this problem, it should be remarked upon as the offering is taken. But if a person goes away offended because a church wouldn't take their money at a Free Supper, AMEN & so much the more glory to God!

There are far too many 'churches' that get their support by selling suppers. For me. if a church refuses to accept money for any meals served where the general public is invited and gets a reputation of being the only church that doesn't take money, then they've set a precedent for the other Bible-based churches to follow.

They've become witnesses to the unsaved public, and other believers, that they know their God can supply all our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:17-20)

Too many unsaved people have too many opportunities to try to buy their way into heaven through churches that accept any and all donations.

And on the particular night when inviting the general public to a supper and a believer tries to donate, I would turn down their money also. Just to set the example and not give any area of confusion as to the offering we are making to our God.

I mean, a believer has any number of opportunities to give. If we have the meal planned and enough of everything, then donations are superfluous at that time. It's like they're telling me, "You can't afford to give this much to God, so take this money and replenish your out of pocket expense." I would consider their money an insult to my faith in God. And a further insult to my sacrificial offering to my God.

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Jesus- God Our Servant

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,

and to give His life a ransom for many" Mark 10:45.

Some of the things Jesus did:

He listened. He taught.
He wept with and for people.
He fed people. He led people. He walked with people. He ate with people.
He attended parties.
He helped people. He healed.
He read. He told the truth to everyone.
He played with children. He prayed for people. He counseled.
He gave people what really they wanted. He told people how to do things.
He gave examples. He gave Himself as an example.
He told stories. He cooked meals. He was willing to go anywhere.
He observed God’s laws and man’s laws, (when they didn’t contradict.) He was obedient to God the Father.
He loved people, even His enemies.
He sang songs.
He traveled with little expense. He was honest and just in all His dealings.
He forgave.
He touched the untouchable. He approached the unapproachable.
He was kind.
He helped Fathers and Mothers. He spoke with both men and with women.
He accepted poor, rich, soldiers, businessmen and women, housewives, teachers, bankers, laborers, lawyers, government officials, religious and non-religious, sinners and self-righteous.

 And some things Jesus didn't do:

He never demanded service.
He never hurt people, not even His enemies.
He never manipulated anyone.
He never coerced anyone.
He never forced anyone to do or not do anything.
He didn’t gossip.
He didn’t hate anyone for deserting Him.
He never took revenge for an insult.
He never played tricks.
He never insulted anyone.

Christians have something in Jesus that the world religions cannot comprehend. Even as they search for what we have, they deny that we have found it in Jesus. Man-made religions and man-created gods make their followers obey rules as means of perfection.

The God who gave His life for the sins of the world not only asks us to obey, He provides the power to obey.

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself

unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him,

bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4 & 5.

• As a Man, Jesus was the best friend we could ever have.
• As Lord, Jesus deserves our obedience. 
• As our teacher, Jesus showed us how we ought to act and work.

As God, Jesus could have shown all His power and brought Himself the glory that is due Him. Instead of God crushing the rebellion of mankind in Adam, Jesus, the Savior, made this statement,

“If you love Me, keep My commandments" John 14:15

 Jesus gave us the examples; let us follow Him. 

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Don't Interrupt My Song To God!

I can't sing. I can't read music. I do not know what the notes are in the music scale. I can't go up or down in a lyric until I've heard someone else sing it. I sing mostly in monotone. After I have learned a song by mimicry, I can then do a good rendition of it from whomever I have learned the song.

For all of that, I enjoy singing to God.

I am not sure if I would say I have a handicap to the singing part of worship, but it means I need the Song Leader to sing the songs the same way each time. I need the Song Leader to sing what is written in the Hymnal, the Chorus Book, on the overhead screen, or on the song sheet I have been given. If the song is going to be sung differently, the Song Leader needs to tell me at the beginning and lead me in the new set-up. Don't change it in the middle of the song.

I am singing to God. My voice is lifting to God. My mind is on God. I am worshiping God.

When I sing in a church service, or where God is worshiped, I am following the written lyrics, or memorized lyrics, word for word. Because of this, when the Song Leader's voice breaks in to say something not on the page or screen, suddenly I am interrupted. My mind is stolen from God because I have to stop to find out what the person wants me to do.

They've stolen my worship when they break into the lyrics to say something.

There have been issues where older congregations have failed to embrace the new music of worship. I tend to enjoy the older hymns and choruses also but on examining what I dislike is what I am explaining here. I can sing along with the 'contemporary' music on the radio with no difficulty lifting my voice to God with the newer style. I don't mind singing with a guitar, drums, horns, or any instrument but I need that instrument to be helping me to sing my worship to my Lord and Savior. I've discovered it's not the music, so that leaves the presentation.

What I need in a church service is for the Song Leader to lead me in singing of praise to God.

Please, if you are a Song Leader, simply do that for those of us who haven't your musical skills.

Singing the same verse/chorus repeatedly does little to help me worship. I end up wondering how many times we're going to repeat this after the first five or six times. That means I've been stolen from God.

If I have the words in front of me, I don't need to be reminded what verse I'm on. An instrumental solo isn't necessary either.

I can sing with a full orchestra in church but they need only help me in worship of God. I like good music, and I like all sorts of music but when I'm singing to God that's what I am doing. The Song Leader is just that---The Song Leader, leading me in singing to Almighty God.

When it's time to sing to God, lead the singing. Don't interrupt my worship.

Don't interrupt my song to God!

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The Two-Fold Purpose of God Moving Dynamic Workers

The Antioch church was growing and service was abundant, then God says, "Okay, now those who are doing the majority of the work, I want them to go where I send them, to further My work somewhere else."

"Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away." Acts 13:1-3.

Most churches would hate having their hardest workers leave. Even to disagreeing with God. "After all, God, their ministry is extremely vital! They can't leave, who will do the work!"

Kinda selfish isn't it? And also terribly restricting. It could be God wants to raise up someone else to do another work in that church, It may be these dynamic people leave no room for the new workers, or even a new work. Someone of importance might have to step down, or step away, from their ministry so another person may serve God. Hmmm?

No one would go to the mission field if dynamic workers didn't go. Even if that mission field is another church body, God can bless those who go, the church they leave, and the church they join for their obedience.

If Barnabas and Saul had stayed, would their work have continued to flourish or would it have stagnated and died over time? If they had said, "No, Lord, we are too busy here, we don't want to go," would God have continued to enjoy their service to Him in that place?

What do you think? Can God have a two-fold purpose for moving people out of a flourishing ministry?

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God Gets 'Er Done

Genesis 24: Seeking God's Help In The Workplace

You may be the boss or you may be the least recognized person in your workplace, yet by your faith in God, you can be the most effective in getting things done. Genesis 24 is a great chapter of faith in action and of answered prayer.

"I will make you swear by the LORD, 

and the God of heaven and earth...

Genesis 24:3

An Impossible Task:

    Genesis 24 tells us, with the exception of Isaac, all the people in Abraham's entourage are slaves, servants, or hired help.  From this group of people he commands, Abraham sends a servant on a specific mission---find a wife for my son. (you shall go...and take a wife for my son..." Genesis 24:4) Even as he starts on his way, this man starts praying for success. There was no way he was going to trust his own judgment to get this job done. There is nothing impossible for God, even in your workplace.

"But you shall go to my country 

and to my family, and take a wife 

for my son Isaac" Genesis 24:4

Sincere Prayer:

    Trust God to help you get your work done. This slave prays a very sincere, simple, direct, specific prayer in faith, wanting to successfully complete his mission, and God answered with a miracle. Take the lesson from him that in anything we do, we need the power of God to complete it. God wants us to have faith in Him no matter what.
God's Glory in Our Work:
    After he sees the answer, he is humbled and gives God all the glory for a job well done. We see his faith and acknowledgement of God when he prostrates himself in thanksgiving, oblivious to who noticed. There at the well in front of Rebekah, (vs 26), (and probably all the other women come to get water) And in the presence of Rebekah's family (vs 52). Maybe you shouldn't prostrate yourself in your office, but at your work station, or office space, you can certainly prostrate your heart, unseen to anyone but God.
Spiritual Insight:
    This slave shows God-given discernment of the pagan-ness and greed of Rebekah's family in wanting to get away quickly. (vs 54) One aspect of his work had to interact with these ungodly people, yet he did what he had to do and he does it graciously, politely, but with his integrity intact. Now he wants to get the rest of the job done, which means moving on to the next phase. He had to return to his boss with the complete report and the woman. 

    The lesson here is to recognize and take charge where the job is yours alone and complete it to the very best of your ability to the glory of God. This Spiritual insight will help you stay out of trouble. You will have more knowledge of inter-office dealings, good and bad. And your humble recognition of God's power in your position may help you get a head start on jobs before you are asked.

"For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come 

knowledge and understanding" Proverbs 2:6.

Co-worker's Recognize Your Faith:

    And Rebekah seemed willing to get out her family's house without any customary long goodbyes. Maybe she saw something in this servant that interested her about her future husband. But the main thing is she saw something different in the manner of this man and she got on board with his plan. Seeing his trustworthiness, took her on to success as well.

Get 'Er Done!
    While you may not see the same successes as this man, still you're connection to Almighty God gives you Spiritual insight into God doing something in your workplace. When you do see answered prayer or the awesome power of God where you work make sure you acknowledge that God Got 'Er Done!

"Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 

not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, 

doing the will of God from the heart" 

Ephesians 6:5,6.

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Thank You 

Don't Hurt Yourself

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God, not of good works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" Ephesians 2: 8-10.

Ever get caught up thinking you haven't done enough. That God expects you to always be doing something, helping, praying, witnessing, giving, etc? Do ever you think you have to be moving, always striving for positive results?

If yes, you're on a futile treadmill.

Get off before you fall off!

Take a deep breath. Step to the side (metaphorically) and do an inventory of your service.

Ask yourself:

• Am I perspiring without satisfactory pleasure?
• Am I easily hurt by anything anyone says about 'my' ministry?
• Does my ministry for God captivate me?
• At the end of the day, am I happily tired from working, or just plain tired?

It can be scary but an honest assessment can help improve your service.

If your serving has turned into drudgery on a Treadmill you can only do harm to yourself physically and spiritually. The physical harm is burnout, overwork, and exhaustion. Spiritual harm is when you no longer let God empower the ministry. That is what God criticized in the Ephesian church of Revelation 2.

Anything done in Jesus name needs to be empowered by Him.

After an enthusiastic witnessing episode, Jesus told His disciples to come away and rest awhile. (Mark 6:31) So if those men needed to get away from the work once in awhile, who are we to think we don't need to step off and rest?

You need to enjoy ministry--Don't hurt yourself.

Besides, God can handle it while you're not there.

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Thank You 

Grace--the Amazing Gift

God didn't have to plan our salvation. He didn't have to do anything to fix Adam's selfish act that caused the eternal separation of humankind from our Creator. If God had so chosen, He could have erased it all and began anew, with a new earth, new heaven, and a new Adam. There is no way for us to understand why God didn't speak sinful man out of existence the moment Adam sinned.

The birth, life and the death of our Lord Jesus Christ is absolutely amazing.

That is grace! Nothing but grace!

Jesus' resurrection is truly the awesome grace of God.

If God had so desired, He could have destroyed the entire creation when sinful man laid hands on the Son of God and nailed Him to the cross. Even before, when Jesus was wrongly put on trial, the end of all things would have been justified. The horrible, sin-darkened, spiritually blind humankind laid hands on the God-Man to kill Him to try and get rid of the truth of the guilt in their hearts.

God didn't destroy them. What grace!

God provided the 'death' of all humankind so He could prove He loves us beyond our comprehension.

Jesus spoke such a huge truth that reverberated through all history and through the entire universe when he cried "It is finished!"

That Jesus resurrected from the grave to prove that His sacrifice for our sin was all taken care of forever is something we should never, ever take for granted.

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not  impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit" Psalm 32:1,2.

In 1 Corinthians, when Paul is explaining the meaning of communion, he warns we should not take the Lord's supper in the wrong manner. We need to examine and assess our hearts and minds before approaching the Communion service. Jesus asks us to look at our faith in what He did for us. The cross needs to be brought to mind and remembered. Think about it.

"Do this in remembrance of Me."

The cross and the resurrection are the awesome grace of God! Amazing Grace! Such love!




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5 Bible Study Books for Groups or Individuals

(The Bereans), were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" Acts 17:11

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Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15

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When I became a Christian, I certainly didn't know what God had in store for me. Looking back over the way God has used me and the things He has taught me, I amazed where I am today. I am amazed that God has done things with me that I never dreamed possible before my salvation.

Bible study is an essential for any growth in a Christian's life. You cannot get out from your babyhood without at least reading the Bible. Taking me from my intense fear of people, in His sovereign knowledge, God has given me the privilege of disciplining others, a ministry I would never have picked for myself. Where God has put me, I now know how diligent teaching is a major ministry for the church. 

"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, 

... teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women 

to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word 

of God may not be blasphemed" Titus 2: 3,4.

Here are five study books I recommend for teachers and students of the Bible. As a Home Bible study teacher, I have received approval for these guide books from my pastor and elders of my home church.

This list is in no particular order or preference.

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1. Design for Discipleship (Navpress).

Through a Discipleship class at our church, my Husband and I were introduced to this study first for our own benefit. When we opened our house for God's use, we used this series with a neighbor couple who would come once a week. Then the opportunity for me to lead a Ladies Home Bible study, I chose to begin the group with this series. There are seven books in this series, and includes a teacher's guide.
If you are new to leading a Bible study group, this is a great starter for teachers as well as new Christians. The layout is well presented and the Guide has many helps for the structure of the group and offers Leadership organization and tips.

Can be found at Navpress.com
or Amazon

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2. Ruth, Esther: (Shepherd's Notes published by Holman Reference)

This book was chosen by the girl's Sunday School class. They wanted to know more about Ruth and agreed on this study for the class. I enjoyed it, and the discussion among the girls was interesting as to Ruth's manners, way of life, and the extreme changes she went through to her maturity in worshiping God. Being teenagers, the changes were something the girls had a hard time accepting but the questions brought up during this study made the book of Ruth come alive for them. 

Found at Amazon & 

Bible Books stores

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3. Becoming a Woman of Influence: (Navpress) 

My former pastor's wife taught the Ladies Bible study group through this book. In this study, I discovered the joy of Scripture memorization. I learned the important fact that to disciple, or witness to anyone, Scripture memorization is major. Using the Bible as center in our conversations will help others in all aspects of life. I had to know Scripture to have the correct tools to teach/help/mentor others.

Found at Navpress & Amazon
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4. The Mind of Christ: (Discovery Series Bible Study) 

This little book brought out much conversation among our Home Study group. There were some in attendance who had never known so much about Jesus' character, and the depth of His sacrifice. I recommend this study for a group or individual who wants to learn about Jesus' example to His church. It is a good basis for explaining proper Christ-like conduct and discovering how to better serve one another in the church. Further, this is a good study if you desire to search out your own ministry.

Found at DiscoverySeries.org 


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5. Giving Christ First Place: First Place Bible Study  (Guiding Light)

This Study series was brought to my attention in our church as helpful in learning self control and moderation. It is a good guide for prioritizing holiness and prayer over the desires of self. It emphasizes accountability, kindness, and bearing one another's burdens.

I found it helpful in teaching me about the food I was eating and the manner I consumed it. I believe there are seven books in this series but I have only gone through the first two.

I still use two of the aspects of these books. Because I collect cookbooks, I like the recipe sections. Another thing I like is at the back of each book is a Commitment Record where the participant takes stock of certain aspects of food, exercise, prayer, Bible reading and memorization.

If possible, I recommend getting original copies that contain a CD of the memorization Scripture set to music.

Found at Amazon

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Bonus title:

6. A Life Changing Encounter with God's Word from the Book of PROVERBS  (Navpress)

There are multiple studies in the Life Changing Series that take lessons from specific books of the Bible, all of which are great for group study and discussion. I was introduced to this series as a participant in a Ladies Home group, and our teacher had us go through this particular study book of Proverbs. 

The questions presented ask for the participant to really dig deep for the knowledge of God in the word. As suggested in the title, it is designed for teaching a person to identify their needs to change and gives Biblical reasoning for the good of the change.

Found at Navpress.com

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There is no excuse for a Christian not to study the word if they have the freedom to do so. God desires all of His children to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'. (2 Peter 3:18)

Strange Occurances

Philippians 2: 4; And look out for each other's interests, and not for your own interests.

In today's public and social areas, kindness seems a strange occurrence. When it does show itself, sometimes the recipient is surprised and may not know how to respond correctly. There are times when unselfishness is rudely degraded and the giver scorned, as a letting another driver coming from an on-ramp onto the busy street or highway. The recipient of your yielding can return a rude gesture or never acknowledge your sacrifice at all. 

This failure of courtesy on another's part should never deter a Christian from being kind to others. It is the easiest form of blessing and the simplest form of imitation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. There is special feeling you can get from expressing kindness to people who do not expect it.

• Pick up something someone has dropped. (Servant) 
• Hand someone pocket change. (Giving) 
• Open doors. (Courtesy) 
• Move out of the way, or leave space for them in a crowded area.            (Unselfishness) 
• Smile on a rainy day. (Encouragement)
• Surprise with respect those who expecting rudeness, selfishness, greed, or coldness. (Christ-likeness)

Because all born again Christians have the Holy Spirit indwelling them, (John 14:16), manifesting God's love should come naturally. The fruit of the Spirit, (Gal 5:22,23), is a single product of God's changing an old flesh to a new creature,(2 Cor 5:17). 

As much as possible, try to walk through your day as Jesus walked through Israel in His days on earth. He blessed the unloved and ignored. He was kind to those never thanked Him, and many who treated Him dishonorably. 

• Look for ways to bless with simple kindness. 
• Look for ways to imitate Christ.

Jesus was the greatest example of humbly blessing the ones who didn't love Him in return. 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were 

yet sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8.

A Thank You

My thank you to all the pastors called for the purpose of preaching and teaching the Word of God. Through the faithful work of a Godly man standing behind a pulpit, I heard Jesus knocking one day. When the pastor gave the alter call, I answered Jesus' knock, going forward to accept His offer of eternal salvation.

"For faith comes by hearing, and hearing  by the word of God"

Romans 10:17.

"That good thing which was committed to you,

keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in you"

2 Timothy 1:14.

Thank you for serving Jesus

 

 Thank you

for your care in service

Thank you

for your diligence in service

Thank you

for serving when it’s fun

Thank you

for serving when it’s difficult

 

Thank you

for your love of Jesus in all things.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,

a worker who does not need to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth"

2 Timothy 2:15.

 

Prayer--The Simple Ministry

Pray without ceasing 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 

If you're a born again Christian, you are in ministry for God

 

‘We love Him because He first loved us.’ 1 John 4:19. God loves our service. With it, we return blessings to Him. He says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14: 15. How simple a love. Because love motivates the desire to serve, we ask God, “What can I do for You today? How may I bless You since You’ve blessed me.”

Do you feel as if you cannot be in ministry--put it out of your mind! Going into your room to pray, in the privacy of your own home can get you involved in every ministry in your church. prayer is vital to every ministry in God's church. The Gospels record Jesus frequently praying. Paul mentions prayers in all his letters and especially the need for prayer. Matthew 17: 14-21 records Jesus as saying prayer is important to get certain Spiritual work done because we are humanly unable and must seek God in faith.

You should have no excuse for shirking service, for prayer is the easiest form of ministry we can give to God while serving everyone else in the world. For example, Paul when writing from prison, had long prayer lists. In between visits from friends, probably with nothing else to do for hours, Paul took many of his people before Jesus in prayer. His knew it to be a necessary service for them and to God.

Check out your church and see what is going on and try these to start your own prayer ministry.

• Jot down a list of the outreaches your church supplies
• Jot down a list of names of the ill and/or in the hospital
• Jot down a list individuals, especially first time visitors, guests, and the unsaved
• Pray for the children: infants to teens
• Pray for the leadership
• Pray for the janitor and all the behind the scenes workers
• Check out this PDF file Ten Things to Pray for Others 

Prayer is an action service  

 

Do not confuse the prayer as any power you have attained. Remember it’s not the prayer we believe in, but who we pray to that is the basis of our faith. Prayer is a simple act of faith toward God and a way to serve. 

Ministry is not a duty but a willing service to God. Prayer is one way we all can serve God and it’s a ministry we can be involved in, anywhere. anytime.