What…or Where is Your Ministry?

Prayer ~ Lord, show me the ministry that You want me to do for You. How can I serve You in a way that brings You glory and honor? I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him…. 1 Timothy 1:12 

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (Underlined for emphasis.)

 

Meditate again on this scripture passage. What is your ministry?

 

What do you do to serve the Lord? Some people may think that to serve the Lord they need to be a pastor or priest, missionary, music leader, Sunday School teacher, Union Gospel Missions director, serve hot meals to the poor and homeless, wash someone’s feet, or be a TV evangelist. But the truth is everyone can serve the Lord right where they are by cleaning toilets, sweeping floors, helping their neighbor, reading to kids at school or even at home, blogging scripture, cooking or baking for a family who recently lost a loved one, being courteous while driving, or even just smiling at some stranger in the grocery store. A smile can mean a lot to someone who is lonely or discouraged. If that is the “ministry” that God has called you to, then get out there and smile! God wants us to love Him…and love one another. Showing that love and concern for others is a form of ministry to the Lord—but it can be difficult to know just how to show love for others.

Are you like a prickly saguaro cactus
when you are trying to show love--
and bloom?

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

If you need wisdom on “loving others” then begin with prayer…ask God for wisdom, just as James taught Christians throughout the known world… If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

 

Jesus is going to judge the living and the dead, just as Paul wrote to Timothy and also instructed the church in Rome. Additionally, this was recorded by Luke, as preached by Peter, in the book of Acts.

-        And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life. Romans 2:16

-        And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all--the living and the dead. Acts 10:42

Are you ready to be judged for all you’ve done and said during your lifetime? Jesus, as Paul told Timothy, expects us to Preach the word of God. That in a nutshell is what having a “ministry” is all about. Preaching isn’t always words—it is thoughts and actions, too. You’ve probably heard the old adage that actions speak louder than words. The only Jesus someone may see is the Jesus in you…so be wisely and carefully prepared to represent Him—to give Him glory and honor as you serve Him in the best way you can. We should work for at anything as if we were working for the Lord…whether in we are employed or doing volunteer work. What…or where…is your ministry?

 

Verses of Salvation ~ Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. ... But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:21-22, 24

 

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Cold season is upon us once again…but it is Spring!?! It just seems that with all the pollen in the air, immunities are down and colds are invasive. My sweet husband seems to have caught one—probably from the grandkiddos. The best way to treat a cold is with lots of extra rest, extra fluids, some chicken soup, and some hot lemon and honey. A comfort drink.

Hot Lemon and Honey

Juice ½ of a lemon, pour into a large mug. Add a couple of teaspoons of honey and fill the cup with very hot, but not boiling water. If you use boiling water, it may kill some of the vitamins in the lemon juice. Here's to your health...and a healthier day tomorrow.

 

Blessings~

 

 

© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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