Tag Archives: ministry

September 6

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Ezra 3:1-13; Psalms 92,126; Daniel 10:1-11:35

I loved reading that the Israelites who went to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple “assembled as one man”. They had come from many different towns but they all were focused on the same goal. The first thing they did was to rebuild the altar so the priests could get down to business.

Church fellowships can be tricky. Imperfect people volunteer their time and resources for the day-to-day ministry of a body of believers. I’ve sat on church boards and know how much time can be spent debating the tiniest detail.

What color should we paint the bathroom? Should we hire a landscaper? Who is going to shovel snow this year?

I’ve been at meetings where opinions were so strong, arguments broke out. Of course we are going to have different opinions. We are individuals with individual tastes. But I think we can learn from Israel’s example. 

Whether we are part of the decision-making board or a volunteer in the nursery, let’s approach our ministries as one man. United in purpose. And if the bathroom ends up green instead of the beautiful blue you wanted, oh well!

The real question is, are believers being equipped to share the gospel and are souls being won for eternity? Is Christ honored from the pulpit, in the pews, in classrooms, on the ball field? Is your fellowship making a difference in your community for Jesus’ sake?

Let’s be united in our focus on the Truth of Scripture and being obedient to our Lord. Let’s put aside our differences if they don’t have a direct effect on that work. Time is too short and we have too much to do to worry about paint colors and manicured lawns.

Father, I thank you for those people who volunteer to sit on church boards, who mow church lawns and shovel snow. I thank you for choir members and nursery workers and Sunday School teachers. And, Lord I pray that where your people gather, we would do that as one man. May we set aside opinions that don’t matter in eternity and work together to accomplish your work that does matter. Bless your church today, Lord, and the dear ones who work together to make their fellowship run smoothly.

August 10

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Ezekiel 1:1-4:17

Ezekiel saw the wheel – Way up in the middle of the air.

What do you make of Ezekiel’s vision? Some claim he was visited by aliens from outer space. What do you think?

God allowed Ezekiel to get a glimpse of Himself in all his glory. Was it a glimpse into heaven? John’s vision in Revelation was very similar. Are we to figure out a flesh and blood interpretation of wheels and wings and faces?

Personally, I am more interested in what God SAID to Ezekiel in this vision. Here’s what I believe God wants us to hear through Ezekiel:

1. God is who he says he is.
2. We are called to tell others about him.
3. They may not like what they hear but if we obey they will hear the Truth.
4. If we tell people about Jesus and they reject him – that’s on them.
5. If we don’t tell them, we will be held accountable for their eternal souls.

That’s the real purpose of Ezekiel’s vision and prophecy. Let’s not waste time trying to figure out what chrysolite represents or why there were faces of a lion, ox, and eagle.

Let’s get out there and share Jesus with lost souls. That’s the most important thing to take from Ezekiel’s vision.

Father, you created curious people so it’s natural that we would read an account like Ezekiel’s vision and want to know as much as we can. But I pray that your people will spend less time trying to figure out some hidden meaning and more time doing what you clearly told Ezekiel to do, that is to share you with our world. May we take your commission seriously and get out there and share the Gospel.

June 15

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I Kings 17-19

Elijah has to be one of my favorite Old Testament characters. This prophet of God stood up to Ahab, but ran in fear of Jezebel. I wonder what he thought about taking bread and meat from ravens.

Elijah prayed for a widow and her flour and oil were never used up during the famine. He even prayed for her dying son and the boy was healed. And Elijah had a little fun taunting the prophets of Baal.

But here’s what spoke to me today. Elijah could challenge those 450 prophets because he knew Baal was not a god of any kind. It wasn’t that Elijah “believed” that Baal was no threat. Elijah knew Baal had no power. He knew without a doubt that no amount of praying or dancing or shouting could produce fire on Baal’s altar. And you know what? Elijah didn’t feel the need to apologize for being sure about that, either.

Elijah repeatedly and very publicly challenged them because Elijah knew the Truth.

How sure are you that the Bible is true and God is who he says he is? How sure are you that Jesus is the only way to God? Are you convinced that Christianity is the only true theology? Can you stand up for God without apology?

I am not asking you what you believe. I’m asking you what you know to be true. Have you experienced the life-changing presence of God as you ask Jesus to be your Savior? Do you see him work in your life and in the lives of others? Do you recognize his power in creation?

If God asked, would you defend him as publicly as Elijah did that day? Would I?

Father, may your children know you. May we define what we know is true. May we never apologize for knowing the truth. And may we be ready to put ourselves out there because we are sure that you are who you say you are.

June 6

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Proverbs 31; I Kings 4:20-28, 10:14-21, 23-29; 2 Chronicles 9:13-20, 22-28, 1:14-17

Years ago the pastor of our church shared a message from Proverbs 31 I’ll never forget. It was one of those ah-ha moments for me because before that I had dismissed Lemuel’s proverb as being unattainable. I always thought the answer to the question in verse 10 – A wife of noble character, who can find?- to be “no one”.

There isn’t anyone I know who can live up to the list Lemuel’s mother gave him. I doubt even she could have passed the test.

But what this pastor reminded us that Sunday morning is that the church is the Bride of Christ. If we read these verses in that light we will see the recipe – God’s plan- for a healthy church.

Does your church have a reputation such that the people (you) who worship there have noble character? Are you a church hard at work sewing seeds of the Gospel in your neighborhoods? Do you open your arms to the poor? Is your God respected in the city because your church exists?

There is so much here to challenge the Bride of Christ. But, dear friend, we individuals aren’t left off the hook. We are the church. 

As you read Proverbs 31 do you recognize yourself anywhere? Are you one in your church family who works with eager hands? Do you provide food for your church family in the form of teaching? Do you represent Christ 24/7? Do you speak with wisdom? Do you watch over the affairs of the church by being on one of the boards or volunteer in the kitchen?

As part of the church (and I hope you are an active member in a Bible-believing fellowship), no one is expected to do it all. But all of us are expected to do something.

Read this proverb again and ask God to nudge you toward service. Your church, the Bride of Christ, you as an individual are called to get an important job done. How are you doing?

June 1

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Proverbs 16-18

Years ago I went through Evangelism Explosion training. I don’t want to get into a discussion about the program itself but I will say I saw people give their hearts to the Lord after hearing the gospel presented using it.

The words of 16:25 are repeated several times in the book of Proverbs. We’ve already read it in 14:12. Through EE you ask the person, if you died today do you know for sure you would go to heaven? Why would Jesus let you in? If their answer was something like – I’m a good person, I go to church, I haven’t murdered anyone, or I don’t know, we would share that the Bible was written so they could know for sure they have eternal life, then we would ask permission to tell them how they can know it, too.

Proverbs 16:25 and other exciting verse are used in EE to demonstrate that God’s way is the only way to get into heaven, no matter how good we think we might be. I haven’t used EE in decades but reading this proverb took me back to those days and that training.

Do you know how to share your faith with a non-believer? For most of us it’s hard. I’m not advocating a memorized presentation because sometimes it can sound insincere But I would challenge us all to sit down and write out what we believe. Look up Scripture that spoke to your heart and led you to the Savior. Cement in your mind why you believe and be ready to give an answer to the next person who asks you to give a reason why you are a Christian.

We are called to share the gospel. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a commission. Are you ready?

Dear God, I pray for your children. May we prepare ourselves to get out there and share your Truth. Help us to really grasp the reality, Lord, that there might be things that make sense to non-believers but in the end, without you they face an eternity in hell. Help us to speak out in love. Help us to recall Scripture that would draw an unsaved soul to the saving grace of your dear Son.

April 29

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2 Samuel 6:12-23, Psalm 15, I Chronicles 15:1-16:43

Did you catch what David said about the first time they tried to move the ark? He said they had done it without going to God first. The second time went well because they looked to God for instruction and carried the ark exactly the way Moses told them to years ago.

David had wanted to do the right thing but God made it plain that David needed to do the right thing God’s way.
It’s the same lesson we saw yesterday. Not every good deed can be blessed of God. Not everything done in Jesus’ name is from him.

If what we do isn’t bathed in prayer first, what we do can be sin in God’s eyes. Before we go about our day, before we make some grand gesture we think will please the Lord, let’s spend time in his Word so we can know his heart. Let’s go before the throne and commit our day and desires to him.

Let’s not put the ark on the cart when he warns us to carry it with poles.

Father, I thank you that you are a God who leads his children. Make plain your will for us today. And may you find us faithful.

February 14

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Exodus 36:8-38:31

What I love about the making of the tabernacle is the teamwork involved. The talents these people had astounds me. Every detail God instructed Moses was carefully followed and all the Jews had a part in it’s making. Whether giving their half shekel or weaving the material or building the structure, everyone was important in the construction.

It must have been a great time to be an Israelite. They had an important project and they were all involved in making it happen.

Are you involved in the work of your local church? Do you, with other believers use your talents to further God’s kingdom by teaching or discipling, singing or changing light bulbs, mowing or visiting the sick?

God has given you talents and abilities. Are you using them to honor him and help your church accomplish what God has asked us to do?

My prayer is that you will commit yourself to the work of a Bible-believing church. It takes all of us to get the job done.

February 7

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Exodus 16-18

I imagine Moses spoke excitedly when telling his father-in-law how God was working through and for Israel. Battles won. Seas crossed. Manna and quail. So much to tell.

Here is another example of God revealing his purpose behind choosing Israel to reveal himself. Jethro said, after hearing what God had done, that now he knew the Lord is greater than all other gods.

Then Jethro gave Moses some great advice and as I read it this morning I’m wondering if he’s not saying the same to some of us. Jethro told Moses… you can’t do everything. You’ll wear yourself out. Let other people serve.

Years ago, in a church where I was a member I was the church secretary, secretary of the governing board, Sunday School teacher, quiz coach, president of the ladies prayer fellowship, I sat on the pre-school board and sang in the choir. I did that all while trying to get my masters degree.

Needless to say I was burning out quickly. I had to let go of much of that. What I humbly discovered is that those who replaced me were awesome. The ladies group flourished under new leadership. The pre-school board tried some new and wonderful things with the fresh ideas of the one who filled my position. As I began to step back others stepped forward. And what I realized is that I had been preventing others from serving the Lord and using their gifts.

Here’s another thought from today’s scripture. I’ve shared that my family is adjusting to life without two very precious men. Our recent losses have been hard. But I am reminded today that we don’t need to carry the burden alone. We shouldn’t. Even though the loss is personal, each of us need to allow others to help us.

In America, if you meet someone… even a stranger… on the street and they greet you with, “Hello. How are you?” the acceptable response is to say, “Fine, thank you. How about you?” to which they reply, “Fine”.

But if a friend asks and you are hurting or facing a tough decision it’s ok to say, “I’m hurting. Please pray for me.”

When I ask a friend to pray for me it helps me, of course, but it also allows that friend to answer God’s call for ministry. If I try to handle this on my own I’ll be overwhelmed. I take the chance of falling into a depression. I’ll be less able to serve God myself.

So like Moses, I need to let go a little. I need to humble myself and admit I can’t do it all. Whether it’s cutting back on even good activities, or asking someone to pray for me, I might need to make some changes.

Lord, thank you for recording Jethro’s advice to Moses. Help us to recognize when our burdens become too heavy to handle alone. Help us to let go when we need to let go. Help us to reach out to our Christian friends and allow them to minister to us. And help us to be ready to help someone else when the opportunity arises.

January 17

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Job 40-42

Job didn’t just hear God. He listened, he understood, and he repented. That’s the purpose behind everything that is written in God’s Word and everything that happens in this life. God wants us to know Him and when we do there is really only one response… to repent in dust and ashes.

I chuckled  a little when I read what happened next. God told Job’s friends to offer sacrifices for their sins and Job would pray for them. Job… who still had no wealth or position in the community, no family and who even still wore the ugly marks of sickness would pray for them.

Job didn’t put himself in a position of authority. God did that. God used Job’s obedience to minister to others.

Maybe our own friends and neighbors don’t need to hear about our accomplishments or  pedigrees. I’m thinking if we put ourselves aside (Job said after seeing himself through God’s eyes he despised himself and he repented in dust and ashes) God will exalt us to a place where He can use us to bless others.

God doesn’t need us to clean ourselves off or pull ourselves up by our own strength before He can use us. Job was still outside the city when God gave Him a job to do. God just needed Job to be humble enough to obey. He needed Job to repent so that he could serve God out of a heart made clean by God Himself.

God, may I do the same today. Create in me a clean heart and may You find me obedient for the work you want me to do.

January 1, 2013

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Genesis 1-3

About 20 years ago a missionary challenged me to journal what God is teaching me through His Word. She said she reads a chapter in the Bible every day, meditates on it, then writes down what God reveals to her. I took that challenge and my journaling journey began. I have volumes sitting on my bookshelf. And I will say that, as many times as I have read through the Bible, God teaches me something every day.

I’d like to challenge you, too. Let’s read through the Bible in 2013 together and share what God is teaching us. I do not claim to be a Bible scholar. But I know God wants us to learn from Him. And just maybe He will reveal something to you that will encourage me along the way, too.

I am reading the One Year Chronological Bible (NIV). Today’s chapters were Genesis 1-3, the story of creation and the fall.  Familiar verses to those of us who were raised going to church. Here’s what I wrote today:

Another new year. To say 2012 was a difficult year is an understatement. Our family lost my dear nephew in a tragic auto accident in June. Dealing with that grief has been the hardest thing we have had to experience… and still are experiencing. Someone said, “Life goes on” and it’s true. But so does death. Geoff is still dead today six month later and his absence leaves a giant hole in our lives that will never be filled.

Then in September, our Dad went to be with the Lord. Although he was in his 80s and not in good health, losing him has been hard. He truly was the hub of our family and I miss him every day.

But as I walk through the greatest grief I have ever experienced, I also have experienced God’s greatest care. So many people have allowed themselves to be God’s arms and ears, His voice and his love to me and my family.

You know when God created the world He created perfection. That garden must have been so beautiful. I find it very sweet and intimate that God took a rib from Adam and made Eve from it. They were perfect. Their relationship was perfect.

Until sin entered and changed everything. The consequences of sin hurts. But here’s an amazing truth. God Himself provided what Adam and Eve needed after they sinned. The first animal was sacrificed so the couple could have clothing. The Bible says God made garments of skin for Adam and Eve. And God has been clothing us ever since. He continues to demonstrate His love for us through people who are obedient, who allow God to hug us when they wrap their own arms around us, who pray for us, who sit and listen when we need someone to talk to.

God didn’t cause Geoff’s accident nor did He give my Dad COPD. God is the giver of good things. But because sin is in the world bad things happen. There is death and disease. There is unfairness and war.

What God wanted me to see today through His word is not the sin Adam and Eve committed. He wanted me to see His loving provision. He does not want me to shake my fist at the unfairness of a life lost so young or the struggle of an old man to breathe. He wants me to see Him sewing those animal skin garments, to see Him hanging on the cross. The lesson for me today is to bow before the God who loves me and gave Himself for me. He wants me to know I can trust him with every detail of life… and death.

Lord, may I be obedient today. Use my arms to wrap someone up in your love. Let my voice speak words of encouragement from You. Thank you for providing everything I need, especially for your Son.