We Are All Called To Ministry

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.Ephesians 4:7

Everyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ is called to be a minister. Not a preacher per se but a minister in the area of life you are in daily. You are the hands and feet of Jesus or the salt of the Earth. 

This idea was presented recently in a sermon by Mark Pettus, senior pastor of Church of the Highlands in Alabama. Whatever you do be gentle and kind but also speak the truth in love. 

One of the best ways to minister almost everyone can do is to prayer walk a certain area. It could be through a community, near mayors office, schools, and so forth. I used to fly to DC to prayer walk lots before moving West. Just be safe and don’t be disruptive or interfere with operations, it is simply walking and silently praying. Now go bless someone. 

PRAYER: Father I desire to stay on your path and share good news with others. Keep me from sliding into negativity or judgment. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Wrong Voices Lead To Wrong Choices

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

If you make it a habit to feed your mind on controversy, politics, lies from the enemy and so forth pretty soon you may find yourself in quicksand of sorts sinking into the mire of Satan and can’t find a foothold to get out. 

On the other hand if you spend zero time in scriptures how will you hear God’s voice and know the truth? If you don’t know where to begin start in the book of John and begin with chapter 1. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak truth to you. 

As the mid term elections are coming you will hear all sorts of things. You have to vote like Jesus is there with you. You need to bring Godly values back to the United States. 

PRAYER: Father help me to be still to listen to your voice and let the Holy Spirit guide me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Being Critical

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."Luke 6:37

I often share about myself lots to hope others who may read to know that I am far from having it all together. One of the things I need help on is being critical or judgmental. I don’t want to do it yet I find myself being caught in this trap. 

If you can attempt to look at everyone through the eyes of Jesus it might help. Don’t look at them with condemnation but with pity. 

If you start your day on a positive note and truly talk to God and tell Him what is on your heart and what you need help with He is there. As comical as it may sound say ‘Lord help me clean up my piles of clutter or make a run to the donation center.”God cares about you and is in the details. 

PRAYER: Father I need help to push forward to look at others through your eyes. Help me focus on those who the world condemns. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Shortcuts Not Always Best

The plans  of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.Proverbs 21:5

Have you ever tried to do something an easier way, a cheaper way, a smoother way and it turned into a disaster? Often times shortcuts are not the best. Following directions and not doing your own thing can yield more positive results. 

I thought if a comic example several years ago at Sun Valley Ski Resort when I did not follow my family and ended up needing help to get down the very steep beyond my ability slope. I thought I knew a short cut so veered off and it turned out I was no longer on a green(easy) run. 

There are no shortcuts to Jesus my friend only following the way, the truth, and the life but it is simple when your heart is right. Jesus wants everyone to come to Him and ask Him into their hearts. Have you found new life in Christ? 

PRAYER: Father help me to not be shy sharing the Good News with people. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Declutter Your Mind

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Your mind is like a control center for your whole body. Besides the heart that keeps you alive your mind manages the day to day business and can lift you up or drag you down. 

There are things like needless worry. Imagining things that will never occur. Your mind can be like one big Hollywood screenplay and get out of control if you don’t discipline your thought life. You literally have to take thoughts ‘captive’ meaning just rein them in so to speak. 

The enemy Satan loves it when you are not at peace and your mind is overactive but why not pick up your Bible and read a few Psalms and defeat him with positive uplifting thoughts. 

PRAYER: Lord God I choose peace over turmoil. I choose happy over sad. Help me set my mind on things above. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Letting Things Go

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 3:13-14

Have you been hurt by a friend, family member, neighbor, co worker? If honest all can answer yes to that question. To dwell on the hurts or injustices only digs you into a deeper hole. 

In order to have a joyful spirit led life it is necessary to let go of hurts and offenses and not dwell on them like some sort of trophy. You can’t move forward towing weights and sorrows with you. 

Decide to forgive people even if they don’t ever seek forgiveness. Try to treat people like Jesus would. 

PRAYER: Lord help me to love others even when I don’t feel like it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Stop Striving

Stop striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.”Psalm 46:10 NAS Bible Gateway

What type of things cause you to strive? Mostly it is things out of your control but how do you stop? 

To struggle or to fight vigorously is one definition of striving. When it comes to letting things go after you have laid things at the foot of the cross are you able to? If not why not? 

I think of prayers for children or grandchildren and know you are working and hear my prayers and have it under control so why strive? Today make a fall resolution to totally give things over to God. 

PRAYER: Lord I don’t want to strive and I want to trust you and have peace. Please help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.