Posts the highlight our mission as believers

Service With a Smile

Speed dial In Colossians 4:17, Paul sends a message to a young man, Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." That's a tremendous charge, worth a closer look.

Take heed– From the Greek, it means voluntarily giving careful attention to. Paul's tone is one of encouragement.

Ministry– This is the word deacon comes from and carries an idea of waiting tables. We tend to think "ministry" is only for preachers or other big-shot Christians, but any of us can serve others and attend to their needs.

Received– This one means to "to take near". On a recent trip to a theme park, I received some money for one of the kids. (His parents were afraid he might lose it.) I kept it close to me in a pocket, protecting it, acting as a steward for the money, parceling it out as the boy had need of it.

Fulfill– This is an interesting word and several of the usages carry the idea of filling in what's empty, whether it's a hole or a net or an empty house. Don't leave anything out or undone.

To paraphrase- When you accepted Christ, you agreed to serve Him as needed. Don't you see what a tremendous role you've been entrusted with? Run with it!

Sometimes, in our way of thinking, being a servant is not such a great draw. But if someone we love asks for a favor, we deliver without hesitation. Maybe that was the issue for Archippus. We know from the letter to Philemon, that he was the son of a comfortably wealthy man. Maybe the transition from having servants to being a servant was a little difficult.

Paul said back in chapter 3: "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." Ultimately, all our service is to Christ, not the individuals who receive the immediate benefits.

What is your ministry? Are you fulfilling it?

Do You Know Your Calling? (lynnmosher.blogspot.com)

Q: Is It Still Daylight?

By Paula Wiseman

Are there not twelve hours in the day? John 11:9

In John chapter 11, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. His disciples question the wisdom of returning to the Jerusalem area, after the religious leadership committed themselves to His death. Jesus responds with this proverb. He had a mission, and until it was finished He was still on the clock.

That drive and commitment came from a deep understanding of several things that we forget or never grasped in the first place:

He had a clear sense of purpose.

We often wander through life, doing okay, but without a mission. A mission, or a purpose, or whatever you call it, doesn't have to be a big, complicated, 'move to the jungles of Africa' kinda deal. I believe my mission is a teaching mission. Right now, it's primarily raising my kids, instilling God's truths in them, modeling the up and downs in this walk. I also teach some at church and I believe writing is an extension of that.

He had an intimate relationship with the Father.

This takes time and effort to cultivate. Being a Christian for thirty years doesn't necessarily qualify. It comes from seeking God's heart, and laying ours completely bare. I struggle with this one, I admit. I know a lot about God. Sometimes, I wonder how well I know HIM. I believe it's a progressive thing, an ever-deepening relationship. The key is active pursuit.

He knew that timing is in God's hands.

Until the moment He gave up the ghost, Jesus seized every ministry moment. He wasn't sidetracked by opposition, threats or setbacks. I am easily sidetracked, slowed down or stopped by little things.

He knew the results were in God's hands.

God never holds us responsible for how others respond to His message. Was Jesus a failure because the Pharisees never believed? Of course not. In a few more chapters, we'll hear Jesus pray, "I've done what You gave me to do."

What about you? Are you doing what God has given you to do? Take heart. It's still daylight.

Oh, Laz-ar-us! (lynnmosher.blogspot.com)

Posts the highlight our mission as believers

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