How God Equips us for Ministry

How God Equips us for Ministry

Jesus tells His disciples that they will be continuing the work He began with His ministry which is, sharing the Gospel, making more disciples, and even supernatural works. This would be made possible through the power of the Holy Spirit who would indwell believers after Jesus ascended to heaven and would take place on the day of Pentecost (The day the Holy Spirit descended upon and filled Jesus’ disciples, 50 days after the Passover). Today, those who receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, are filled (baptized) with the Holy Spirit.  Note: the ceremonial baptism is just a public confession of faith and normally takes place after one has already received the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the agent of inspiration, regeneration, sanctification, evangelism, and salvation.

Titus 3:5 New International Version 1984 

he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit

God prepares believers for ministry:

Ephesians 2:10 New International Version 1984  

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in

advance for us to do.

Jesus tells His disciples about what their ministry would entail:

John 14:12 New Living Translation  

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.

We are commissioned by Jesus to do ministry for God’s kingdom:

Matthew 28:18-20 New International Version 1984 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Holy Spirit plays an important role in equipping us for ministry:

John 14:25-26 New International Version 1984  

All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father

will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Acts 1:8 New International Version 1984 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in

Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

God prepares us for the trials in ministry by building up our perseverance and character. We will be tested so we can withstand the pressure of our calling:

Romans 5:1-5 New International Version 1984 

Peace and Joy

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

James 1:2-4 New International Version 1984 

Trials and Temptations

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

God’s Word equips us for ministry:

2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version 1984  

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

All Believers are given spiritual gifts that we use for ministry in God’s kingdom:

Romans 12:6-8 New International Version 1984  

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use

it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is

encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if

it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Ephesians 4:11 New International Version 1984 

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some

to be pastors and teachers,

1 Corinthians 12:28 New International Version 1984 

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then

workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

We are to share our faith in a understandable and loving way and handle God’s truth correctly:

1 Peter 3:15-16 New International Version 1984 

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who

asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

2 Timothy 2:15 New International Version 1984 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

The story of the young man God called into ministry

There was a young man who received God’s calling into ministry. This young man was absolutely sure God wanted Him to be a missionary. However, this young man was not yet prepared to face the difficulties that awaited Him in ministry. In order for this young man to be prepared to fulfill the calling for his life, God allowed the enemy to disturb this young man for a while. The enemy was allowed to enter into the young man’s thoughts where he proceeded to produce mountains of doubt in the young man. The young man began to believe that because God did not alleviate the burden of these terrible thoughts, his ability to fulfill God’s calling was in question. 

For 3 month’s this young man was haunted by daily thoughts which cast doubt that Jesus’ work on the cross was able to wipe out his past sins completely. The young man’s sins from his past kept creeping back up in his mind overwhelming him with a deep sadness, depression and anxiety.  Even spending time in God’s Word and

prayer could not prevent these thoughts from reoccurring.

One night his father asked to speak with him. The young man and his father sat outside and built a fire. They then began to have a deep spiritual conversation. The young man’s father began to express his love for his son and spoke God’s truth into his life. The father also gave his son a special blessing as the father knew that He needed to release his son to God and trust that God would now be in control of his son’s future. After the Blessing, God, through His incredible love, mercy and grace brought on a supernatural event. God powerfully revealed through the young man’s father’s words, the reason for the young man’s suffering. God made it clear to the son that the struggles the young man was going through were necessary in order to prepare the young man for ministry. With this revelation the young man now understood the purpose for this long and difficult time in his life and wept tears of joy. He now knew that God finally released the burden he was experiencing.

The enemy’s time of stirring up deceptive thoughts, doubt and anxiety were now lifted. The young man was now ready to face the calling he received through the blessing from both his earthly father and his Heavenly Father. This was a great moment in time because God established and confirmed that the son was ready to fulfill his

calling. The perseverance and character building that took place during this time made perfect sense. God’s timing of this event was perfect. The son received the blessing just at the point in his life when he needed it the most. The son was ready to go and fulfill his calling to be a missionary.

When it comes to ministry it is important to know that God is sovereign and always in control. It helps to know that we play a significant role in God’s plan and He will use us for a greater purpose far beyond anything we can even imagine. God is the one who prepares the way for ministry and will sustain us and provide for us as we use the gifts and talents we have been given by Him, to edify His kingdom and reach the lost. God will even allow us to struggle in order that we grow in our faith and trust in Him. God will also help us endure the spiritual battles and difficult circumstances that we will experience as followers of Jesus.

Here are some good things to remember.

God has a good plan for those who love him and are called to fulfill His purpose:

Romans 8:28 Amplified Bible 

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 New International Version 1984 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God’s work in us will be completed: (personal salvation and sanctification and advancing the gospel)

Philippians 1:6 New International Version 1984 

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

When we are tempted, God is faithful to help us stand up against the temptation:

1 Corinthians 10:13 New International Version 1984 
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

God’s Word will provide the sustenance we need:

Matthew 4:4 New International Version 1984 

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”

God is faithful:

Hebrews 10:23 New International Version 1984 
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Deuteronomy 7:9 New Living Translation 

Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his

Covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.

Our reward is our inheritance – eternal life in the kingdom of God:

 

Colossians 3:23-24 New International Version 1984 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you willreceive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 John 4:9-10 New Living Translation 

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

John 14:1-3 New International Version 1984 

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Ephesians 1:11 New Living Translation 
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Hebrews 9:15 New Living Translation 

That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

When in doubt we can remember that God has promised that we are truly forgiven:

I John 1:9 New International Version 1984 
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.                                                                                        

So God equips us for ministry in a variety of ways. He will mature our faith and trust in Him in ways that might be far from comfortable. But we must remember that God has a good purpose behind using difficult circumstances in order to prepare us for the ministry He has called us to.

Remember this: Jesus tells us that in this world we will have struggles, but we are to take heart, because He has overcome the world!

John 16:33 New International Version 1984 

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

It is an honor and a privilege to serve an awesome God who loves us and desires to be friends with us; who gives us a hope and a future; who prepares the way for us to do ministry; who never leaves us nor forsakes us. 

So even when we have to face a world that hates us, are we willing to be Gods hand and feet?

Isaiah 6:8 New Living Translation 

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”

If we say yes to God and obey His great Commission, God will surely be with us every step of the way.

Jon 14:21 New Living Translation 

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Now that’s Great News!

Just Sayin........................Dave

How to Survive and Thrive on No Sleep

How to Survive and Thrive on No Sleep 

I can honestly tell you that during the week I average, if I am lucky, 4 hours a sleep per night. You may ask, why is this Dave?  My answer: it is my own fault because I like to stay up at night either watching a cooking show like Chopped on the food channel, practicing my guitar, surfing the net or mindlessly looking at Facebook, when I should be in bed asleep. In fact, for whatever reason, I look for distractions to keep me from doing what I should be doing. Sleep is important, but I tend to shift my focus on other things that keep me from a pillowed laced slumber.

Life in general is a major distraction for me. My mind endlessly drifts from one thought to another, happily dancing around to wherever it suits my fancy. Even when I am focused on God, I tend to drift to another thought even though I initially establish a good footing in the God Zone. I am aware of this brainwave behavior and the misfiring of my synapses, but it never fails that I will at some point stray from my Master. But as quickly as I drift off into the void of utter nonsense, I then return to my focus on God because I realize that the dream like places I go in my mind always lead to nowhere. I have learned that when I drift away from God and get caught up in the minutia of life, I realize I am wasting precious time considering non options while indulging in circular thinking. I know now that life without God really has no purpose, while life with God is filled with purpose and adventure. One only needs to consider a step of faith and maybe even a leap out of their comfort zone to live the abundant life God desires for His children.

I am guilty many times of wanting to live a comfortable Christian life, if there is such a thing. The fact that I desire this life is somewhat ridiculous because there is nothing comfortable about becoming a true follower of Jesus and humbly dying to self. The Christian life I have come to know includes God asking me to mature in my faith, repenting from my sin, developing Godly Character, becoming Christ-like, loving my enemies and other stuff like that does not represent the old self that I used to identify with. Becoming a follower of Jesus also includes bearing the consequences of the sin in my life and those decisions I make when I exclude God from the process.

So I would say, comfort no, but blessing, yes. I am blessed that life does not work apart from God. When I humble myself before Him, admitting that I need Him in all areas in my life, He is willing to open the floodgates of wisdom and direction that give me what I need to live the abundant life. God wants me to succeed.  I love this verse from the book of Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 29:11

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I have also learned, The Christian life is like a race.

The bible uses the race as a metaphor for the Christian life in these verses:

Acts 20:24 NIV 
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace

1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV 
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?

Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Galatians 2:2 NIV 
I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.

But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.

2 Timothy 4:7 NIV 
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Hebrews 12:1 NIV 
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.

How does a Race and the Christian life compare to one another:

·        Both are Challenging  

  

·        Both require skill and good Judgment    

·        Both have a finish line

In the end, we will spend eternity either in heaven or hell      

(With God or separated from Him for all time)

The Good News: We don’t have to run the race alone (We have Jesus):

Jesus runs right alongside us. He encourages us, refreshes and recharges us when we grow weary.

Matthew 11:28-29 NIV

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

Philippians 4:13 NLT

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Jesus reminds us of our mission so the race we run has purpose. As His Followers we have access to the joy of His companionship all along the way.   

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

John 15:9-11 NIV

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

When we begin the race, Followers of Jesus receive the gift of the Holy Spirit:

Romans 5:5 NIV 
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Ephesians 1:13 NIV 
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

John 14:16 NIV

 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—

The Holy Spirit plays a major role during the race - the everyday life of a Christian:

Acts 1:8 NIV 
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Romans 15:13 NIV 
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may

overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:7-8 NIV

But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor

will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:

John 16:13 NIV

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

John 15:26 NIV

"When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.

Romans 8:9 NIV  
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:13 NIV  
This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

Galatians 5:16 NIV  
So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

 

So even though the goal of living the Christian life is not rooted in our comfort, we can still experience joy, peace, comfort and rest due to our relationship with Jesus. Our God is an awesome provider and we can trust Him to guide us in this Life in preparation for eternity. All along this great race we run, we will face circumstances that affect our minds and our hearts. Some are difficult, some test our faith, and some are used by God to mature our faith. It is good to know that God is always working to accomplish His greater purpose which is for the benefit for those who love Him.

Romans 8:28 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.

It is important that we stay determined to finish the race and not act on the temptation to take an easier road and live a purposeless life. There is a good reason to hang in there with Jesus.

James 1:2-5 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the

testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Romans 5 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Isaiah 25:8 NIV   
he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

With the hope that we have in Christ, we can even rejoice when the race gets really tough.

Because God is sovereign and in complete control, we can trust Him with our lives.

Daniel 5:21 NIV 
He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  

The next time you consider taking the easy road, think twice. Hang in there. Remember there is still an eternity with God to look forward to. While we are here let’s remain faithful and patient. With God’s help we can produce fruit and serve with excellence even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

We have a God who loves us and cares about us. We can trust Him to help us navigate through this life.

Micah 7:7 MSG

But me, I'm not giving up. I'm sticking around to see what God will do. I'm waiting for God to make things right. I'm counting on God to listen to me.

Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

We can look forward to God’s promise that life in heaven will be so much more awesome than the life we are living here now on earth. What awaits us is truly heaven and suffering will cease to exist for those who are in Christ.

Revelation 21:1-4 NIV

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

So, with confidence in hope we have, and the awesome future we can look forward to,

let’s run the race and strive to hear these words from Jesus’ own mouth.

Matthew 25:21 NIV 
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

For me, life really is a race. From the time I get up in the morning till the time I go to sleep at night, I am either living each moment for God’s greater purpose or just in service my own. This is the tension and challenge I live with every day.

I know that it is difficult to live a God focused life in a fallen world, but God has called us to do so. With all the distractions this world has to offer, it takes every ounce of strength to live and hold on to a Godly perspective. The pull of this world has the tendency to keep us in turmoil but it cannot imprison us for we have freedom in Christ. Even when we are running on fumes, we have the Holy Spirit to keep us going, filling us with His supernatural strength. I have experienced this supernatural strength many times in this life and through the power of the Holy Spirit I have not only been able to survive on no sleep, but live with greater abundance and hope. The truth has set us free and we can live with a greater perspective and purpose due to our relationship with Jesus.    

We do have an awesome God. Let’s rejoice about our salvation. Let’s rejoice about the promises God has made about our future.  Let’s share this hope with all those God puts in our path. Let’s savor each moment of life we have been given. There is a key to living an abundant life. That key is Jesus.

John 10:10 NLT

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and

satisfying life. ( ”I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”)

Even though I have yet to fix my daily lack of sleep issues I know that through Christ I can make the necessary changes to get more sleep.

When it comes to life in general I am reminded that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I also know that apart from Jesus I can do nothing, yet if I abide in Him, I can bear much fruit for His Kingdom and for His glory (John 15:5).

Just Sayin………………..Dave