Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Ministry

*Once again a little preview of last night's Bright Lights lesson*

As we grow in our walks with the Lord we will desire to serve Him as an outflow of this love we have for Him.  This is ministry.

"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
John 15:8

When we hear the word ministry what do we usually think of?  I know some of my first thoughts include helping orphans, being a pastor in a church, evangelizing in foreign countries, etc.  But in reality ministry begins in the heart.  As we draw closer to Jesus and He becomes a reality in our life, we naturally want others to draw close to Him too.

So, how do we find a ministry to be involved in?  Actually, I firmly believe that God will bring a ministry to us.  Each of us have unique talents and gifts so each of the ministries God calls us to will be different.  But there is one area of ministering that we all can be involved in and that is our families.  Now, this ministry may not be viewed by others as a valid ministry, but I don't think they're right.  When the world sees brothers and sisters loving each other or children honoring and obeying their parents you are being ministers to them.  I would say the the home is the training ground for future ministry opportunities.  Home is where character is developed and where the attitudes of our hearts are truly revealed.  It is the proving ground so-to-speak.

It is important to remember that no ministry that the Lord calls you to is big or small compared to what someone else is involved in.  

"Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?  I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.  So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.  According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 3:5-11

What a good reminder from Paul (or rather, from the Lord)!  A ministry must have Jesus Christ as the foundation.  If He is not there then we're simply building a house on sand.  We must ask God to show us the ministry He wants us involved in.

One last thing to remember is that we cannot properly minister for God in our own strength.  He gives us a ministry and He gives us the strength to minister.

"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Galatians 6:8-10 

If we do become weary while doing good I think we should check our hearts and see if possibly we've taken the reigns from God (it is so easy to do that, you know...sometimes it happens without realizing it).  It truly is simple- simply sit back and relax while He guides us along the narrow way-it is just difficult to allow Him to have access to all of us/me!

Have a great week!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Monday, June 10, 2013

Thoughts

I've had plenty of thoughts floating around my head lately.  I'll do my best to express them clearly on this blog for both my records and for your entertainment ;).

Thought #1:  My brothers;  they're not little boys anymore.  In fact one of them is already taller than me and the other is closing in.  But I'm learning how to have a relationship with brothers who now are maturing and growing in their manhood.  I truly admire my brothers.  No longer are they my little nuisances (although sometimes they do cause quite a commotion :), but their my fellow laborers, my brothers-in-Christ, and my role models.  I see them daily increasing in the virtues and character qualities that I hope to one day see in my husband.  I do love them very much (:!

Thought #2:  Serving at the PRC.  It is both rewarding and difficult.  I love being there and it sure challenges  me in all areas of my walk with Christ.  The counseling room is an amazing opportunity to present the gospel to those who really are at a crisis in life but it can also be intimidating.  The one fear I have is that I'll miss an opportunity to preach Christ or that my words will not be what they should be.  The staff at the PRC have done their best to prepare me for every situation but in the end, the Lord is the only one with me in that room.  I pray constantly that He'll work through me and keep ME out of the way!

Thought #3:  The homeschool convention.  I love attending HEAV's convention every year.  It lifts me up and encourages me even though I'm no longer a student or a homeschool mom.  The many topics they cover, such as courtship/dating, having a biblical worldview, and learning from those who have graduated, speak to all people in all areas of life.  My sister and I even had a chance to volunteer in preparing food for the 300+ speakers and their families on Saturday morning.  That was a blessing!  I enjoy meeting new people who have a heart for the Lord, a heart for children, and a heart for serving.

Thought #4:  This country.  It seems like every day I hear of something new that wants to undermine and destroy our faith and freedom.  We are so blessed to live in this nation but I'm frequently reminded that freedom isn't free.  We must stand and defend that which our forefathers stood for and defended in this nation.  What my role is in all this....... I'm not so sure but when I know I'll let you know.

Thought #5:  B.R.I.G.H.T. Lights.  I love each and every one of the girls the Lord has brought to these meetings.  I have grown in my walk with the Lord and have been so encouraged to see these young ladies truly desire to honor and serve the Lord right now in their youth.  I'm so grateful for my family, especially my sisters, who help me lead this group.  They help with prep, music, and clean-up afterwards.  Thank you girls, I couldn't do it without you!

Thought #6:  Sin.  How I hate it!  It's a constant struggle to gain the upper-hand and if I start to relax for a second, let my guard down for an instant, it attacks again with a vengeance.  Thankfully I don't have to fight this battle alone...if I only I remember my weapons during the attack!

Thought #7:  It's been officially one year since I've graduated.  I look back at a year ago and I remember the feelings and emotions surrounding graduation and I'm so thankful for where the Lord has brought me now.  Although I didn't see the path He truly did lead me and I pray He continues to do so!

Okay, I think that's all for now!
I leave you with a verse from this past week.
"Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today."
Deuteronomy 8:11

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah :)