Motives in Ministry Part 2

What most directs our motives in our daily life of serving other people? Think about it; if our source lies anywhere but in the Bible, we will find ourselves misguided and lacking in many ways. Psalm 19 encourages us in dependency on what God says about life.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward….Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:7-11, 14

Spurgeon in commenting on verse 11b, “in keeping them there is great reward,” said this: “A quiet conscience is a little heaven. A martyr was fastened to the stake, and the sheriff who was to execute him expressed his sorrow that he should persevere in his opinions, and compel him to set fire to the pile. The martyr answered, ‘Do not trouble yourself, for I am not troubling myself. Come and lay your hand upon my heart, and see if it does not beat quietly.’ His request was complied with, and he was found to be quite calm. ‘Now’ said he, ‘lay your hand on your own heart, and see if you are not more troubled than I am; and then go your way, and instead of pitying me, pity yourself.’”

May God’s ways that are clearly given to us in His Word be the foundation of all we do.

Plan to join us this Thursday morning as we look deeper into how God’s Word gives us proper motivation to live and serve. For those of you who can not make it in person, we will be live on the church Livestream (discoverybaptist.org) at 9:30 and also the class will be available to watch later at the same place.

Motives in Ministry Part 1

When you see the word “ministry” do you automatically check the irrelevant box and move on to something you consider more applicable? But wait, the life of every Christian “ministers” in some way to other people—no one is neutral in this. Either we encourage, or discourage other Christians by what we say and do. For us women one of the clearest opportunities we have to minister involves our immediate family and friends. Are we caring and concerned for the spiritual welfare of those we love? What an example we find in 1 Thessalonians 2 where Paul talks of his care for the Christians of Thessalonica. “But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children…as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (verses 7, 11-12)

This Thursday morning at 9:30 we will be encouraging one another to “minister” in a God honoring way to those we love.

Mark your calendar for a women and girls event on March 12 as we celebrate the return of spring.

A Vibrant Church Part 2

“For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Does this description of the believers in Thessalonica also picture our lives? Is our confidence in God so evident that everyone who knows us clearly understands the Source of our flourishing life? A vibrant church consists of people who find their fulfillment in God and His ways. Too often we look for a church with lots going on, but, in reality this does not mean it is actually a vibrant church. We mainly need to look at our own lives and consider if we are truly sold out for God; truly wanting His will and glory in our individual lives. A church made up of believers like this will be a very alive group of people. Many years ago F. B. Meyer told of someone who lived this kind of passionate life. “By whose preaching,” a lad was asked, “were you converted?” “By no one’s preaching,” was the reply, “but by my Aunt Mary’s living.”

As we complete Lesson 1 in our study books this week we will look deeper into 1 Thessalonians 1. Plan to join us Thursday morning at 9:30 at the church for a great time of discussion and encouragement to live wholeheartedly for God. There will be child care for your little ones.