The Ministry: On Passion and Obedience

Here's my current predicament that I'm in. Well, actually, predicament is too strong of a word. Dilemma would be too. So let's go, with what I want to blog about.

The ministry: As for those who are involved in any ministry. We all know its, a lot of work. That its not a easy thing to maintain. There are high and low points. There are times when, some feel the call to leave and to let it flourish.

But overall, ministry is driven, by a passion. A passion that is very unique and real. People from the outside see it, they feel it. But the most important thing about this passion. Is learning how to use it. Learning that passion drives us, through our passion for Jesus.

But obedience is just as necessary. Obedience is an act of love. God ask us, to be obedient no matter the call. Within any ministry demonstrating obedience to our Father, is imperative. The effect obedience has, comes on many levels, personal spiritual growth, the ministry and your relationship with Christ.

These two have stood out to me. Just recently, I have examined how I act upon passion and obedience. I lead a ministry in feeding the homeless and have gained much from it. I help with missions, college ministry as well. I have the felt the passion for all, but for the ministry in general.

But I'm beginning to realize there's a lot to learn still. I know several other "church words" could have been used like clarity, faith, love, and trust to name a few. There all important to the ministry.

But as time, goes on and when people leave. Will the ministry stay on? Yes I know God sustains the ministry. But what I mean, is the ministry within every single individual. We all are a walking ministry in my eyes. With our stories, experiences and talents that God has given us. The ministry is God's. But that doesn't mean, we stop!

Will you ever turn the light out on your ministry? Will you be the light, no matter location, situation or call?

The ministry will go on and so will our passion. Obedience will be required in some fashion.

See it as a privilege to have the opportunity to spread the word. To help those who are searching for the light.

That's ministry!
That's passion!
That's obedience!
That's Our God!

Trusting People

Trust- Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person or thing.

Trust is not easily given, its earned, right?

Why is trust so hard to come by?

Over time trust can be established with individuals. But in order to trust someone, you must let them in. Don't build walls, but bridges.

You won't trust, everyone you see. But its imperative to have those friends that you can lean on. There's so many people out there looking for that. That friend who will take a call at 2 am, or listen to your venting, we all need that

But we must learn to trust. Not be, so critical of others. It takes faith, to trust someone else.This is displayed in marriage, trusting your pastors, trusting your friends. On the flip side, we must strive to be trust worthy.

I pray trust is not a word thrown around. But that its acted out. That people start to trust others.

Perhaps, there's someone out there, who wants to help. But it starts with your trust.

Our Lord is trust worthy, shouldn't we, be aiming for that attribute as well?
Its a must.

The Next Step

In any kind of ministry. The goal is glorify God in all you do. But another goal is to progress as a ministry.

I have had the unique opportunity of feeding the homeless every Monday night. Personally, I have grown, because of this ministry. It has, for me, been training for missions. On a much more smaller scale, but has taught me a lot.

As the ministry grows, so do ideas, on what to do. We now have enough warm bodies to distribute the food. We have a clean up crew, who gets the trash, we also have people who roam and talk. So as, more people come. The possibilities become a reality.

The reality I'm now trying to push. Is evangelism, to be intentional in talking about God. Sure we are feeding, serving, and talking. But I need people who are on the mission to talk about God. Who are ready, to talk right off the bat.

We go down, every week, and have been able to form friendships. We know people, and their stories. I'm not saying the people who come can't do it. But I'm searching for answers as to how we can do it. How we can present the Gospel to the homeless. So it harbors their attention and challenges them.

Tracts will be thrown away. Bibles, are rarely used by the homeless. I need a "wow' factor. Something that is eye popping. I know the Gospel is eye popping, but something that appeals to the homeless.

That is the next step. Haven for Hope may knock us, out of business. But until then, I want our team to be equipped to lead someone to Christ. Boldness is the word that comes to mind.

The food will be there.
So will the servants heart and the smiles.

But the will the boldness be there? For the next step?

Have any suggestions, as to how we can execute this for God.

Confidence

At one time, or another, our confidence wavers. We start to pity ourselves. We start to be hard on ourselves.

I've recently, been dealing with this.

To think that, I'm a hopeless mess. That no one cares and all that negative stuff. Having no confidence gets you nowhere.

Even though I know, I have a lot to offer. I still let the enemy sweep in and pour in the lies. It has become, so hard to get rid of. This has become something some common to me.

Every time I go down this rout. I turn to a particular verse that lifts, me up. Romans 8:1-2

¹Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ²because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Confidence is very important. So for those, out there who are lacking confidence. Meditate on those words of truth.

I am a new creation in Christ. I was wonderfully and fearfully made. God has a plan for me. God loves me.

Confidence, get ready the enemy is on his way.

Group Picture

I spent a week in Panama. Helping out an awesome pastor, by the name of David. His center is on the outskirts of one of Panama's worst neighborhoods. The center serves many purposes.

First its, a haven for the little kids. Where they can learn their subjects and about God. Second, its a place to hang for, the older kids. The center serves food and has plenty of activities for the kids. The kids can even get help on their homework. Finally, it helps adults who have dropped out, get their high school diplomas. The center offers several classes in algebra, computer, english, and geography.

We had 15 people on the trip. We all were touched on many levels. But one thing the group will remember is that we all got along. There was no conflict, name calling, or clicks. Everyone loved everyone. So much so, we are planning a post Panama party.

The center expressed how much, they appreciated our work. Our group just jelled. Everyone someway, somehow, got to know each other.

Not only did I have a touching experience. I gained a lot of new friends from all ages.

Back To Reality

The past three weeks. I have had the opportunity to travel and spread the Word of God. It's been fun, but sadly, it has ended.

I will be back state side for awhile. School is starting up. With that said, I'm starting to get down a routine, its back to reality.

My trip to Japan and Panama, showed me a lot. But now, I must put into practice what I have learned. Satan has been on me. Attacking me in all directions. You come back from a trip. In which you were surrounded by Christians, and didn't have the daily temptations.

Not that mission trips are easy. But it is with the circumstances. Regardless, I know I have learned a lot. I know I've come out, a better man. A man striving to seek God, in everything I do.

The trick is to live as if, you were on the mission field. Which we are all. But when that focus begins to fade.

I pray and hope I remember its not about me.

Back to reality.................