Ministry In The Margin

Much of the ministry of Jesus was unplanned. He walked by a funeral one day and saw a widow and drew out of that scene some profound truths of His Kingdom. On another instance, he looked at a field of flowers filled with sparrows and made spiritual application for how we are to simply trust God. One day at a wedding he changed water into wine and began his public ministry with supernatural power and spiritual truth.

I find the most significant moments for ministry come in the margin in life - the times that are unexpected and unplanned. When I make a run to the store and bump into someone I know and God gives me an opportunity to share Christ's love with them standing in the check out aisle. Or I meet a complete stranger in need and I'm able to be Christ's hands extended to them. This is ministry in the margin of life.

I pray that God's Spirit makes me more and more sensitive to these unplanned and unexpected opportunities in life to give a helping hand, a timely word of encouragement or a listening ear on behalf of Christ.

Am I too busy to minister in the margin of life? How can I be more sensitive to God's Holy Spirit during my everyday? If I am too busy, what can I do to slow down enough to notice the needs around me? Just some thoughts I'm wrestling with today.

Compassion in Action

What is mercy? It's compassion in action. It's finding a need and filling it. It's hearing of a hurt and healing it. The Great Samaritan demonstrated mercy when he bandaged up the wounds of the man left for dead in the ditch. He saw the need and did something about it.

The Apostle Paul said God has given each of us a ministry of mercy. In life, you get what you give. If you've received mercy, you have no problem giving it.

Here are some ways I try to show mercy every day:

• Forgive those who criticize me
• Help those in need (especially my wife and kids and staff)
• Encourage other pastors that are struggling in their ministry
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help me be sensitive to the needs of those around me.

My memory verse for this week is Micah 6:8, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Hope Dispenser

Everybody needs encouragement. I know I do. That's why Paul says in Romans 15:13, "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." That verse lifts my joy level.

People need to a daily dose of good news. People get enough bad news in the world. When they come to church, they should hear the good news! One of the main roles of the preacher is to remind people that God is a God of hope, not a God of mope. Yes, we need the hutzpah to call a spade a spade in the pulpit. I have no problem talking about sin, the redemptive work of Christ on the cross, the precious blood of Jesus and so on.

But at the end of the day, preachers must be hope dispensers. We need to encourage people that God can and will fill your life with joy and peace as you put your trust in him.

Pastors need encouragement too. One of the biggest reasons that pastors leave the ministry today (BTW, over 1,000 bail on God's call each week) is discouragement. Pastors get discouraged. The deal with depression and fear and all sorts of spiritual battles.

I just spent the day with a group of pastors in my area and I was reminded of how much we can all use a positive word of encouragement. Hebrews 3:13 says "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today."

So, to all my blog readers, be encouraged. Today is a brand new day. God is still in control. He hasn't left you or forgotten where you live or what you are going through. Call on him in your time of need. He has a fresh supply of hope for you each day. For his grace and mercy is new every morning.

It's All Good

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21

This is a powerful prayer! Since Jesus is alive - his power is available to us and will give us every good thing we need to do what he's called me to do. A Priest or Pontifix literally means "bridge builder." Every minister stands between two worlds - one foot in a world which is hurting and full of need and one foot the Kingdom of God which holds the capacity to meet every human need.

What an awesome responsibility we have to bring these worlds together and have front row seats to watch the great capacity of God meet every human need and change lives.

Coaching Pt.. 3

A Good Coach Encourages You. Watch this video.

Glen Beck Video

Whether or not you are a Glen Beck fan, you need to watch this video.

Don't Quit

The book of 2 Chronicles records 5 national spiritual revivals that took place in the OT. The first occurred under the leadership of King Asa (2 Chron. 15-16). When this young leader took over the helm, he faced opposition and criticism.

The prophet gave him this word, "Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

It's so easy to get discouraged in life. Whether you are a mom feels completely unappreciated for all the work she does around the house or a minister who gets more complaints than compliments, know this - your work will get rewarded.

One day God will reconcile the books. Rest assured. Don't quit.