Day 18... Because We Care

Day 18.. Because We Care

Bible verse:

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village, Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by tow and gave them authority over evil spirits.  Mark 6:6-7

In this lesson Moore talks about how "the Bible abounds with examples of ministry being conducted by believers working in pairs" (2007).  Jesus called together his disciples and sent them out two by two, Paul and Barnabas, Paul and Silas, Barnabas and Mark, Priscilla and Aquila.  They all did service and ministry together.

Don't you agree that most tasks are more fun when they are performed with a friend?  I remember last year when we all had the opportunity to work at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen.  Dan and I went together and it was wonderful because we were able to do it together.  If either of us had gone alone, we would have made the best of it, and poured our heart and soul into the service, but it wouldn't be the same as going together.

Service and ministry offer our time, energy, effort, concern, money, and influence to people we know who need help.  Being a true disciple of Jesus means that we do these things even when it is not convenient for us!  When we are called to do these things they generally take us out of our comfort zone.  For example, I was asked to take over a very large event where I work.  My first reaction, as usual is sure I can do that, then my very next thought was, I'll think about it.  Well I had let it go and had forgotten about doing anything with it until I get an email that says, "I'm so glad that you are going to take over this event!"  Um.... I was stunned, scared and utterly in shock, because I never said that I would do it, I would help but that was all I could do.  My return email said just as much.  Well, I went over and spoke with the person, and she was just as shocked as I was that I was backing out.  So, we talked about what was involved, and she assured me that she would be with me the whole time, and it would take a couple years to get it down, and be comfortable with it, so .... I agreed.  You see it made all the difference knowing that I wasn't going to be "pushed out of the boat", but that we would do it together.  By the time we done with our conversation, we both had goose bumps and it felt right :-)!!...  Just let me add that it's not the event so much as it is helping my this woman who has done it for seven years transition out over the next few years, because she takes care of her elderly parents and she needs to be there for them.  By having someone else to work with this frees her heart and her mind to tend to them if need be, and not worry that the other won't get taken care of.  See it is easier with two, and I will enjoy doing it together with her.

We serve and minister because

• We genuinely care about people
• We see people as God sees them
• We really love others
• We want justice in out world
• God's love for us must flow forth in love for others

We all have different talents no matter our age, personalities, interests, but God has a place of service or ministry for everyone.

When judgement day comes, God will make eternal decisions about our relationship with Him and our faith from the deeds we did on earth, such as feeding the hungry, caring for strangers, sharing clothes, visiting the sick or imprisoned.  Caring for the least of these is caring for Jesus.  God will see that we were caring for His son through caring for those who are in need.  Not just when it was convenient for us, but especially when it was not.  It's the hard decisions and choices to serve that show what we are made of, and shows are faith and trust in God.

Service and Ministry - these are two important practices of Christian discipleship.

So, go out today with your friend, or find a friend to go out with and see what works of ministry and service you can do together in Jesus name.

Remember:  Service and ministry an often be conducted best with the assistance of a friend.

God Bless!