Do you hear from people on the mission field, in churches and serving in other kinds of organizations that just amaze you?
"We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing
in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
in the presence of our God and Father, knowing,
brethren, beloved by God, His choice of you."
1st Thessalonians 1:2-4
When I read this scripture last week, it made me think of all the people I know who are diligently serving the Lord where they are -- in all kinds of situations and at all kinds of costs. Their service to the Lord is truly a labor of love. They are truly hoping in the steadfastness of Christ. They are indeed beloved by Him . . . chosen.
Serving the orphan . . . Dwight, Linn, Lynsay, Bill, Kim and Amy to just name a few.
Serving the church . . . Dennis, Cindy, Kim, Curt, Kurt, Theresa, Sarah, Matt, Aimee, Larry, LaVon, Dan, Julie, Aaron, Ashley, David and Amy, Nanette, Mark, Jill, Seth, Maria, Jon, Leeza, James, Ashley . . . just to name a few.
Serving in student ministry . . . Dave, Molly, Shelly, Brian, Brian, Jenny, Holly, Emily . . . and many more.
Serving as volunteers . . . Kyle, Greg, Andy, Adam, Kez, Heather, Sheryl, Mike, Kay, Jana, Ray, Ann, Heather . . . and many more.
Serving as teachers . . . Heather, Kateland, Ashley, Ellie, AJ, Ruth, Carrie, Carla, Carli, James, Yolanda, Brynn, Melissa, Jady, Amanda . . . and many more.
We are all on a mission. I don't have any kind of an official title, but God's call on my life is not any less than those who do. The same can be said about you. We are all minister of reconciliation wherever we are. We are all called according to His purpose.
Chicago is my current mission field and within that calling - there is a school, a neighborhood, a church, a gym and friends. I want to serve the Lord diligently while I am here -- making the most of every opportunity.
Where is your current mission field?
An office, a neighborhood, a classroom, a church, a hospital . . . or maybe it is a bit more figurative, such as a long road that someone is walking or a heartache that painfully beats.
Sometimes ministry is very visible. Sometimes no one will ever know that you were on your knees on behalf of another. Your ministry may involve HUGE things - or it may involve a lot of small things. It may be a step by step, prayer by prayer effort. You may see mountains move, or you may see one heart change.
No matter . . . be humbled . . . be grateful . . . be awed by the Lord's choice of you.
I am giving thanks for each one of you today and for the purposes of the Lord that are being accomplished as you yield to Him.
Thank you.
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