JOSEPH, THE CONSISTENT FOLLOWER

Posted on October 17, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

No matter what is happening in my life, I’ve ever regretted loving and following God, our Father. Don’t think I am boasting, I am not, for I am not perfect. I am, indeed, as we all are, a sinner saved ONLY by the grace of Jesus Christ who died to pay my debt of sin. I have had troublesome, honest conversations with God, asking why, many times, as I try to understand and move forward, but I cannot say I have ever turned my back on God. I just can not do that.

Have I obeyed quickly? Not always…not like the consistent, quick following of Joseph! And I have regrets for not doing so. That’s why I am so impressed with the life of Joseph, the chosen caregiver of our Lord, Jesus Christ who was also the Savior of Joseph and Mary. To follow quickly requires a deep trust in and abiding God as well as the willingness to obey. It also takes a lot of hard work along the way. But it is worth it to save our souls. It also brings peace through the storm of upheaval in every journey. Well done, Joseph!

NEWS, QUICKER THAN INTERNET SPEED!
“Later, when Herod died, God’s angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: ‘Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead.'”
Matthew 2, Msg

THE WISDOM OF JOSEPH BRINGS SPECIFIC DIRECTION
“Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother, and reentered Israel. When he heard, though, that Archelaus had succeeded his father, Herod, as king in Judea, he was afraid to go there. But then Joseph was directed in a dream to go to the hills of Galilee. On arrival, he settled in the village of Nazareth. This move was a fulfillment of the prophetic words, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.'” Matthew 2, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, There is so much to learn from these small bites of Your nourishing Word to us! There is so much to think about as we read about Your servant Joesph and how his life relates to ours at times. Thank you for guiding, providing and directing every move of our lives. We repent of those times we were sluggish in our obedience. Help us to quickly move when You say move and be still when You direct us to stay and keep working where we are. In Jesus Name, Amen

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JOSEPH HEARS AND OBEYS…AGAIN!

Posted on October 16, 2014 by randscallawayffm
(The Story of Jesus)
What is it like to be in communion with God, to be so close to his heart, that you beat with his heart. What would it be like to be close enough to hear the slightest whisper of His Voice when He speaks to You? And when He speaks, you listen and jump up and obey as quickly as humanly possible? You do it because you know how much you are loved, cared for and cherished by Him, the Father, God.

Joseph knows what it is like. He hears the voice of God through one of God’s angels and he jumps to obey without hesitation. Why? Because he knows God will provide where He guides. God has brought them this far. God, Emmanuel, is with them. They have God, in human form, in their arms, as well as God over them, guiding their every step. Wow, too much? Go deep into the thought of how much God loves and cares for you.

IMPENDING DANGER! GOD INTERVENES…
“After the scholars were gone, God’s angel showed up again in Joseph’s dream and commanded, ‘Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him.'” Matthew 2, Msg

JOSEPH OBEYS…IMMEDIATELY!
“Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight. They lived in Egypt until Herod’s death. This Egyptian exile fulfilled what Hosea had preached: ‘I called my son out of Egypt.'” Matthew 2, Msg

PROVISION FOR THE JOURNEY…
Joseph, the carpenter, fled with his family, under the protection of God, Himself, for Scripture would be fulfilled as God’s plan continues to unfold exactly what God told the prophets to preach centuries earlier. As we discussed yesterday, the gifts of gold from the scholars probably financed this quick getaway from impending danger. God knew and provided.

“Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he’d gotten from the scholars.) That’s when Jeremiah’s sermon was fulfilled:

‘A sound was heard in Ramah, weeping and much lament. Rachel weeping for her children, Rachel refusing all solace, her children gone, dead and buried.’ Matthew 2, Msg

As I read this, I’m thinking who tricked who? Herod kills his own people in an extreme attempt, driven by fear, to keep things as they are, with him in control of all as an earthly king. But God intervenes. And God provides. And His Holy Scripture is fulfilled. Because Joseph obeyed. Quickly. God knew he would.

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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Your Word that opens our hearts, minds and soul with your teaching! Your care and love for us is amazing! We are overwhelmed by how You provide a way out all because of Your love for us. I’m humbled by it all. But I thank you and praise you for salvation and blessings undeserved. God, be with us this day and help us to obey quickly when you call and rely always on Your provision wherever You send us. In Jesus Name, Amen
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GOD PROVIDES BEFORE WE KNOW WE NEED IT!

Posted on October 15, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

Who wins a classic 66 Mustang in a contest? This girl did. It was so surreal, when I look back on that day, September 1, and only remember the extreme surprise and joy I felt along with God immediately speaking to my heart as I drove the vehicle off the Classic Car Show stage. “Use this to pay your debt.” Whaaat?
A buyer was found in a few weeks, the car was towed to the buyer and cash exchanged hands.

Who knew that Randy, our bread winner, who works as an engineer tech on construction sites, that the following winter would be the worst yet and Randy would be out of work for several weeks. God did. He provided for us before we knew we would need it. The money was also used for other great things, like helping in Haiti, but the main use was to keep us afloat financially through a tough winter. Who knew? God did.

Who knew that His One and Only Beloved Son would need protection from an evil king? God did. He provided gifts for the journey ahead that would finance the trip for Jesus’ loving, earthly parents.

“Instructed by the king, they (scholars) set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It lead them on until it hovered over the place of the child. they could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!” Matthew 2, Msg

“They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh.”

“In a dream, they were warned not to report back to Herod. So they worked out another route, left the territory without being seen, and returned to their own country.”

“After the scholars were gone, God’s angel showed up again in Joseph’s dream and commanded, ‘Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him.'”

Who knew? Why did scholars make the long trip? Why gifts? God knew. Can we wrap our minds around that, yet? He knows…BEFORE we know anything. He is God and we are not. He will provide a way out. He will provide where He guides. Every. Time.

The gifts were used to possible finance the quick journey to Egypt for the protection of the “child”, Jesus! God knew what they needed before Joseph and Mary knew what they needed. I have heard sermons where the gifts were symbolic of his death, burial and resurrection, too. But I am more simple and practical in thinking this morning. The gold probably came in handy to make a fast, unexpected journey to Egypt!

God still does this today…provides…before we know we need it. How many times has He done that for you? Let’s us kneel down in praise and worship, like the scholars did when they were in the Presence of the King of kings! God led them with a star. What does God use today to lead us through our journeys? A car?

Tell us what God did for you that was unexpected and came before you knew you needed it. It would be good to share with each other so we remember and then live a life of gratitude and assurance of God’s love and care for us. God does care for you, you know. But it must be in His time and in His perfect way. One thing for sure, He will always surprise you! It makes Him smile, too! : )

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Dear Heavenly Father, Lord of lords and King of kings, our hands are shaky as we type as we remember your love and care over the course of our lives because of the awe we have for You! Thank you for knowing what we need before we need it and providing. Thank you for peace that comes after our foolish worry. Thank you for being with us, Emmanuel! In Jesus Name, Amen

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STARGAZING SCHOLARS INCITE FEAR

Posted on October 14, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

New leadership, with a bit of knowledge, comes to town, inciting fear for those who like things just as they are. We feel we are in control when things are just as we think they should be. When our circumstances change and our comfort is threatened suddenly or even a little bit at a time, fear of the unknown grips our false assumption that we are in control.

Fear has gripped Herod, the evil king who thought he would always be in control. Now God has stepped in, entering the world as a baby boy in the arms of two parents who have little control over anything. They look to God, the Father of the child in their care and keeping for a little while, and follow His lead, moving when He says go, and staying when He says stay.

Herod, who thinks he is king of the world, now has extreme fear that drives him to go against the God of Heaven and Earth to “control” the situation. He has gone against God before, so he thinks he can “win” again. We might add that Herod knew enough about the prophecy of the coming Messiah, as did most of Jerusalem, that if this were true, he knew life would never be the same. Mm.

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory–this was during Herod’s kingship–a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, ‘Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.'” Matthew 2, Msg

FEAR…Because Messiah might be coming as Scripture said He would!
“When word of their inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified–and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well. Herod lost no time. He gathered all the high priests and religion scholars in the city together and asked, ‘Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?'”
Matthew 2, Msg

TRUTH BRINGS MORE FEAR!
“They told him, ‘Bethlehem, Judah territory. The prophet Micah wrote it plainly:
‘It’s you, Bethlehem, in Judah’s land, no longer bringing up the rear. From you will come the leader who will shepherd-rule my people, my Israel.'”

HEROD’S LEADERSHIP – FEAR DRIVEN – DECEIVER
“Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared. Then he told them the prophecy about Bethlehem, and said, ‘Go find this child. Leave no stone unturned. As soon as you find him, send word and I’ll join you at once in your worship.” Matthew 2, Msg

Herod knows the Scripture, the prophecy of Messiah and knows that his days are numbered now. Secret meetings never bring good results, only bad. We know Herod has no intention of falling down to worship the true King.

Question for all of us…Do we think we are in control? If Jesus comes back today, will we be fearful or relieved, full of praise and worship? What will we be worried about? Nothing? Everything? It is good to daily come before the real King of kings and evaluate what damage of worldly thinking as done to our thinking…and get rid of what is not righteous thinking. Mm.

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Dear Heavenly Father, Help us to evaluate our lives, even if it hurts or stings a little. Set our minds on Your Higher Ground thinking. We repent of our need to be in control. Make us holy and clean of world thinking and by Your power in us, help us live more righteous lives because of Your higher thinking. We believe. You are God and we are not! In Jesus Name, Amen.

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JOSEPH DID EXACTLY WHAT GOD SAID

Posted on October 13, 2014 by randscallawayffm
(The Story of Jesus)

To just show up when you said you would or was required of you on the work schedule is a breath of fresh air these days. To do enough to get by on the workplace is praised. (Kind of sad, when you think about how our world’s expectations have been lowered in this area of life, too.) To do what is required is admirable. To do EXACTLY what was asked and more is outstanding. We see that in Joseph as our example of how God works in our lives. We see that Joseph did EXACTLY what God said and more…

GOD SPEAKS TO JOSEPH IN A DREAM
“…Joseph, will name him Jesus–‘God saves’–because he will save his people from their sins.’ This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term: ‘Watch for this–a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Emmanuel’ (Hebrew for ‘God is with us’).”

“Then Joseph woke up. He did EXACTLY what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. but he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.” Matthew 1, Msg

God assures Joseph he is doing the “right thing” by Mary and more by reminding him of the words of the prophets before him…”watch for this”. Joseph is told he will be part of the Story of Jesus, the Savior! Joseph readily accepts his assignment. He not only saves Mary from a certain stoning by marrying her, but protects the Son of God while He is in the womb…at all costs. Joseph physically saves the Son who will save him! What a thought to wrap our heads around!

Joseph does exactly what was asked of him and more. It seems he is in direct contact with God, always listening for each step, and doing what is asked and going beyond what is required of him. God chose well when he placed His Son in the care of Joseph and Mary.

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Dear Heavenly Father, It seems the world expects less than our best just to get by. So many have let bosses down that to show up for your appointed time on the job is rewarded. Wow, let us be more than that for You. Help us, like Joseph, to do EXACTLY what you ask and more by the power of Your Holy Spirit working in and through us. We will be a difference! We will make a difference in this world for You so that others will see You in us! We are Yours, Lord, all that we are and all that we’ve got, is Yours. In Jesus Name, Amen
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JOSEPH TAKES A STEP FORWARD

Posted on October 12, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

Being perplexed about which way to go, what plan to implement, where to begin and what to do is a good place to be. It means you are still moving forward, maybe in inches, but you care enough to try to figure it all out. When that first baby step is taken, that’s when God enters…with the perfect plan. Every. Time.

“While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: ‘Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joesph, will name him Jesus–‘God saves’–because he will save his people from their sins.'” Matthew 1, Msg

God’s plan does not always give you that ah-ha moment of peace, and that “well, okay then” feeling. In fact, His plan, His way, in His timing is usually the most exhilarating, scary, challenging, plan beyond your wildest dreams. But, you know, without doubts, that you must do it. For God spoke to you.

Is this how Joseph felt after waking from the dream where God spoke to him?

How do we feel in the middle of life, thrown into a seemingly impossible circumstance? We can throw up our hands and scream, I give up! OR, we discover that taking a step forward, listening for God, the Father, while trying to figure things out, BAM, God steps beside us and tells us exactly what to do.

This word from God, this way out, comes in consistently walking with Him. Look to Him, face up, shoulders back, take a step, towards God. God will meet us and tell us the next step. Then the next. Like Peter trying to walk on the water with Jesus…get out of the boat and take a step toward the Savior, Guide, Provider, Redeemer, Healer and King of kings. Yes! God always has a way out, in, through, or around, but He always provides a way! He is God and we are not.

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Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word, through the life of Joseph, is teaching us more than ever…as usual. I love to meet you each morning and talk about Your Word to us. Thank you for consistently giving us the next step after we take the first, so many times in our lives. Thank you for Your Holy Presence through Your Holy Spirit. We are listening, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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BEFORE GOD SPOKE…

Posted on October 11, 2014 by randscallawayffm

(The Story of Jesus)

How many of us would do the “right thing” before being told? How “grown up” are we? How noble, full of integrity are we? Do we even have to think about it first or is “doing the right thing” a way of life? What is in our heart of hearts? For what we have in our heart is how we will behave when no one is looking. This is a mark of maturity, when acting on the behalf of another, putting aside your own interests, for the benefit of others, expecting nothing in return, is a way of life.

Joseph is that man. God chose well. From the beginning of time, God knew Joseph would be the man, “in the line of David”, who would be the earthly father of His Only Son, Jesus. Joseph had the genealogy, but he also had the integrity to do the “right thing”…before God spoke.

“The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.” Matthew 1, Msg

Joseph steps up. Before God spoke to him in a dream to reassure his decision, Joseph was going to take care of Mary! Yes God knew what He was doing when He chose Joseph to be the caregiver of Jesus. Jesus Christ, called “son of Mary” (in a derogatory way) later on would be the Savior of the world, including Joseph and Mary, his earthly parents. Joseph, man of integrity and maturity of faith, took on this situation with wisdom, insight and understanding. Did he cry out for wisdom like his forefathers? We do not know, but we do know he stepped up to take care of Mary, even before God spoke.

Question for us? Have we matured to this level…as a lifestyle? Are we known as a person of integrity, one that can be counted on, whatever the circumstance or situation? Do we love God first, then others and live it?

As believers, we are all concerned, (maybe too much), about knowing God’s will, “his pleasing, perfect will” as in Romans 12, for our own lives. Knowing is living. That is the focus! Read the previous words in Romans 12…the part of laying down our lives daily, “Take your everyday, ordinary life–your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life–and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.” (Romans 12, Msg)

So, it seems knowing God’s will is living a righteous life no matter what your vocation, situation, or circumstance. Yes, we are “called” and then equipped by God for specific tasks in this brief journey on earth, but we are COMMANDED to love God first and then love others, putting ourselves aside as the foundation for living before God speaks to us about those specific tasks. In others words, don’t be tied down to the task, but be bonded the King of kings and Lord of lords!

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Dear Heavenly Father, We can learn many lessons from Joseph just from this small bite of the Story of Jesus! I have always admired who Joseph was and what he did as a lifestyle. We pray that Your Holy Spirit would fill us with all we need to be persons of faith, with integrity as a lifestyle. We want to mature to the point where living the Truth is habit, something we do not even have to think about, we just do it…even before you speak to our hearts to do it. Just like Joseph. In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE STORY OF JESUS!

Posted on October 10, 2014 by randscallawayffm

Let’s take another look in the following weeks at the story of Jesus, his brief life here on earth, his teachings and his relationships. We will begin with Matthew’s testimony but we must realize, of course that the story of Jesus doesn’t begin with Jesus. God had been at work for a long time. Salvation, which is the main business of Jesus, is an old business. Jesus is the coming together in final form of themes and energies and movements that had been set in motion before the foundation of the world. We must wrap our heads and hearts around this fact as we read and study THE STORY.

Matthew opens the New Testament by setting the local story of Jesus in its world historical context. He makes sure that as we read his account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we see the connections with everything that has gone before. “Fulfilled” is one of Matthew’s characteristic verbs: such and such happened “that it might be fulfilled.”

“Better yet, Matthew tells the story in such a way that not only is everything previous to us completed in Jesus; WE are completed in Jesus. Every day we wake up in the middle of something that is already going on, that has been going on for a long time: genealogy and geology, history and culture, the cosmos–God! We are neither accidental nor incidental to the story We get orientation, briefing, background, reassurance.” –Eugene Peterson

“Matthew provides the comprehensive context by which we see all God’s creation and salvation completed in Jesus, and all the parts of our lives–work, family, friends, memories, dreams–also completed in Jesus. Lacking such a context, we are in danger of seeing Jesus as a mere diversion from the concerns announced in the newspapers. Nothing could be further from the truth.” Peterson

We will not merely be impressed with our Savior, Jesus Christ but we will embrace Him as LORD of our lives! We will learn that the story of Jesus is greater than we can possibly think or imagine. So we will take it in, one bite at a time and relish the flavor of the story, digesting the Truth, and living well on the teachings of the Truth of the Person of Jesus.

“There were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, another fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and yet another fourteen from the Babylonian exile to Christ.” Matthew 1, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, You made a way for us to have a deep and abiding relationship with you from the beginning of time and creation. “In the beginning…” was You. It’s always been about you loving us first, providing a way for us to be forgiven of all that you cannot allow in your Presence, so that we can come to you, through Jesus Christ, and relate to you, on Your terms. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen

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MY GRANDMA…THE MODEL!

Posted on October 9, 2014 by randscallawayffm

Yes, my Grandma Lacquement was a model, but not in the sense of parading down a fashion ramp in New York City with the latest style in clothing. She wore the spiritual clothing of compassion, gentleness, love, kindness, strength and quiet humility as she opened her home to…anyone!

She was the “model of good” as John writes to us this morning. I remember as kid, growing up in the same church as my grandparents, watching her look for anyone who might need a meal and encouragement, especially new people who would come through the doors of our little church. Her twinkling blue eyes were hard to say no to as she asked, “Do you have a place to go for dinner?” We went to grandma and grandpa’s farm nearly every Sunday after church to eat fried chicken and all that went with that. There was always enough for family and anyone else Grandma would invite to her table.

As kids, we always wondered who would be joining us, knowing it would rarely be just family. Grandma’s invited guests left as part of the family. Visiting evangelists, church leaders and missionaries were always welcome to have some of Grandma’s famous biscuits and good night’s rest on their journey. Yes, I think of Grandma Lacquement when I read what John has to say to us in his last letter recorded in God’s Word.

“Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible. They’ve made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.”
3 John, Msg

“Friend, don’t go along with evil. Model the good. The person who does good does God’s work.” 3 John, Msg

GRANDMA MADE FAITH VISIBLE! Do I make my faith visible?

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Dear Heavenly Father, Sometimes we fear our homes are not good enough to open to others. May we lay down that attitude and pick up what Your Word says. Help us to be willing to open our hearts and homes to other brothers and sisters in Christ who need encouragement and a good meal of fellowship. Thank you for the memories of my grandparents examples to me. Thank you for your love and care of us. Now help us love and care for others like you love us. In Jesus Name, Amen

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WHAT’S YOUR MOTIVATION?

Posted on October 8, 2014 by randscallawayffm

After many years in ministry I can truly confess that I take more joy in seeing those who I have worked alongside, mentoring them in the ways of the God, grow and mature beyond myself, working to pass on the Truth to others in ways that are better than I could ever do.

Yes, I receive more joy in seeing others do what I did better than the way I did it, than in doing it myself!

Pastor John is that kind of leader, too! He is our example of the right motivation when training others in the ministry of abundant living for Christ! Just listen to his phenomenal prayer! I am struck with awe, for the words are drenched in joy and love for seeing others excel in following the Truth…the Person of Jesus Christ…as Lord of their lives!

“The Pastor, to my good friend Gaius: How truly I love you. We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health–that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! I was most happy when some friends arrived and brought the news that you persist in following the way of Truth. Nothing could make me happier than getting reports that my children continue diligently in the way of Truth.” 3 John, Msg

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION? WHAT IS YOUR PRAYER FOR THOSE IN YOUR CARE?
As leaders of God’s church, are you burdened with self? Do you feel underappreciated for all that you do for your church? Are you seeking credit for all the hours you put in and no one seems to care? This is right where the devil wants you. He uses these feelings of misguided motivations to hinder the work. Pray for Pastor John’s love and motivation that come from the heart of God! Then you will be set free from those feelings of discouragement! Believe me, been there done that.

The everlasting joy and peace that you long for comes with the right motivation for ministry WITH (not to) others. Take joy in passing on what God gave to you. Take more joy in seeing others live the Truth and pass it on in ways that “fit” the gifts God gave them. Give ministry away in pieces! Don’t hold on to what was not yours in the first place. AND only God receives the glory! This is freedom from self.

What is our motivation? That is a question of daily evaluation. Remember, the world’s motivation is completely opposite of God’s Truth.

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Dear Heavenly Father, The motivation of the work before us can free us or bind us up. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, filling us to over flow, help us see the joy and freedom of seeing others in our care do the work even better than what we thought we could do, for the bottom line is more souls saved for eternity. To YOU be the glory, honor and praise forevermore! In Jesus Name, Amen

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