How Important are You?

Teresa of Avila (1515-1482) once gave very wise counsel to her brother who wanted to serve in ministry.  She said: "I am surprised to see you so very desirous of serving God, and yet that you find such a light cross so very heavy."  This is a great lesson for all Christians who desire to serve God, but sit back and wait for the big applaudable opportunities to come our way.  It takes 100 pennies to make a dollar, and not one penny less will a dollar make.  A penny by itself seems valueless, but when you put them all together they have the same value as a dollar bill.  So too does it take every form of work to be a viable ministry before God; and in God's eyes each job carries the same value.

Sometimes we need to respond as Isaiah did when God said, "Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?"  Isaiah said, "Here am I.  Send me."  Isaiah was the type of guy who was willing to step forward whenever God was looking for a volunteer.

I remember some men talking lightheartedly about a pastor who had been the minister of the church many years ago.  He wasn't a very good preacher - laughter  He couldn't tell jokes - more laughter.  He wasn't very good at leading bible study - groans and laughter  All of the men chuckled as they reminisced.  Then one of them became very serious.  "He was one of the best pastors this church has ever had."  Why?  Because he was a great example of someone who would volunteer.

He was unconditional pitching in.  He would show up at a persons house when they were digging up the septic system (all the digging was done by hand in those days).  He helped shingle roofs and board up a buildings.  One time he even spent three weeks getting in a farmers hay because the farmer was sick in bed.  He was loved by everyone for his willingness to help whenever help is needed.

Most ministers put great value in there preaching and teaching of the Bible.  But how much value do you put into working shoulder to shoulder with those in your congregation?  These might be considered the most menial of jobs; but in Kingdom work no work is valued over another.  Whenever God calls, we should be ready to lend a hand, whatever the task may be, and be part of His glory.

Blessings,

-Leo

Firefighters for Jesus

A firetruck races with sirens blaring, twisting through traffic toward a fire.  Cars on both sides of the road pull over to give the firetruck complete access.  When the firetruck arrives on scene the firefighters jump out and spring into action.  Hoses are rolled out and joined to the pump.  The lever is pulled and water is sprayed onto the burning building.  Others are dressed in fire gear with breathing apparatuses on.  With axes in hand they enter the building to rescue a trapped child. The rescue is a success, aside from a minor smoke inhalation problem, the child will be okay.

Being a firefighter has got to be one of the toughest jobs on planet earth.  Day after day they put their lives on the line to not only fight fires; but to enter into the heat of the danger to rescue people as well. 

After fighting a fire they are usually covered in soot and dirt.  It's not a suit and collar job for sure.  They face the danger of stepping on nails, to falling ceilings, and to the explosion of fuel tanks.  Danger lurks with every fire call.  It is the unknown and the unexpected that could be fatal to every firefighter.

Christians are firefighters of a different sort.  There are spiritual fires burning all around us, and so many people are trapped inside.  What will we do?  Are we willing to be firefighters for Jesus?

Church is about ministry - ministry beyond our own four walls.  It's safe to come to the firehouse once a week to maintain our firefighter's status.  But coming to the firehouse does not necessarily make us into true firefighter for Jesus.  Firefighters are trained to go.  When the alarm goes off they are quick to respond to the call.

Jude verse 23 is a firefighter's call.  It says, "Snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."

Christians are in the business of fighting the fires of hell on earth.  When the call comes we should be quick to respond.  It's not going to be easy work, there will be dangers and challenges to face.  People's lives are at stake.  It will be messy and dirty at times, but God has empowered you to put out the flames and to rescue those who are burning.

The alarms are ringing,........Are you ready to go?

Blessings,

-Leo