Friday, March 17, 2017

Among You

Among You                                                 03-17-17

1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (ESV) 4  For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5  because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.


No, I don't have any green on and Chloe has already pinched me. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Pay close attention to the last sentence in that passage.Particularly to the words "..
we proved to be among you..." I am reminded by this verse of the oft used explanation of the difference between a pastor and an evangelist. If you have not heard,here it is. A pastor is the poor soul that has to clean up the mess in the church that the evangelist made after he left. (smile) Being that I am neither a pastor nor an evangelist, the explanation is second hand at best.(smile again)However,there is a kernel of truth to that statement isn't there? Here's how that works. A fiery evangelist is invited to the church. He comes in with a powerful,anointed word for the church.Doesn't matter what kind of word. It could be a word of encouragement,a word of knowledge or revelation, a word of warning or correction,you hearin' me here? Usually though,at least in my experience it is a great word of encouragement. The preacher stirs the congregation up and by the time he leaves,the flock is ten feet tall and bulletproof. And that is great. Lord knows that we ALL need encouragement these days. Amen? But, BUT after a few days or a couple of weeks,reality sets in.We,you and me,the flock are confronted with a sobering truth. All those victories and the truly great accomplishments that the evangelist told us were ours for the taking,.... COME WITH A PRICE.Yes,there certainly are victories and accomplishments to be won and done.BUT,THEY COME WITH A COST. Some more costly than others. But,to our(the sheep) chagrin,the evangelist is no where to be found. He has moved on to the next breeding ground for the work of the Lord. Enter the Pastor. This poor soul now has the job of caring for the folk,whose dreams and high flying aspirations have taken a hit when faced with the spiritual opposition that is certain to come, when they try and do something for the Lord Jesus. This is the Man of God tasked with the long term care of the sheep.(you and me) This is the man that must prove himself FOR OUR SAKE. And herein lieth the lesson.

That was some background for what is on my heart today. This is directed at those of us who sit in the pews. I am of the firm belief that true ministry is one on one. The most effective ministry takes place in our living rooms,at the water cooler or break room. It is personal;and,it is one on one in our daily environment.Just as a pastor must "prove himself" amongst us,so we must also prove ourselves amongst those whom God chooses to place in our lives.The ones that look to us for encouragement and help in time of need.Shepherds protect sheep,they do not produce sheep.SHEEP produce SHEEP.

I heard this once. There is an old African proverb that says you help someone "all the way out." You see to be truly effectual,we must prove ourselves over time to those that need us. All too often we become evangelists don't we? We speak great words of encouragement but we sometimes fade away when the task requires a little more than encouraging words. Yes, that personal touch,that one on one ministry can be frustrating and taxing at times. Praying for someone time after time with no apparent results, bailing someone out(sometimes literally!) of a predicament that they continue to put themselves into, loving and nurturing someone when no thanks or appreciation is given,these are the things that true ministry is made of don't you think? No,it won't attract great crowds.Probably won't finance a larger wing on the sanctuary. It may even draw some criticism, you know something like"why do you keep on doing it,they don't care,they are just using and making a fool out of you." But,when that ne'er do well finally comes around. When the Lord Jesus finally get's a hold on 'em and changes their life and they FINALLY SEE THE LIGHT.......what is it the commercial says....................PRICELESS!!

Folks,one of these days it's all going to be set right.The Lord Jesus is going to bring everything to light. All those prayers spoken in the loneliness and dark of night,all those dollars given to promote God's Kingdom,all the help and ministry,both material and spiritual given to those in need,most times NEVER seen,most times NEVER appreciated,it's all going to be brought out into the light of day. Look at this verse and get it on the inside of you.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) 7  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8  Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.


It's not a cruise ship we are on,it's a battleship. it's not light sparring session,IT'S A FIGHT. As my buddy says,it's not a hundred yard dash,but a marathon race. 

Keep on keeping on saint of God. He's coming back for His own and He knows who you are.

2 Timothy 2:19 (ESV) 19  But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”


Prove yourself for their sake.

Psalm 119:37 (ESV) 37  Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.



God Bless 







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