Acts 6:3-4, Eph 4:11-12, serving and gifts

Today I will use another of Pastor David McGee's postings as my focus. You may access more of his at Cross the Bridge ministries on line or on CSN radio. I just happen to enjoy his postings and usually they go along with what I see a need in.

Acts 6:3-4

"Now look around among yourselves, brothers, and select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will put them in charge of this business. Then we can spend our time in prayer and preaching and teaching the word."
NLT

In Acts 6, we see how important it became for these twelve men to raise up other Godly disciples to help in the work of the ministry. God had called these disciples to teach the Bible. In the midst of the grumbling among the believers, a decision had to be made. They could have either raised up other Godly disciples to help in the work, or they could have neglected their study of the Word of God. In order to teach the people, these men made a great decision. Instead of trying to delegate the order of business among themselves, they presented others with the opportunity.

It is important in ministry to delegate and 'give away' ministry. God has given each and every one of us gifts in order to serve Him and the body of Christ. The gifts that each of us encompass are a necessary ingredient to the body of believers. Eph 4:11-12, "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ," NKJV

Loved one, step out and begin serving the Lord in the small things, and watch as larger doors open for you. He is so worthy to be served. Together, we will see God change lives, starting with our own.

Life Lesson: We should be willing to serve the Lord in any and all ways.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for equipping me to serve within Your church. I crave opportunities to use these gifts You've given me to serve others. Help me to use these gifts faithfully so that leaders in the church will present me with more opportunities to glorify You in ministry. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

My Comment:

For years before I was saved, yet thought I was a Christian, I took many classes, Bible studies, served as a greeter, taught Children's Bible study and Children's Chapel, served in prison ministries, on committees etc in churches. I am glad I did them and I know the need for people to step up and work in the various ministries. I am sure the people who asked me to work in these ministries felt I was capable and had the gifts to do them yet now I know if any good came out of my doing them it was strictly by the grace of the Holy Spirit working because though I know God can take garbage and make aomething lovely I can only pray I did no damage. Without the true understanding and knowledge of God one cannot lead others through the dangers of life. Only Christ can keep us safe from them and though I knew that intellectually and because of teachings I did not live it. When I was in the cult, Soldiers of the Euchrist, I know I did damage when others would ask if I believed in the teachings there and I said, "Yes". Oh, how my heart is shamed when I think of the people who I led astray from the trueth because I did not have the whole truth and did not have salvation.

In the first passage we see the Apostles raising up godly disciples to work with the people and in the second passage we see God giving each their gifts. I did and do, have gifts to work with children and those suffering because of families in prison. I have a lovely smile given me that others feel joy and comfort from, I have a heart for those who are in pain and are suffering, and I love to pray for others to the One who Loves me so very much and is always with me and in me. When others ask me to serve I know it is God who guides me. When I do serve it is Him who speaks through me and I check with Him to no lead others astray.

When one does not feel the Spirit talking to them, then hopefully they stop and check to see what they are doing, thinking, involved in. He will not accompany one into darkness or wrong endeavors.

How does one know if they are hearing the Holy Spirit? One has only to read the Word of God and if there is not a true match then one is not following or being led by the Holy Spirit. That is why it is very important to read and study and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit to understand the Bible which is the true Word of God.

Pray to be His, to know and understand His Word and to be filled with the Holy Spirit and use the gifts He gives to you to work for His glory by serving in the various ministries He shows you to work in. For some it will be praying for others, greeting at church, working in a homeless shelter, handing out blankets on cold winter nights to homeless, sharing their wealth with others, supporting missionaries or missions, being a missionary (even in your own town), opening up your home or your heart to others, caring for a single parents children so they can go to work (even if it is only when the child is sick and cannot be in daycare), making treats for the neighbors and sharing the Word and love of God, taking in foster children or adopting. There is always a place for a true believer to work in the Kingdom, in the Body, in the Church.