Prepare God's People

Ephesians 4:11-12 (New International Version)
11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
The job of the ministry is to not actually do the work of ministry but to prepare Gods people for works of ministry. Now I am not saying this in a Pharisaical way where all the pastors just tell what to do and not do. But they are actually out doing the work of the ministry and also having people do the work of ministry.

It is the pastor’s job to prepare Gods people for works of service not to actually do all the works of service.

See what happens when the Disciples realized this:

Acts 6:1-10 The Choosing of the Seven
1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith

Peter and the leaders were actually doing the work of ministry--which in turn hindered the growth and in turn--they realized they had to choose some men to do the work......so in verse 7 it says the Word of God spread.

40 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 24

Week 24 March 22nd
Spiritual- 1 Samuel 2:30 the LORD declares: 'Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor,
Physical— 3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
• Diet- Do the master cleanse 3 days this week. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
• Body-Continue work out plan 4 days a week, with one day off Sunday, Cardio 6 days this week
Family- Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love,

• Parenting- Family night Friday
• Marriage- Date night Thursday
Financial- Deuteronomy 8:18, But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
Ministry- Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

Live In The Moment

I really have felt the Lord pressing on me a few things. I catch myself getting frustrated easily sometimes and I quickly realize it is coming out of some insufficiencies or inabilities I may have. It might also be coming out of something I have not done that I need to, like review bills, do school work, or any type of things I might do on a weekly basis but not be able to get to. I also sometimes get frustrated by events coming up that I have no control over until the occur. I used to find myself, while working in the corporate world being very easily agitated on a Sunday night knowing I had to go back to work on Monday.
I felt the Lord wanted me to share this with you today:
Don’t focus on what you can’t do but focus on what you can do. Don’t get frustrated because of your inabilities but praise God for your abilities. Too many times you focus on what has not been done instead of focusing on what has been done and what can be done right now. To whom much is given much is required. Use your abilities to do good and do the best you can with what you have and don’t worry, fret or get discouraged by what has not been done or can’t be done. Don’t dwell in the past or focus too much on the future but live in the moment. Live for the here and the now and once you realize this you will have true peace and joy.
The future will be determined by the things you do today.

40 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 23

Week 23 March 15th
Spiritual- Luke 12:48 From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Physical— Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices
• Diet- Start clean eating plan with 5 meals every 2 and half hours, eliminate sugars and coffee after 5pm
• Body-Continue training for 5k run, treadmill 3 days a week 2 miles and time it and start lifting program continue workout program
Family- Ecclesiastes 9:9 Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love,

• Parenting- Family night Monday—picnic at Panola Mountain Park
• Marriage- Date night Thursday—Tennis or taking a walk
Financial- Deuteronomy 28:4 The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks
Ministry- Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

Isaiah's Breakfast Prayer

My youngest son Isaiah, age 3 wanted to pray for his breakfast this morning and I felt led to share.
“Dear God thank you for my friends and for my friends sisters and God thank you for my sisters”
As he looks around he then says, “Dad where is my Sister?”
I respond, “She is still sleeping…”
“Still sleeping,” he says, “I’m awake and you are awake why is she still sleeping?”
I respond, “She is tired.”
So he says, “Why is she so tired?”
My response was, “Wait weren’t we praying?”
“Oh yeah, and God please thank you for my house and for my food and Dad please pray for my friend to come over today and tomorrow.”
WOW, my son is quickly turning into a powerful intercessor. It is amazing how our prayers are sometimes the same. Have you ever started praying and thinking wow, I forgot to pay my bill or I forgot to email so and so or maybe call someone and we quickly forget we were even praying. I know I have plenty of times, even during my prayer today I stopped to write this blog :-)
Gotta get back to prayer just wanted to share my sons prayer and hope you can relate.

40 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 22

Week 22 March 8th
Spiritual— Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Physical— Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices
• Diet- Start clean eating plan with 5 meals every 2 and half hours, eliminate sugars and coffee after 5pm
• Body-Continue training for 5k run, treadmill 3 days a week 2 miles and time it and start lifting program on bow flex
Family- 1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
• Parenting- Family night Wednesday
• Marriage- Date night Monday
Financial- Deuteronomy 28:2 You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country
Ministry- Ephesians 4:1

Why Volunteer, Whats In It For Me

Serving in your local church means a lot, you are serving for the Kingdom of God, you are serving for God, and you are making a difference in many people’s lives. And wouldn’t that be just a reward enough??? What do you guys think? Ok so I have some even better news. Sometimes we might be even thinking are there any other benefits of serving?

Studies on volunteers have shown some amazing results. Catch this…..Studies have shown that volunteering can improve communication skills. Teach new tasks and develop managerial skills than can help in the workplace. Studies also show that people who serve actually get smarter…No smart comments here please:-) Studies also show that people who volunteer are generally more healthy and have a stronger immune systems….and if you were here moving chairs and stuff for the father daughter dance…you probably found yourself getting much stronger. Studies also show that volunteering can increase a person’s confidence and interpersonal skills which are both excellent for enriching and expanding personal relationships.

Affirmation

Affirmation
All of us are in need of affirmation. It is a basic need that no person is exempt from. Even Jesus Himself needed affirming word from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). But, unfortunately, many people experience a general lack of affirmation. Affirmation, however, is not optional, but totally necessary, for any person to function correctly.
In the book “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman, one of the love languages is words of affirmation. My wife is well aware of this one because it is my love language. I am good at it, however need it a lot myself. The great thing is I can get it from God while in the word and prayer. The other thing is I do need it from my wife and kids. I often ask my kids, “Who loves their dad?” and wait for the answer from all three of them saying “Me” or “I do.” It is a basic need even though it is not one of my wife’s main love languages, she still needs to hear from me that I love her, I value her and appreciate her. It validates all she is doing as a mother and wife.
While I was working in the cooperate world, many times people would work very hard not for a bonus or extra incentives but more from their boss a, “job well done.”
Today and this week while going through your week find people in your circle of influence and give them affirming words. Please share any thoughts or insights you have found on the subject?

40 Week Renewal of Our Life Week 21

Week 20 March 1st
Spiritual— Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Physical—
• Diet- Start clean eating plan with 5 meals every 2 and half hours
• Body-Continue training for 5k run, treadmill 3 days a week 2 miles and time it and start lifting program on bow flex
Family- Ephesians 5:31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.
• Parenting- Family night Friday
• Marriage- Date night Thursday
Financial-
Ministry- Matthew 18:19 Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.