“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
It was Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. Christmas, or Christ’s Mass, wouldn’t be known as such until 1038 AD in England. Nevertheless, that night in the small hamlet of Bethlehem, Israel, the first Christmas Eve had come, and there was a miracle in the making.
To be clear, it didn’t look, feel, sound, taste or smell like anything resembling a miracle. Mary and Joseph weren’t guests in a comfortable inn. They were in a stable of all places. Mary didn’t have the comforts of soft bedding or an attending midwife. There was only Joseph wiping her brow, and attempting to be strong and hold himself together. No excited family members were pacing outside the door breathing whispered prayers, and waiting their turn to congratulate the happy couple. There were animals which would explain the unusual sounds and smells surrounding the event.
They had traveled for days. There was exhaustion, hunger, fear, astonishment at this overwhelming circumstance…and pain. No one observing with their natural senses would have thought this was a miracle in the making. It was all there, however. All the raw material needed for a miracle. What good is a miracle when everything is perfect? Can it even be called a miracle if it’s not desperately needed, and impossible?
That night must have been so dark for Mary. She must have felt so hopelessly afraid and alone. She most likely couldn’t see the star from inside the stable. She wrestled with the process. She prayed. She wept. She hoped. All night.
The morning light revealed the Truth. The God of all glory had come to His people. Mary and Joseph wept joyful tears. Heaven watched in awe. Angels sang. This sweet baby Jesus, Jehovah Savior. Immanuel, God with us. The whole painful process, it had been a miracle in the making.
So, how are things in your world? How about your health? Relationships? Finances? The condition of your very soul? Is your situation looking impossibly bleak? PERFECT! It’s Christmas Eve, and you have the perfect setup for a miracle in the making!
I’m thinking about biblical archaeology this morning. I love reading about bible sites and objects being found and excavated. The truth of the stories in the bible is all around us. Literally buried layer upon layer. The problem is that our memories and lifespans are too short to connect the dots and dates. At least not without interest and effort.
Another problem is that we think it’s all about us, not taking into account that every generation before us thought the same thing. We build and plan, focusing only on us and ours, believing somehow we’ll be the generation that beats the odds, and lives forever. Psalm 49:11 speaks to this point:
”Their inward thought is that their houses shall continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.” (Psalm 49:11)
We live on a farm with many acres of land. On the backside of the farm, there is bottom land with two raised mounds of earth. These are Indian mounds where generations of Native Americans lived their daily lives. Many arrow heads have been unearthed as a result of breaking up the ground in preparation for spring planting.
We act surprised every time we find a piece of their history like we have forgotten they existed. Or like they lived millions of years ago in a different reality. When, in fact, it’s only been a few generations since the land we call ours was sustaining them and their families.
Bible lands, the Promised Land, Israel is no different. It’s all there. Every Bible character. Every story. Every battle. Every weapon forged. Every scrap of cloth. Every drop of blood spilled. Every grave or tomb. Every brick oven. Every well or cistern. Every altar. It’s all still there under the layers of each generation’s passing. A silent testimony of the Truth of God’s Word.
I love biblical archaeology, but I’ll probably never have the opportunity to take part in an actual archaeological dig. It’s a good thing that digging into the Word of God, mining out nuggets of history and truth is even more trustworthy than shards of pottery and dead men’s bones. It’s the Living Word, and it’s not just history. It’s our story too.
Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of year. Right? The truth is that Christmas is indeed a wonderful, beautiful, glorious time of celebrating our Savior’s birth with family and friends. The truth is also that the Christmas season is a time of excessive spending, impossible expectations, heightened emotions and major overwhelm.
There. I said it. Someone had to.
We’re going to wake up on December 26th taking inventory of our bank accounts, and our senses. Like previous years, most of us will immediately make a commitment that next year will be easier, simpler, less exhausting…It’s me. I’m most of us.
In order to get ahead of the overwhelm, and navigate the season a bit easier, here are a few points to ponder.
SIMPLE IS OKAY
Every year, I see pictures of holiday decorations in magazines and social media feeds, and think I’m going to try that next year. When next year comes, however, I don’t have the energy or time. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that simple really is okay. My house doesn’t have to look like Martha Stewart decorated for me. The same can be said for gift giving.We have allowed the spirits of capitalism and consumerism to cause us to make spending decisions far beyond our means. Give yourself permission to go simple and easy this year.
INVEST IN MOMENTS
We tend to get our focus on the whole, big festive picture, and overlook the small moments. Memories of the decorations and gifts will fade quickly, but memories of experiences will last longer. Hot chocolate with marshmallows, the smell of wassal simmering on the stove, decorating a food tree for the birds, decorating Christmas cookies with the grandkids and reading the Christmas story. I plan to make these memory moments this year. Oh, and my husband brought home mistletoe, and I plan on kissing him, and each of my grand boys under it.
BE MINDFUL OF OTHERS
In all of our celebrating, we need to remember that not everyone is joyful through the holiday season.
1. Many people are missing lost loved ones, and that void is a deep chasm of grief. They press on for family and friends, but are aching inside. Another consideration is the financial circumstances of others.
2. Many don’t have the resources to purchase gifts for their loved ones as others do. We should take care to not overburden people to measure up to our standards of gift giving.
3. Some people suffer from a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is something I personally struggle with. Our brains are wired to need an appropriate amount of natural light to function and feel emotionally healthy. People who suffer from SAD have a very difficult time feeling the joy of the holiday season.
4. We should also be mindful of the convictions of others. Not everyone decorates trees, and not everyone believes in Santa.
“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.“ (Luke 6:31)
FOCUS ON JESUS
It’s easy to get our focus on everything but the Lord during the holidays. But we need to remind ourselves Who we are actually celebrating. Spend time in His Word and Presence every day of the season. Allow Him to focus your mind, and calm your spirit. Look for ways to incorporate Him into activities, festivities, gatherings and conversations.
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.“ (Luke 2:7)
CORRAL EMOTIONS & WORDS
How many of us remember a Christmas when that one person lost control of their emotions, and everything spiraled? Most of us can remember at least one incident. Emotions are heightened during the holiday season. Finances are tight. Expectations are too high. Health and energy levels are being stretched. Self control is often out the window. Let’s pay extra attention to our thoughts, emotions and words this season. Before you say something you’ll regret, ask yourself, Does it really matter? Does it really need to be said? What will be the repercussions of my words or actions?
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;“ (2 Corinthians 10:5)
PRACTICE THANKFULNESS
We’ve just passed Thanksgiving, and most of us aren’t feeling very thankful. Let’s commit to beginning and ending each day of the holiday season by telling the Lord something we’re thankful for. Keep a thankful journal. Write it down. When you’re feeling overdone, find something to be thankful for. You’ll be surprised how your outlook will change for the good.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.“ (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
PRAY
Never is there a time when 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is more appropriate than the holiday season.
I recently listened to an episode of the podcast Apostolic Life In The 21st Century where the question was asked, “Why don’t we see more devils cast out in North America?” My immediate thought was that the enemy doesn’t have to rely on possessing people in America or other developed countries. Most of humanity in these areas have already forfeited control over their lives and souls to him.
SIDE NOTE
Demon possession most often happens when a person has repeatedly initiated, invited or otherwise opened themselves up to demonic activity, often through occult practices.
Revelation chapter six describes four spirits that will control masses of people in the years before Jesus returns for His people, and sets up His earthly Kingdom. No one enjoys the feeling of being controlled. We like the feeling of having the ability to make autonomous choices. Those of us who are part of the born again Church, however, willingly give control over our lives to the Spirit of God. People who are not part of the born again Church, even many who proclaim Christianity, are being controlled by one of these four endtime spirits without even realizing it.
The skeletal structure of the book of Revelation consists of Seals, Trumpets and Vials. Together, they reveal Jesus Christ as Savior, Redeemer and King of all kings. The seals are the long story ending at Armageddon. The trumpets are the shorter story ending at Armageddon, and the vials are the really short story, also ending at Armageddon. The four spirits we cover today are loosed when the first four seals are opened.
These four endtime spirits are symbolized by riders upon different colored horses. Notice that it is Jesus, symbolized as the Lamb, who actually opens the seals, and allows these four spirits to be released in the earth. As we study each one, we realize this isn’t for a time in the far distant future. All four of these evil spirits have been influencing masses of people on the earth for many years.
THE WHITE HORSE
“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (Revelation 6:1-2)
Upon first glance we might think the rider on this white horse is Jesus Christ. But remember, these four spirits are evil spirits sent forth to influence, deceive and control masses of the population. This horse is white symbolizing a false holiness. It is not Jesus. Nor is it His true church. On the contrary, the book of Revelation calls her the “mother of harlots.” This false church looks and teaches nothing like that of the early Church birthed in the book of Acts. Revelation 18:4 admonishes us to “…Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” The rider wears a crown symbolizing false royalty or deity. He carries a bow with no arrows symbolizing spiritual warfare. Yet he is sent forth to conquer the masses. This spirit had already infiltrated the Church, and controlled many as early as the 2nd century, and had become a stronghold over the masses by the time of the Counsel of Nicea in 325 A.D. The rider of the white horse is CATHOLICISM.
THE RED HORSE
“And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” (Revelation 6:3-4)
The rider upon the red horse is sent to rob masses of the population of their peace. He brings much death through warfare. What geopolitical system in modern time has consistently caused much bloodshed through its influence and warmongering ideology? It began in 1848 with the publication of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, and continued to become a full fledged political system by 1917. It is an ideology of warmongering, and government control, recognized by the color red. The rider of the red horse is COMMUNISM.
THE BLACK HORSE
“And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”(Revelation 6:5-6)
The rider upon the black horse is carrying a set of balances or scales. A voice is heard that sounds suspiciously like a stock market report. Commodities are being weighed and adjusted. The rider of the black horse influences commerce. He is CAPITALISM.
I’ll take a little time here because most of the people reading this live in North America where the spirit of capitalism has such a stronghold. It’s known as the Land of Opportunity and the American Dream. Sadly, that dream most often revolves around getting, having, buying, owning and acquiring more stuff. Not only tangible possessions, but hobbies, pastimes, activities, events, trips, vacations, sports, concerts, clubs, groups, fashion, technology, business opportunities and the list goes on.
Our culture is completely consumed with wanting, pursuing and having more. All of this together leads to the constant feeding of flesh, and promoting of self. People who are controlled by the spirit of capitalism find it very difficult to become grounded and consistent in their local church. They may claim Christianity, and even be born again, but allow the smallest thing to keep them from being faithful in their walk with God.
THE PALE (GREEN) HORSE
“And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:7-8)
There was a religious belief system birthed when the Arab military leader Muhammad received a visitation from a supposed angel, proclaiming him to be the messenger of God. From this, the radical belief system emerged that has promoted all manner of persecution, torture and death to anyone who wouldn’t convert. We’ve seen the rise of groups such as ISIS beheading people in public executions, and we continue to see radical leaders from these groups getting control over our cities and communities through liberal political policies. Americans are generally very naive and slow to realize the lengths these radical followers will go in order to establish a worldwide caliphate. Green is their banner. The rider upon the green horse is ISLAMISM.
SIDE NOTE
I realize this passage uses the word “pale.” The original Greek word, however, is “Chloros,” which means GREEN. It is the same root word that we get the word chlorophyll from, obviously referring to the process whereby grass gets its green coloring. The original translators of the scripture knew there was no such thing as a green horse, so they used a word they thought was more fitting. The AUTHOR of the Bible, however, knew there would be a religious ideology in the last days that would use the color green as their banner of recognition.
IN SUMMARY
The riders of the four horses in Revelation 6 are CATHOLICISM, COMMUNISM, CAPITALISM and ISLAMISM. They are not simply life choices, ways of thinking, or groups of people who choose to believe the same thing. They are ideologies propagated by evil spirits, whose purpose is to influence masses of the population away from the One True Living God.
The hard truth is that if you are not willingly influenced by, and submitted to, the Holy Spirit of God, then you are most likely controlled by one of these spirits. This is the case for most of humanity. If this is the case for you, then satan has no real reason to attack, persecute, oppress or possess you. He has already drawn you away from seeking God in Truth.
Hopefully, you will become more aware of the influence of these spirits in the world, as well as in your own life. In order to insure you do not fall under the control of one or more of these spirits, you must be born again. Your enemy satan is the god of this world. He will use one of these ideologies to control you unless you take action. The way to be born again and make sure your life is submitted to Jesus Christ is found in the book of Acts.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)
***Again I ask, what spirit is controlling you?***
Every person who has ever lived for God, or considered living for God, has asked this question. Even people who have lived for God many years often find themselves wondering how to hear from God, and how to know for sure if they did, indeed, hear God’s voice. First, let’s be clear. God does want to communicate with His people, and is, in fact, talking to us continuously. It is us who must learn to “tune in.”
In order to answer the question of how to hear God’s voice, we first have to talk about the ways God actually speaks. Here are the main ways He communicates with us.
1. HIS WORD
God has given us His Word through anointed men of God who wrote under the unction of His Holy Spirit. We call this collection of writings the Bible (the books), and it has stood the test of time through the millennia. The Bible is the account of God’s creative works, His plan of redemption for a lost humanity, the history of His people, His commandments and principles to live by and ultimately his prophetic words concerning the grand revealing of endtime events culminating in His return and establishment of His everlasting Kingdom.
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.“ (2 Peter 1:21)
God’s written Word, the Bible, cannot be separated from His Voice. Just like your word cannot be separated from your voice. Whether you think it, speak it, or write it, it is still your word which has imitated from your mind.
God’s Word is the first way He speaks to His people. He will never speak to you in any way that will go against or circumvent His written Word. This is one reason it’s so important to be students of God’s Word. We must study to know His will, and to be able to detect deception.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.“ (Psalm 119:11)
2. THE FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY
In addition to His written Word, God has given us a structure of support in the church called the five-fold ministry. These offices include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
The people who hold these positions are gifted and trained specifically to guide, teach, build up, encourage and instruct God’s people. His intention is for us to look to these ministers for help in finding God’s will for our lives. Beyond reading the written Word, it is by the preached Word that we hear God’s Voice in a practical way. This includes seeking confirmation on something we think could be the voice of God, but are unsure. God has strategically placed the five-fold ministry in the church for our guidance, and will not circumvent their influence in speaking to you.
SIDE NOTE
Every local church will have a pastor and teachers. Their guidance should be sought first. There will not be apostles, prophets and evangelists in every local assembly because their ministries reach further than the local church. They will, however, be available regionally, and known by the fruit of their ministries.
3. PRAYER
Prayer is to be our continual channel of communication with the Lord. We should spend as much time listening as we do speaking. He will drop a thought into our minds as we wait on Him in prayer. Anything He reveals to us should always be checked and weighed against His written Word, and the counsel of the ministry.
4. OUTSIDE VOICES
Sometimes God does use other godly people who are not necessarily part of the five-fold ministry to speak a word, make a suggestion or help us make a course correction. HOWEVER, we must take into account the first three avenues of His communication with us. He will never use an outside person to give direction that goes against his basic established structure of the Bible and the Five-fold Ministry. Most often. When someone gives us a “word from God,” it will most often be a confirmation of what we have already felt by reading His Word, counseling with the ministry and have sought in prayer.
5. SIGNS
This is the avenue that many people want to start at to hear from God, but it should be the last. This area is very often used by the enemy to draw us away from Truth and godly counsel. Many good, God-fearing people have been led away and deceived in this manner. While scripture assures us that signs will follow believers, it also very plainly tells us not to be sign seekers.
When we depend on signs above God’s Word, above the counsel of ministry and above consecrated prayer, we open portals into the spiritual realm of darkness called the occult. It is through these access channels that the enemy gains control of our minds, and ultimately our souls. Not everything spiritual is holy. It is sad when people will make decisions based on a sign, but refuse to read and apply God’s Word or seek godly counsel. When God chooses to show us a “sign,” it is most often to confirm what we’ve already received from the first three avenues of communication.
SIDE NOTE
Here is a personal example of wrongly seeking signs. Even from a child, I’ve always had a heart toward God and a tendency toward the supernatural. However, I wasn’t raised in the Apostolic church, and had no foundation to know how to hear God’s voice. One day when I was in junior high, I was walking to a friend’s house. We lived out in the country, and it was back in the day when kids spent time outside. On my way, I saw a red cardinal. A little further down the road, I saw a red scrap of cloth on the side of the road. Yet a bit further, I saw a piece of red trash stuck in a tree.
In my desire to hear from God, but having no foundation of how to do so, I determined this must be God attempting to speak to me. It wasn’t. It was a red bird, a red scrap of cloth and a red piece of trash. Because I had this tendency, my heart and mind were open to things like evil dreams and even apparitions appearing in my room at night. I was tormented by the spirit of fear for years until I was born again (Acts 2:38) and became grounded in a local assembly that taught the truth of God’s Word. But for the grace of God, I could have been deceived and lured away from truth.
IN SUMMARY
It is true that God created us to be in communion with Him, and that involves hearing His voice. It is also true that He is always communicating with us. It is us who must learn to hear what and how He is saying it.
He has placed specific processes in place for us to hear what He is saying. These include His written Word, the five-fold ministry, consecrated prayer. Then further removed, He sometimes uses outside godly voices, signs and occasionally His audible voice. It is absolutely necessary for us to remember that each one of these processes build on the previous ones. They do not circumvent them.
Realizing how God uses these ways of communication, and how vital it is to not be deceived, we must also realize the need to be rooted and grounded in a local church that preaches truth. Many people want to have their own relationship with God without actually submitting themselves to, or investing themselves into a church family. This is not God’s plan. He designed the church to be where we learn to hear from Him as we mature spiritually.
Here are four simple truths. ONE: God uses people. TWO: You are people. THREE: God desires to use you. FOUR: Most people feel unqualified to be used by God.
MOSES
Most of us are familiar with the story of Moses and the burning bush. It was at this dramatic event that he was commissioned by God to be the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. We don’t always talk about Moses’ reluctance to tackle his God-given calling, however.
Like most of us, Moses had legit excuses to justify his hesitancy, the first being, “Who am I?”The second, “They won’t believe me.” And the third, “I’ve got this stuttering problem.”
“Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10)
“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)
I can sure relate to this one. Like Moses, I wasn’t raised in the Israelites’ faith. I’ve often said, “The world raised me.” This doesn’t negate the love and provision that was granted me as a child, only the culture of the world that surrounded me.
I know what it is to feel unqualified to teach, write and speak what God has called me to when surrounded by saints who were born and raised in the Church. Who am I, indeed? Yet, just like Moses, God has given me a promise that He will be with me every step if I simply continue to be faithful.
12 And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.”
GIDEON
What are the words most associated with Gideon? Mighty Man of Valor! To be clear, he didn’t start out feeling or being a mighty man of valor. His first excuse was that his family was poor, and he was the least in his family. Boy, oh boy! I know what this feels like. Being adopted, and never knowing my birth parents, let’s just say I know what it is to feel insignificant.
“And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
“And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:14-15)
Still, God gave Gideon a promise to be with him every step of the way to victory over the Midianites. Even when Gideon tested God with back to back fleeces, God answered by the supernatural, and affirmed his calling.
And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.” (Judges 6:16)
SAUL
Ahhh…King Saul, the first king of Israel. Surely, he had a confident start to his calling. Actually, not so much. He had previously been anointed to be king, but when the Prophet Samuel came to make him king publicly, he was hiding among the “stuff.” I’ve always thought this word referred to junk or clutter. The Strong’s Concordance number H3627 clarifies its meaning as any apparatus such as implements, utensils, weapons, armor, artillery, instrument, tools, etc. Saul wasn’t just hiding in the clutter. He was staying busy with needful things while avoiding the most important thing.
That sounds like someone I know. Me. I’m someone. I can find endless important things to tackle physically and mentally while I purposely push THE THING to the fringes of my consciousness.
“And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was taken. When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken: and when they sought him, he could not be found.” (1 Samuel 10:20-21)
“Therefore they enquired of the Lord further, if the man should yet come thither. And the Lord answered, Behold he hath hid himself among the stuff.” (1 Samuel 10:22)
ESTHER
When the wicked Haman came against the Jewish people to have them slaughtered, Mordecai appealed to his niece, Queen Esther, to intercede before the King for their protection. Understandably, she was more than a little hesitant to do so because of the law stating that anyone who approached the King without a personal invitation could be killed. When he pressed her, she made a decision to push past her fear, and trust God.
There have been plenty of times in my walk with God that I’ve been terrified to do the thing He called me to do. Some times, I allowed my fear to win. Other times, I trusted God, and pressed through.
“All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or women, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.” (Esther 4:11)
”Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:15-16)
PAUL
The great Apostle Paul. Previously Saul of Tarsus, persecutor of Christians. (Not to be confused with Saul, the first king of Israel.) I love this guy! Paul only met Jesus once that we know of, and that was after His death, burial, resurrection and ascension into Heaven. It was on the road to Damascus. Saul/Paul was on his way to wrangle up yet more Christians to be thrown in prison, tortured and likely even killed. He was on a mission, for the Lord no less. But when the resurrected Jesus called to him on the road that day by a great light and voice of all authority, he was never the same. It was a Divine Intervention. From that day until his death, he labored tirelessly for the One who changed the course of his life, always acknowledging that he wasn’t worthy.
Even though Paul knew he was unworthy to be called an apostle, he allowed his thankfulness to keep him focused on ministry. I’m ever so thankful for the Divine Intervention in my own life, and agree with Paul that I am the least of these.
“And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:8-10)
MARY
She was just a girl. Betrothed, but not yet officially married. She is approached by the angel Gabriel who tells her she has been chosen to be the mother of the long awaited Messiah. The Savior of the world. No pressure. Talk about feeling unqualified. She wasn’t exactly doubtful. She simply wanted to know HOW??? When Gabriel explained that it would be a supernatural act by God’s Holy Spirit overshadowing her, she still didn’t fully understand. How could she? Yet she placed herself in the path of scandal, and in the hollow of God’s Hands, and responded by saying, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”
I can’t count the times I’ve asked God, “HOW???” When it makes no sense in my head. How? When I can’t see all the pieces in place. How? When others won’t cooperate with the plan. How? When I’m fearful of what others will think. How?
“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be,…” (Luke 1:34)
“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.“ (Luke 1:38)
IN SUMMARY
We all have plenty of reasons to push back against God’s plan for our lives. Perhaps like Moses, we weren’t raised in the Church. Or like Gideon, we feel insignificant compared to others who are more qualified. Maybe like (King) Saul, we are too focused on being busy for God that we can’t say yes to the thing He’s calling us to. It could be that we are like Esther, afraid to follow through with God’s calling because of repercussions for not following the established rules. Maybe like Paul, we remember where we came from, and everything we took part in before Jesus found us, and granted us a Divine Intervention. Or perhaps we are most like Mary, and love God with all our hearts. Like everyone around us, we’ve waited in anticipation for God’s plan to unfold, and then we realize what that unfolding will cost…us. Perhaps it seems like the most outlandish and impossible plan. More extreme than anything we could have ever dared to dream. I pray we can find enough faith to say, “Be it unto me according to thy word.”
“And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.“ (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Most professing Christians have good intentions toward serving the Lord. It’s the day to day follow through that gets in their way. Neither the enemy of our souls, nor our flesh is ever going to make it easy for us to serve God, and be fruitful. There must be something within us (dare I say it?…) in addition to the Holy Ghost. There must be a resolve to continue, to keep pressing, to get back up. Lack of consistency is a major factor in why good people fall away from their walk with God. Here are seven areas where practicing consistency counts:
1. PRAYER
When a baby is born, we listen for that first cry, and rejoice when we hear it. That’s certainly not the only time that baby cries. His voice is heard from that day forward, and matures into full conversation throughout his life. So it is with prayer. When we come to the Lord in heartfelt repentance, we begin our conversation with him. That conversation continues to develop and mature throughout our lifetime. We should wake up talking to Him, go to sleep talking to Him, and visit with Him throughout the day. In his book The Book On Prayer, Rev. Ken Gurley calls this “practicing His presence.” Becoming consistent in prayer isn’t simply asking the Lord for more and more stuff. It’s Lear I g how to be “with” Him.
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
2. FASTING
Most Christians don’t give the process of fasting enough credit. The world and the devil know its benefits, however. This is another discipline where implementing it only one time will likely make you cranky and frustrated. We must give ourselves to the process of fasting with consistency. Ask the Lord to give you a fasting plan, and then be consistent in the follow through. He has promised in His Word that fasting properly breaks yokes, tears down strongholds and causes our our health to “spring up speedily.” None of this will happen if we only fast once in a while.
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)
3. BIBLE STUDY
Being consistent in Bible study makes an invaluable difference in maturing spiritually. Perhaps you read the Bible every day. But do you study it? We can read God’s Word on many levels. One of the first ways we learn to read His Word is by starting with “Bible Stories” such as David & Goliath, Noah’s Ark. Daniel In The Lion’s Den. Perfect. This is absolutely the best place to start. However, there are so many other ways to study His Word in a deeper way. There are so many nuggets to mine out of the Word. Read deeper. Study deeper. Memorize scriptures. What do people’s names mean? They matter. What do the names of cities mean? They matter. How did a Bible character handle a similar situation to what you’re dealing with? It matters. I’m a firm believer that there is an answer in the Word of God for every question, situation or problem we might have. The answer will either be found in commandment, example or principle.
”Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
”Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39)
4. SLEEP
This may seem an odd thing to think about being consistent in. Many will be happy to read it here. The truth is we don’t get enough of it. Sleep is when our body and mind heal, resets and gets refreshed. Our generation stays so stressed and filled with anxiety. We go go go, and fill the rest of our time in front of screens. Bodies weren’t designed to function properly in that condition. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Sick? Frustrated? Undone? Overdone? Anxious? Sorrowful? Go to sleep.
“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.” (Psalm 127:2)
5. EXERCISE
Similar to sleep mentioned above, our bodies need to move. They were not designed to be sedentary. Without going into anything scientific or medical, which I’m not qualified to do, we can simply take a visit back to the Garden of Eden. God didn’t create Adam & Eve, and place them in an office building surrounded by monitors, wires and cushy chairs. He placed them in a garden, and told them to take care of it. From the beginning, their lives were filled with motion and work.Their bodies were, no doubt, healthy, muscle-toned and strong. Their lives were the exact opposite of sedentary.
When we don’t get enough movement, stretching and lifting, our bodies become weak, and depression sets in. Lack of consistent movement affects our mental state. It doesn’t have to be in a gym. I can’t with a clear conscience even suggest that unless it’s a ladies only or men only facility or class time…but that’s for another blogpost. I can suggest, however, that you make time to get outside on a regular basis. Work in the garden, do yard work, walk the neighborhood, take the grands to the park, do jumping jacks on the carport, buy a jump rope…just get moving.
6. GIVING
This one tests our spiritual maturity level, for sure. Christians are called to be givers. The first area of giving we think of is money, and it’s absolutely needful. We are called to give a tithe of our income to the Lord. A tithe is one tenth. Ten dollars out of every one hundred. You might say you can’t afford to pay tithes. Friend, you cannot afford NOT to pay tithes. Scripturally, it belongs to God. We are not only called to pay tithes, but to also give offerings. It is God’s tithe, and our offerings. The Word declares we rob God when we refuse to give.
”Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8)
Beyond tithes and offerings, we have so much we can give. Mainly, our time, attention and energy. When we spend time with people, gifting them one of our most precious resources, we assure them Jesus’ love is working through His people. Make the phone call. Cook the meal. Sit on their porch and visit. Listen to their stories with a smile and a nod…again. Rake their yard. Babysit their children. Do their grocery shopping. The opportunities to give consistently are endless.
”Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)
7. MINISTRY
Here’s an area we need to remind ourselves that takes consistent attention. We don’t say it out loud, but there is an unspoken belief that Ministry will somehow just fall upon us with no effort. Granted, our God-given calling may present itself with no previous thought on our part. God chooses callings. What we choose to do with those callings, however, become ministries. We can sit on a calling, tucking it away unseen, and it will not develop into a Ministry. Or we can focus on it, hone our skills in that area and mature it into a ministry that is beneficial to the Kingdom of God. It’s our choice.
A singer must practice singing. A teacher must practice teaching. A preacher must practice preaching. A writer must practice writing. You get the idea. What are you called to do? What is your gifting? Are you practicing it consistently? Will that song ever get written? Will that lesson ever get taught? Will that message ever get preached? Will that book ever get written? OUCH! I just stepped on my own toes! That thing you’re called to do…practice it daily.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8)
IN SUMMARY
Whatever you are called to do, it’s going to take consistent doing. Let’s do a personal evaluation of what we’re called to do, and how we are working to make that happen. It won’t come to fruition without a commitment to consistency.
“And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:” (Numbers 19:1-2)
How in the world can a red cow cause so much controversy? The cow I’m referring to is of course the red heifer of Numbers chapter nineteen.
The ordinance of the red heifer was a divine command from God to Moses and Aaron. It was for the purpose of bringing the Children of Israel back into purity from being in contact with death. If you continue to read the nineteenth chapter of Numbers, you will find the instructions for this ceremony which included burning the heifer with cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet. The ashes from the burnt heifer would then be mixed with pure water, and used to sprinkle the people, as well as everything used in the Tabernacle service.
IS IT THE DAILY SACRIFICE?
Inevitably, when there is discussion about the Ceremony of the Red Heifer, people confuse it with the daily sacrifices for sin. In Bible times, the daily sacrifices for sin happened morning and evening in the courtyard of the Temple, upon the brazen altar. Since the temple was destroyed in 70A.D., the daily sacrifices ceased. They will resume once the third Jewish Temple is rebuilt.
The burning of the red heifer is technically a ceremony for purification, not a sacrifice for sin. The ashes from one heifer were saved, and mixed with new ashes before they ran out. In this way, the ashes were perpetual through the generations.
WHY DOES ISRAEL NEED A QUALIFIED RED HEIFER?
Scripture tells us that a third Jewish temple will be built in the near future before the return of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. In order for the Temple to be built, and temple service to resume, everyone involved, plus the Temple Mount and all instruments and furnishings must be sprinkled with the water of purification made from the ashes of the red heifer.
Recent progress toward peace between the Jews and various Muslim nations through the Abraham Accords show that the stage is being set. In the near future, there will a a two-state solution deal made between the Israelis and the Palestinians. When this deal is done, it will allow for the building of the third Jewish temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem right beside the Dome of the Rock and the Al Aqsa Mosque. While it seems inconceivable from the natural viewpoint, knowing the history of hostility between these two groups, scripture assures us it will happen.
“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.” (Revelation 11:1-2)
Organizations like the Temple Institute in Jerusalem have already recreated all of the Temple furnishings, instruments for sacrifice and have qualified priests of the lineage of Aaron ready to perform the daily sacrifices. Everything is in place and waiting for a peace deal that will allow Temple construction to begin.
Other than the soon coming peace agreement, the only other missing element to building the third temple has been the ashes of the red heifer. However, that has recently changed.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HEIFER
In order to be qualified (pure) to be used in the purification ceremony, the heifer in question must meet several requirements. According to Numbers 19, it must be at least in its third year of life, a heifer (unbred female), completely red in color, have no blemish and have never been used for any work or had a yoke placed upon it.
HOW HARD COULD IT BE?
Considering the short list of requirements, how hard could it possibly be to find a qualified red heifer for this ceremony? Harder than you might imagine. When the second Jewish temple was destroyed by the Roman army in 70AD, the ashes which were being used at that time were hidden and/or lost.There hasn’t been a qualified red heifer in Israel for over 2,000 years…Let that sink in…TWO THOUSAND YEARS! …Two Millennia…Until recently.
THE MIRACLE OF ACQUIRING THE HEIFERS
In September of 2022, a Texas rancher named Byron Stinson facilitated the shipment of five red heifers from a ranch in Texas to Israel. These cattle had been meticulously inspected multiple times by Jewish rabbis to insure their purity. In their third year. No two hairs of any color but pure red could be touching. No blemish whatsoever. They watched, waited and inspected with bated breath, until finally the heifers could be proclaimed pure.
There were many miraculous elements leading up to the shipment of the cattle, but two stand out:
1. Normally, it would be required for cattle being shipped to be tagged in their ears. Of course, this would have disqualified the heifers immediately to be used in the purification ceremony. Because it was in the middle of the covid pandemic, however, the cattle were allowed to be shipped without being tagged, preserving their purity.
2. Also because of covid, no livestock were being shipped into or out of Israel (as well as other countries.) There was a little known provision, however, that up to five pets could be shipped in. Miraculously, five heifers were able to be shipped, under this provision, arriving in Israel on September 15, 2022.
SIDE NOTE
Remember the story of Jacob working for his uncle, Laban in Genesis 30-31. He received cattle for payment. Over time, he amassed a large herd of “ringstraked, speckled and spotted” cattle. When he left Laban’s employment, these are the cattle he took home to Israel. These spotted cattle would have mixed with whatever native cattle were in Israel, and diluted the solid-colored bloodlines. This is a major factor in why it has been so difficult to find a pure red heifer for the purification ceremony. *Jewish history tells us that there have only been nine qualified red heifers since the time of Moses…until now.
THE MIRACLE OF ACQUIRING THE ASHES
A “practice’ burning of a heifer was done on July 1, 2025. This was done by the exact standards that a “real” burning would be done. It was performed in order to make sure everyone involved knew how to perform their role, and also to know how much ash one heifer would produce.
Even though it was intended to be a practice run, according to Byron Stinson, something miraculous occurred that allowed it to be authentic. In an INTERVIEW with Dave Robbins of Endtime Ministries, Mr. Stinson gave this account of the event. (Paraphrased):
He said they were attempting to load the heifer to be used for the practice burning. It was a small heifer that had become disqualified in some way. She was avoiding the cattle trailer, and they kept trying to hem her in, and press her into the trailer. While they were trying to corral her, one of the big, beautiful pure heifers simply walked into the trailer by herself.
Mr. Stinson said in the interview that he told the others he would get her out of the trailer. But seemingly without even thinking about it, one of the rabbis made an instant decision to leave the qualified heifer in the trailer, and use her.
What was suppose to be a practice burning, turned out to be a perfectly done ceremony, with a perfectly pure and qualified red heifer. The ashes from this heifer were collected and saved.
If, at some point in the future, they decide to burn another qualified heifer, and use its ashes, they have that prerogative, but for all practical and biblical purposes, they can use the ashes they already have.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
The only thing still missing to build a third Jewish Temple is a peace agreement between the Jews and the Palestinians. The signing of this agreement/covenant will begin the final seven years before Jesus returns, and will happen in the near future. When it does, construction on the Temple will begin very quickly. The Jews have waited 2,000 years to worship in their Temple on the Temple Mount. They are more than eager to get started.
Still, you may be asking what that has to do with prophecy, the endtime or you personally. When the Temple is built, animal sacrifice will resume. It will be into this Temple that the antichrist will step, stop the daily sacrifices and proclaim himself to be God (Messiah.) This event is known as the abomination of desolation, and will trigger the great tribulation and the final three and a half years before the return of Jesus Christ.
IN SUMMARY
While we shouldn’t allow endtime events to cause us fear and anxiety, we should pay attention in order to know where on the timeline we are. There has never been a more exciting time to be alive and serving God! If you have questions regarding endtime prophecy, events or how to make sure you are right with God, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Another great source of information on the topic is ENDTIME MINISTRIES.
”Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29)
I remember long ago in a church far, far away there was a testimony service. My friend stood up in the midst, offered a sheepish smile to the congregation, and began to expound on her morning getting ready for church. It went something like, “I slept right through the alarm. The boys refused the get out of bed. Everybody bickered at breakfast. My husband and I ended up in a full shouting match in the car on the way. As I was coming inside, I realized I was wearing two different shoes, and to top it all off, I have a run in my hose.”
There was an awkward silence followed by muffled snickers. Not be because it was funny, but because each of us could relate. We had just never considered letting anyone else know of our own struggles…especially not people in the church who we were always trying to measure up to. She concluded her testimony by exhorting beautifully about the goodness of God in the midst of her less than perfect circumstances.
This event was before social media made its entrance into our lives. Now, as I sit and peruse my friends’ and acquaintances’ newsfeeds, they all seem to have such perfectly immaculate and pristine lives. Mine included.
We post the stunning sunsets and mountain vistas. We share the joyful memories and delightful surprises. We document wedding proposals and grand babies’ first steps. But rarely do you see the days of agonizing sickness, or reckless words hurled in a heated moment. We would never admit publicly how we slammed down a frying pan, took a swing at the dog or threw our hands up in despair for the second time this month. Our fear, fury and failures are off limits to the general public…and so should they be.
On occasion, I have seen the opposite approach to social media. I’ve been inadvertently brought along on people’s nighttime refrigerator raids, included in their struggle to find the perfect outfit for an event that’s a year away, and have been caught in the crossfire of unrestrained and scathing attacks on an unsuspecting person’s character.
I’m not suggesting that we open the vaults of ugliness, and sell tickets. I am suggesting, however, that we remember what we see on social media are generally only the highlight reels of people’s lives.
THE NEED FOR PARAMETERS
Free speech is a wonderful liberty, and I’m a fan of it. But liberty should always be guided by the Fruit of the Spirit with some wisdom and discretion thrown in. If visiting social media land leaves you overly emotional from one end of the spectrum to the other, here are a few parameters you can put in place to keep things in perspective:
Choose to use social media for a specific purpose rather than as a daily diary. Perhaps you have a business, and use your platform to promote your products. If you are a minister, you might use your internet space to share the gospel, and draw attention to the miraculous works of God. When you go on the trip of a lifetime, you’ll definitely want to document your travels…and of course, you’re going to share grand baby photos;)
Be mindful of how your post might be perceived. Will it encourage, or discourage? Allow God’s Spirit to guide you. When in doubt, don’t.
Don’t use social media as therapy. If you’re struggling emotionally, posting to social media will no doubt generate many responses. Ten out of ten will most likely give differing advice from the rest. What you need is a godly person who is trustworthy to confide in. A Holy Ghost filled pastor or counselor is a good starting place. If you must reach out to them via technology, do so privately.
Don’t post in anger. Take some time. Get some distance from the source of your frustration. Pray for a season. Don’t blast people publicly.
Limit your time on social media. Decide on a realistic allotment of daily time, and stick to it. Set a timer if you have to. Focus your time on personal relationships and beneficial pastimes.
Selectively “unfriend” or “unfollow” people. Unfriend people whose lifestyles are blatantly promoted on social media as against the Word of God. Unfollow people whose posts cause consistent negative impact in your daily social media viewing.
Don’t believe everything you read or watch on social media.
Don’t compare your life to those spotlighted on social media. Realize what they are choosing to show the public is only a fraction of the whole.
Choose to use social media, the internet and technology as tools to learn by, not live by.
Spend time with God in prayer and in His Word daily before spending time on social media.
IN SUMMARY
There’s never been a generation with more access to information than ours. With great access comes great responsibility. As Christians, we have the responsibility of being good stewards over our own lives, as well as others’ who we choose to interact with. In all interactions, we are called to use wisdom, discretion and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
”But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:5)
These words were written in a letter by the Apostle Paul to his son in the gospel, Timothy. He wanted to insure that upon his passing, his young protege’ would be equipped with the tools he needed to fulfill his ministry to his generation.
The truth is every Christian is called to minister in some capacity. This thought brings up mental images of fiery preachers or Bible teachers who can expound on any topic from Genesis to Revelation. The word “MINISTRY” simply means to be an attendant or to serve. If this definition makes you think of a busy waiter in a restaurant at lunchtime, you’re on the right track.
No individual is without value in the Body of Christ. God has a place and a purpose for every single person. He didn’t save you just so you could be saved, and that’s all. He brought us out of the world so that He could bring us in to the family of God, and give us purpose.
He brought us OUT to bring us IN for a PURPOSE.
IDENTIFYING YOUR MINISTRY
God puts unique interests within each one of us. As we acknowledge those interests, and press into them, they become skills or talents. When we hone those talents, and use them to benefit the Kingdom of God, they become ministries.
Ministries can begin simply by asking ourselves a few questions:
-What do I enjoy?
-What am I interested in?
-What am I good at?
-What are people always commenting that I should do more of?
-What makes me feel rewarded and fulfilled?
These are likely the things that God wants to develop within you for ministry purposes.
Using myself as an example, I’ve always enjoyed reading since I first learned how. I’ve always been interested in books. I am naturally good at writing. Through the years, people have commented over and over that I should write a book. Getting something written that people are blessed, encouraged, inspired and taught by is very fulfilling to me. Writing is one of my ministries. How do I use this ministry for the Kingdom? I write Christian blogposts, articles, lessons and hopefully books.
You can use this same pattern over and over. People are not one dimensional; neither do our ministries have to be.
ENDLESS AREAS OF MINISTRY
Not all ministry is done behind a pulpit. Actually, most is not. You may never have a pulpit ministry or position, but you most definitely have a place to minister in the Body. Referring back to our definition of “Ministry” being to attend or serve, we know that anywhere there is people, there’s opportunity to serve.
Think about your local church. What do you see people doing every service? Pastor is preaching. Sunday School teachers are teaching. You may not be called or ready to do either of these ministries. But there are so many other activities happening. Someone takes up the offering. Could you do that? Someone probably greets people as they arrive to service. Could you do that?
What about behind the scenes? Someone creates the colorful classroom bulletin boards. Someone mows the grass, weeds the shrub beds, sweeps the porch, cleans the bathrooms, brings snacks to the students in Sunday School, decorates for holidays and special events, works in the nursery…The list goes on and on.
Think about outside your church building. Do you love to cook or bake? Could you make food and deliver meals to the elderly, shut ins, or first responders like the fire station, police department or National Guard Armory?
Do you have a way with the elderly? Could you make regular visits to the nursing home to bring comfort and joy?
Do you love to crochet? Could you crochet warm hats for chemo or dialysis patients?
Do you love the Word of God? Do you love hosting people in your home? Could you teach a home Bible study and serve a meal or coffee and dessert?
Do you love to give? Could you support a missionary with a monthly offering?
EXPANDED MINISTRIES
God does call people to ministries beyond their local church and community. Every missionary, evangelist, church planter, sought after musician, Christian author or conference speaker was once a person wrestling with their own interests, talents, giftings and callings. They didn’t start out their ministry by traveling to other countries and preaching to thousands. They started by painting bulletin boards, keeping the nursery and cleaning the bathrooms in their local church.
ARE YOU READY TO MINISTER?
1. Make sure you attend a local church that teaches and preaches the Truth of God’s Word. (You can find one in your area HERE.)
2. Be faithful and consistent to all services, classes and events.
3. Get involved! Begin to use your interests & talents wherever you can.
4. Establish a strong relationship with the Pastor.
5. Allow the Pastor to help guide you in your ministry decisions.
IN SUMMARY
You are uniquely you. You can minister in ways that others cannot. You can reach people with your giftings that others will not be able to reach. Being a servant in the Kingdom of God is more rewarding than all the accolades of the world. There are endless areas and opportunities to minister, and God most certainly wants to use you.
”For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10)
