The longevity of a ministry has little to do with administrative guidance, good funding, or broad appeal. If you look at the world-wide ministries that have endured for decades, you see humble men and women that don’t call attention to themselves, but rather continually point the way to the Cross as sinners saved by grace.
Tag: God
Isaiah 63:7 ” I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which He is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us – yes, the many good things He has done for the house of Israel, according to His compassion and many kindnesses.”
When was the last time you told someone what the Lord was doing in your life? We forget to share with each other the small miracles…the blessings…the small but good stuff. We’re really good about complaining…how about praising instead.
Psalm 90: 17 ” May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – Yes, establish the work of our hands.”
When you have favor of God…His kindness, delight, and support in all situations, you will receive something else. Because God’s favor rests on you, you will also have favor before men. And there’s nothing more powerful than to find favor before God and man.
Acts 24:16 ” So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”
A clean conscience is free from guilt…it knows the difference between right and wrong and tries hard not to offend. In Daniel 6:4 the Administrators and satraps of the government were trying to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of governmental affairs, but they were unable to do so…they could find no corruption in him, because he was trust worthy and neither corrupt nor negligent in his dealings. Daniel was a man of integrity before God and man.
II Chronicles 5:14 ” Then the Temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the Temple of God.”
The Levitical Priests were the Ministers of Worship in the Temple. When the empty Temple was filled with the presence of God, the glory cloud was so thick with His majesty, they couldn’t see. Oh, to have that kind of glory cloud descend into every Church…God’s presence filling every available space…His glory breaking forth in a magnificent display.
I Corinthians 2: 6-7 ” We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.”
The principles and judgment of this day and age are totally opposed to God’s wisdom. The absurdity and foolishness people look to as sage advice are laughable in the eyes of the Lord. True Godly wisdom is hidden naturally to mankind and unknown to human reasoning. It is only made known to the Believer by Godly revelation.
II Kings 4:2 ” Elisha replied to her, ‘How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?’ “
A desperate, grieving widow of a fellow prophet came to Elisha beseeching him to help her before the creditors took her two boys away to satisfy her debts. But instead of offering help, Elisha turned the question back on her. What do you have in your house…what do you have within yourself? The Lord has already placed within us everything we’ll ever need to be victorious over any situation. Elisha wanted the widow to realize the wealth and power she already possessed.
Job 12:12 ” Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? “
Wisdom and the very ability to obtain it is from God. And the legacy of living a long life dedicated to the Lord is the very personification of that Godly wisdom itself.
Proverbs 3: 1-2 ” My son, do not forget My teaching, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.”
Sure, there’s eternal benefits to obeying the Word of God and His commands. But there are many practical benefits and blessings we may not always think of…things like health, peace, and security, which eludes the world, but for Believers… are just a wonderful part of living our life for the Lord.
Revelation 21:3-4 ” And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ “
Our body is the Temple of the living God…with the Holy Spirit residing within our hearts. We are a new creation…our old self has fallen away and we can stand before the Father free from the chains and baggage that have hindered us in the past. The Lord will wipe our tear-stained face and smile lovely into our eyes…and all the past will be gone.
Safetypinlove 