2 Corinthians 6:3

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

This is something we need to remember every single day. Always consider what our actions say about Jesus!

Colossians 1:9-12

Colossians 1:9-12 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

On the first Sunday in January, our associate minister, Mark Schmitz, said the New Year is a great time to decide to submit our will to God. And He used these verses to show us how.

These verses are all about wanting wisdom from God and then getting it and what to do with it. In verse 9 the “for” refers back to verse 4 “because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people". Verse 9 is also a great prayer you can pray for yourself or anyone else: “ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in knowledge of God.”

The Holy Spirit and the Bible guide us in learning about God and His will. What pleases Him. What His point of view is. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to do God’s will and we will bear good fruit when we do it.

Pastor Schmitz also said that when we do this we will be able to bear adverse reactions in the way we should. He said this is important because, “If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, God has called you to minister to people.” And most likely you are already where He wants you to be to do that! One way we minister is by being a good example. And people who face adverse circumstances “in the Lord” can be a great example.

We are accountable to God. We can honor Him by what we do.

Everything is a Call

I keep asking for God’s “big call” on my life – what He wants me to do – what direction to go in – when in fact, everything I do should be a ministry.

Take time when someone wants to talk, use extra time for more Bible study or writing, smile, touch someone who needs that, pitch in, send a card or a note, make someone feel good, share God’s word, share your stuff, share yourself! Make things nice for someone! Give money. Say nice things only about people!

It may never be one call. The calls can be as numerous as the needs!

Lord, help me see every opportunity and respond to the needs around me.

God has planted me where I am. I need to look carefully for opportunities to serve Him here.

You can’t help everybody, but you can help a few. It’s that few that God will hold us accountable for.