Tuesday, November 6, 2012

MINISTRY

Suggested Reading: Numbers 4

(click scripture link to read online)

 

 

In this replica of the Tabernacle of Moses, the High Priest worships just outside of the Holy of Holies.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Numbers 4:49

According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, each according to his service and according to his task; thus were they numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.

God has a job for everyone, the willing workers, and even those who are willing to let the self-starters with drive do it all. Sharing our time, our energies, and our resources with others in God’s work is absolutely essential. God, in His wisdom, wants each individual to serve, functioning as a member of the team, so that the burden is not carried by the few but by the many. The Tabernacle was the forerunner to the Church. In the Church, God calls people to serve (see Ephesians 4:11-16). Paul tells us about the leadership in the Church and also gives the reasons why we need those who are gifted by God in ministry. Check out also 1 Corinthians 12:28-31. None of us are left out. I particularly like God’s appointment of “Helps.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, show me that to which You have appointed me for this time of my life. I know that spending time daily with You and Your Word are definitely part of my appointment. Please show me what else You have for me today. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was about to turn 17 when I knew God was calling me into ministry. God did not give me any details. I thought about the word “ministry” and realized that it meant that I was simply to be a servant and to serve wherever and whenever the opportunity arose. It could be in the form of a request from others, or it could be at God’s initiative. It could be as a result of my own initiative as well. My job was to get busy. I’ve often come across people who are waiting for God to open doors. That’s never been my problem. I’ve seen open doors everywhere. I believe that every street corner is a ministry location. I don’t need to wait for a formal call to Pastor a Church, for example. On a Monday morning at 4 a.m. I committed to this blog. I’m not computer savvy, but I knew I could learn. Four months later, 100words.ca showed up. I’ve read replies to my blog already this morning. Thanks for encouraging me to continue. My job is not to answer questions, for that’s where God has put the ministry gifts in the local Church. Someone has that job and God has gifted that person to be a help.

Yours for all of us finding the job God has for each one of us,

David

17 thoughts on “Tuesday, November 6, 2012

  1. Great words of encouragement David. You are so correct, God has a specific work for each of us. All we need do is look for the task at hand that needs taken care of, offer our services in God’s name … and get the work done. You’ve given me something to think about today in my own life David, thank you.

  2. Thank you David for always words of encouragement as we go through the trials of life, realizing Our Saviour never leaves us or forsakes us. Praying for you to know God’s healing as you serve him daily by leading us through His Holy Word each day. Blessings to you and Norma Jean.

    • Your blog and this reply have brought me God’s grace. To know I am not alone and others struggle even with God’s word spooned fed tells me I’m not failing but to hang in there. Encouraged to keep seeking. This is my main fellowship. I have a coworker whom witnesses to me but being on sick leave I find I feel isolated. But I praise God that I have this! Thanks so much. I pray my family will have a relationship with God too.

  3. You are definitely right, David. This blog and Bible Study has been the highlight of my year and a reprieve from all my heart concern. The Lord called me in 1972 when I was teaching school in the Windsor, Ontario area. God bless you today.

  4. It is wonderful how everyone has gifts, talents and skills, a true sign of our Lords nature. If there is any question, just begin to help and listen to others as they provide feedback about your strengths and abilities. Have a great day!

  5. Vivienne and I were at your Brockville meeting on Ash Wednesday when you shared with the group your God given mission of 100 Words. You drove that night to Burlington to have breakfast the next day with CEO Don Simmonds and then to return to Smiths Falls the next night. What energy and devotion you exhibited.
    Little did we know then that you would get a “terminal ” diagnosis and that we would join you and Norma-Jean on your Holy Land tour in two days!
    Shalom,
    Graham.
    PS My second ever blog entry!

  6. Yes David it is most necessary for an open door to live freely but at times the door must be kept shut. In prayer “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things which you do not know” Jeremiah 33:3, and as the door is opened we find Jesus is the door guarding His sheep. Entering by Jesus our great shepherd, we are saved, go in and out and find pasture. “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill and to destroy. We find freedom from fear knowing we have so much more of God’s grace as we live with and in His love, peace and joy. “Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endureth forever.” Psalm 136:.1.

  7. Thank you, for the re-affirming message, this morning, David. God delivers exactly what we need be reminded of. Blessings to everyone–a spectacular day to serve the Lord awaits!

  8. Hi David, You mentioned the gift of Helps that our Lord has provided within his Church(us) What would we do without th0se precious people who are ready,willing and able to clean the building,serve in the kitchen and the nursery,keep the grounds neat and tidy,willing to visit the sick and take a card or pie over,call someone who has been away from the group for awhile,in short just being there as God’s hand extended.l know and have seen how much God loves these people, of whom we can all be one from time to time. What a Family!

  9. This past Sunday the message given at our church was about each person having a part they play, how big or small that may be everyone is important to the body. One needs to be open and receptive of what God wants us to do so one needs to step out in faith and boldness and do the work God has set for us. When you see a need fill it don’t wait for God to open doors like David said just go for every oppurtunity and see what God’s going to do in your life. God Bless!

  10. Thank you David, for you incredible strength and focus, even during the distractions of your illness. This is truly inspiring to me, and really challenges me to focus on the important things in Life. I have been home from work for a few months due to a medical leave, and in this time I have been able to watch the 100 Huntley program regularly. This has been a real treat. My wife watches the program almost daily. When you anniversary book was announced in June, I was quick to order 2 copies (one to my wife, one to my mother) – they both LOVE the time reading those stories. Have a great week, and be encouraged.

    praying for you in BC

  11. God’s Blessing on you & Norma Jean. All of you take care on your trip to the Holy Land!!

    Thanks be unto God for His wonderful gift:
    Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
    is the object of our faith; the only faith
    that saves is faith in Him.

    Amen

    Nancy Webb-Waisberg, Edmonton, Alberta

  12. I have really kept up with your blog, I am going on the trip with you and so excited (I am probably the eldest there) and I won’t have my computer but I will have my Bible so will just keep reading…..so looking forward to meeting you all.

  13. Camille – I pray that you continue to be encouraged daily as we journey through the bible with David. Times of illness (your sick leave) can result in precious times of closeness with God Who comforts, refreshes and heals through His Word. Personally I’ve considered these times as invitations to a “spiritual spa”! Thank you to all who share of your gifts on this blog. God is faithful. God is good. Praise be to God!

  14. Have a wonderful trip to Isreal, David & Norma-Jean and all those who will be joining you. I look forward to your blog every day, David! However, it’s usually evening by the time I get to it. Blessings to all!!!

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