“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” 2 Corinthians 2:17
This verse stood out to me because today, many so-called “ministers of the Gospel” who are greedy for luxuries have made themselves multi-millionaires through their “ministry.”
Comments: Christians are responsible to present the Word of God with sincerity. To speak out of pride or any motive other than the glory of God hinders the spread of the Gospel. (Jeremy Study Bible Notes)
In His Love, Cindy
Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6
All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV
Recently, my pastor emailed a message to our local church body. It encouraged me so much I decided to share it with you. I pray that you will be encouraged to embrace God’s plan for your ministry, whatever that may be.
“One of the greatest deceptions to grip the church of Jesus Christ has been that ministry is for the professionals. We’ve mistakenly come to think that ministry is supposed to be done solely by those who have been licensed, ordained, employed, or otherwise set apart by a church or religious organization, and in embracing that belief, so many Christians have taken their place on the sidelines of ministry when God expects them to be in the game!” Dr. Jeff Reynolds, Pastor First Baptist Church Bowling Green, KY
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”
Do you sometimes feel like you don’t fit in? You may need to remind yourself that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, this world is not your home. Your home is in heaven and you are an ambassador for Christ in a foreign land.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:20a
An ambassador is a “diplomatic official of the highest rank sent by one sovereign or state to another as its resident representative”.¹
As a Christian, this is our role. We are ambassadors sent by God. It helps us to live a life worthy of our calling when we think of ourselves as God’s ambassador and representative. How do we do that?
“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12
An ambassador is sent to a foreign land to reflect the official message of his country. God has sent us into the world with the message of reconciliation.
“But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him]” 2 Corinthians 5:18 AMP
“… we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel [that tells the good news of salvation through faith in Christ…” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 AMP
Actions speak louder than words. Talking about Jesus is important, but how we live speaks louder than our words. Loving others demonstrates the love of God.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ…” Ephesians 5:2 NLT
We live in a time unlike any other. Many Christians believe that our time is short and the rapture of the Church is near. How shall we obey the command to make disciples?
Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (emphasis mine)
Making a disciple is more than leading someone in the sinner’s prayer. It includes teaching and supporting them in their faith. To make a disciple is a tall order and not one someone can easily do alone. The Church must work together, each one doing his part. We must ask ourselves: Am I doing my part? Am I fulfilling my role as Christ’s ambassador?
“For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.” Hebrews 13:14 TLB
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
You may have heard of the devastating tornadoes that destroyed so many lives here in my hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky.
There are so many people who need our help, it can be overwhelming. Not just tornado victims, we may have family members who need our help, a man begging on the corner, people in our church, and more.
What would happen if our goal were to help just one person at a time? Could it possibly make a difference? Mother Teresa thought so. It’s interesting that someone who helped so many had this philosophy:
Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa’s words remind me that people who need God’s love are all around me. People who need “a good Samaritan” are all around me. I can’t help all the homeless, but I can give a cup of coffee to one. I can’t feed all the starving children, but I can help one. I can’t help every tornado victim, but I can help one.
Jesus told the Expert in the law that he must love God and love his neighbor as himself. The Expert in the law said, “Who is my neighbor?” In reply, Jesus told him the story of the Good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37)
Jesus’ message was, “If you see someone that needs your help, help them!”
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.
31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Let us examine our hearts. Are we more like the priest and the Levite, or the good Samaritan? Do we show the love of Jesus to those around us or do we pass by on the other side?
Lord, Show me how to reach out to my “neighbor”. Lead me along the path that will take me to the one you want me to help. Give me the opportunities to reach out in a personal way and to bring your love to the hurting. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
With Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
“I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22
The key to being a man or woman “after God’s own heart” is to be surrendered to His will and to put your trust in Him alone.
Stand outside tonight and ponder the stars. Those stars were scattered across the sky by God’s mighty hand. They are so far away that even though many of them are larger than the sun, they look like tiny points of light.
Did you know that our galaxy, the Milky Way, has approximately 100 billion stars? But the Milky Way is not the only galaxy in the universe… There are about 10 billion galaxies in the observable universe!¹
Just imagine the enormity of what we can’t even see! Our God is a mighty God. This is the God that we know and trust!
How can we know what God wants us to do? How can His plan be carried out if we don’t know what it is?
We must trust the Lord, study the Word ,and spend time in prayer.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
God reminds me that “we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3) Sheep aren’t that smart. They need endless attention and oversight. They are unable to take care of themselves. They need a shepherd. It’s not by accident that Scripture compares us to sheep.
David was a shepherd boy. He learned about God as he cared for his flocks. He knew everything about the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. He writes, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
The sheep know the shepherd’s voice. Jesus said,“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10:2-5
As we spend time in the Word and in prayer, He leads us.
Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
If we are surrendered to the Lord, if our heart seeks after Him, we are doing our part. God will carry out His plan. He will do it. He will make that happen. He is the Good Shepherd. He has promised to lead us and we can trust Him.
With Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
One way or the other, God, who thought up the family in the first place, has the very best idea of how to bring sense to the chaos of broken relationships we see all around us. I really believe that if I remain still and listen a lot, He will share some solutions with me so I can share them with others.”
Jill Briscoe
Jill Briscoe has an active speaking and writing ministry that has taken her to many countries. She has written more than 40 books, including study guides, devotional material, poetry, and children’s books.
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
“I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22
The key to being a man or woman “after God’s own heart” is to be surrendered to His will and to put your trust in Him alone.
Stand outside tonight and ponder the stars. Those stars were scattered across the sky by God’s mighty hand. They are so far away that even though many of them are larger than the sun, they look like tiny points of light.
Did you know that our galaxy, the Milky Way, has approximately 100 billion stars? But the Milky Way is not the only galaxy in the universe… There are about 10 billion galaxies in the observable universe!¹
Just imagine the enormity of what we can’t even see! Our God is a mighty God. This is the God that we know and trust!
How can we know what God wants us to do? How can His plan be carried out if we don’t know what it is?
We must trust the Lord, study the Word ,and spend time in prayer.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
God reminds me that “we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” (Psalm 100:3) Sheep aren’t that smart. They need endless attention and oversight. They are unable to take care of themselves. They need a shepherd. It’s not by accident that Scripture compares us to sheep.
David was a shepherd boy. He learned about God as he cared for his flocks. He knew everything about the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. He writes, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1
The sheep know the shepherd’s voice. Jesus said,“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” John 10:2-5
As we spend time in the Word and in prayer, He leads us.
Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
If we are surrendered to the Lord, if our heart seeks after Him, we are doing our part. God will carry out His plan. He will do it. He will make that happen. He is the Good Shepherd. He has promised to lead us and we can trust Him.
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
When we set out to accomplish what God has called us to do, the enemy will tell us that we can’t (because we’re not good enough) or we shouldn’t (because God’s didn’t really tell us to do it). In my life, this has happened over and over.
At first, we might not realize that it’s the devil telling us lies. That’s because we think it’s coming from our own thinking, but it isn’t. It’s coming from the Father of Lies, the devil. He puts these thoughts in your mind! Jesus said:
“. . . the devil . . . was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 NIV
It doesn’t matter what it is, how big or how small. Whether it’s writing a blog, leading a women’s Bible Study, or teaching three little children in a Sunday School class, thoughts of inadequacy will attack my mind. Somebody else would do a lot better job, I think.
There have been moments in the past when I literally began to panic. Thoughts racing through my mind … God didn’t tell you to write a blog! You shouldn’t be doing this! This is all your own idea!
Have you ever experienced this deceitful kind of attack on your mind? God didn’t send you here! God didn’t say …
Do you remember what the Serpent said to Eve? “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1
This is the Deceiver in action: making you question what God has said. It is nothing new.
After reading Nabeel Qureshi’s book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, I have thought I should prepare myself to minister to Muslim women (in case the opportunity should arise). But then I thought, I’m too old now (67). If only I would have done this earlier in my life. (There goes that liar, the devil, again.) But, guess what happened?
While reading my Bible, I read that Joshua led the Israelites until he was 110 years old! (Joshua 24:29) And Joshua was between 68 and 78 years old when he took over for Moses, before they even entered the promised land.
That’s why we need to read our Bible every day. God might want to show us something! In addition to that, I learned that Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt when he was 80 years old and Aaron was 83!
All of these great men of God were used mightily by the Lord into their old age. God never does things the way we think He will, or like we would. (So much for the “You’re too old theory”.)
As my friend, Annie https://seekingdivineperspective.com recently said, “He doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” This theme is repeated over and over in the Scriptures (Moses, Gideon, and David, to mention a few.)
“Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” Exodus 4:10 NIV
“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”Judges 6:15NIV
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV (referring to David, the shepherd boy)
Whatever it is that God is calling you to do, He will be right beside you, giving you wisdom, strength, and guidance. It is for His glory. If we were qualified, we would get the glory. But the battle is the Lord’s! To Him be the glory!
With Love,
This Is My Journey Unscripted.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
Real Christian Women 