Ministry's Source

Friends,

We have several friends who minister in what one might call an official capacity to the Body of believers. Over time, each has wrestled with the big questions of ministry... Is the ministry effective? Am I doing the best I can?

But these are not the most important questions. The most critical issue every believer must confront is this:
Am I doing what God wants me to do?

Ephesians 3:6b-7 [NKJV] ... emphasis added
His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

No ministry belongs to man. All belong to the LORD. Whether the work is done under the auspices of a recognized organization - like a church or a mission - or not, the work is assigned according to the will of God.

Every believer must ... daily ... pray that the LORD direct his steps (He promises to do so) in the path the advances the Kingdom of God. Then we will recognize that His will is being done.

Be encouraged, Jose

Is this any way to choose a leader?

Friends,

Whether we like it or not, our leaders are a reflection of ourselves. If we choose to ignore the laws of God, then our leaders will defy them as well. If our desires are for material wealth and power, then we will follow those men whose ambitions are for material wealth and power.

Isaiah 3:6 [NKJV]
When a man takes hold of his brother
In the house of his father, saying,
"You have clothing;
You be our ruler,
And let these ruins be under your power,"

Brothers and sisters, let us follow only those who follow Christ. Let us pursue righteousness, so that we will seek out the men who seek righteousness to be our leaders.

Be encouraged, Jose

There is danger in the building

Friends,

There are congregations all over the world in which the one at the top has amassed for himself great power and prestige. They expect to treated with great pomp and deference; and often their congregations all too willingly do so. They flatter godly men and women with offers of privilege, tempting them to set aside an effective ministry in favor of being treated like a big shot.

"Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods whom you do not know, and then come and stand before Me in this house which is called by My name, and say, 'We are delivered to do all these abominations'? Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of thieves in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it," says the LORD.
Jeremiah 7:8-11 [NKJV]

These three verses pack a real punch, brothers and sisters. The LORD is calling us out for trusting in the flattery of those that have elevated themselves to powerful positions in the church. He rebukes all who allow that flattery to lead them to sin in any number of ways. And then, He declares His utter disgust of coming before Him to say, "We did all for You!".

To those who use the covering of "church" to do these things, the LORD declares that they have made His house a den of thieves... a hiding place for those who steal time, joy, and righteousness from those who are seeking the Lord.

Today is the day to repent of this. Examine the words and actions of those in leadership. Demand that they reflect the humility and courage of Jesus.

Be encouraged, Jose

Leadership in truth

Friends,

Are you in a position of authority? Do you have a role at home, work, or in the Body of Christ, that can make demands of others with the reasonable expectation that those demands will be fulfilled? If so, then you have a deep and weighty responsibility.

And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Ephesians 6:9, NKJV

Threats and coarse words have no place in the leader's vocabulary. We owe it to our charges to speak the truth, to discourage inappropriate behavior, to enforce the consequences of each team member's choices.

But the Lord commands us the leader to treat those under their command with respect, with dignity and with justice. Each one of us is likely in a role of follower and leader. As a follower, follow with joy and godly submission. As a leader, lead with strength, truthfulness and gentleness. In both roles, we will then bear abundant fruit for the glory of God.

Be encouraged, Jose

The outcome

Friends,

We hear so many messages each day. Most are fueled by the desire to influence our behavior. Before we heed the advice of our friends, no matter how well-intentioned it may be, it is imperative that we understand the consequences of that suggested course of action.

You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
Matthew 7:16-18 [NKJV]

Our friends and family probably do not wish to guide us towards harm. But their words might do just that. Only the voice of Christ can be relied upon to lead. His words will always lead to life, to joy, to peace. Listen for it.

Be encouraged, Jose

Pastoral humility

Friends,

Because of our celebrity-driven culture, we are witnessing the emergence of what I call the "supreme pastor." This is a person who has attained an official leadership in a congregation and who has - for one or more of a multitude of reasons - come to expect highly deferential treatment. This could include a reserved parking space out front, a demand to be addressed using a title, or extravagant perq's. In the most horrendous of cases, such men (and sometimes women) will use their position to gain sexual favors from individuals in their congregation.

From the most innocuous of these to the most horrific, these leaders are ignoring the directive that Paul laid out from the Lord:

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another
Romans 12:10 [NKJV] - emphasis added

The Lord demands that we show appropriate respect to the authority He has ordained for each of us. Such authority, however, must be exercised in all humility and meekness. To do otherwise will humiliate and deeply wound any congregation.

But when a leader walks with the Lord, humbly, and with a deep passion to serve (not to be served), the people will be richly blessed.

Be encouraged, Jose

Necessary for ministry

Friends,

Have you experienced that nudging of the Spirit lately? You know ... the one that calls you to act upon what He has taught you in Scripture. The one that calls you to step into the advancement of His Kingdom?

As you begin your walk in that calling, remember that there is a critical step you must take before taking that first step.

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 [NKJV]

Are you leading a ministry ... perhaps a youth group, or a praise team? Do you truly and intimately know the scriptural basis for that ministry? Are you fulfilling its purpose as defined in God's word? Too many men and women find themselves in leadership positions without the deep training in God's word that is necessary to function in that role. And the responsibility is borne by all involved.

So, before you take that bold step, seek out a teacher of the Word. Someone who can and will bring out the deep and hard truths of the Bible. Someone who will equip you to serve faithfully and effectively.

Do this today, that you will be blessed tomorrow.

Be encouraged, Jose

The Authority demands respect from authority

Friends,

In the most recent podcast, we hinted at idea that the fifth commandment (Honor your father and your mother) also means that we are to give proper respect and submission to legitimate authority. Without delving to deeply into what that means for the believer, I'd like to address those who are in authority at this time.

Whether as a boss, a pastor, a parent, or a political leader, the Lord has established you in a position of rulership. It might seem too grandiose a term for what we actually do on a day-to-day basis, but the term nonetheless fits. As such, scripture constantly reminds us of the most important responsibility we have as a leader.

Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Psalm 2:10-11 [NKJV]

Our authority is wholly subordinate to the LORD's. We must not even consider any thoughts, words or actions that are not in accordance with His will. For we will not only go astray ourselves, but we might possibly lead others astray along with us. Read Matthew 23 and see what Christ Jesus has to say to those who do not exercise their authority according to God's purpose.

To be in authority is to be trusted by the LORD. It is a weighty responsibility and a unique privilege. Daily bring your authority under that of Christ Jesus, submitting all decisions and actions to Him. You will find great blessing and strength.

Be encouraged, Jose

Intercede

Friends,

During this week, we have witnessed historic events. As with all such happenings, we can expect good things to result as well as things we'd rather not experience. Some look at the ascendancy of Sen. Obama as the start of great things for this world. Others view it as a sign that the affliction and persecution of Christians is about to get underway, followed by the return of the Messiah.

I don't know. What I do know is that my Lord and God commands me to pray for our leaders, for they are handpicked by a Sovereign, Almighty King of kings.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
1 Timothy 2: 1-2 [NKJV] (emphasis added)

Lord, grant wisdom and humility to our leaders.
Keep your hand of grace and protection upon your children.
And cause your people look to You for comfort and courage.
Come, Lord Jesus. Come!

Be encouraged, Jose