I am currently reading Evidence that demands a verdict by Josh McDowell. It is an 800page encyclepedia looking book that is completely in defense of the Bible and Christianity. I love it, it's deep, not a smooth read but very informational. The first few chapters have dealt with the origins of the Bible, the truth of the Bible and the many different proofs that it was inspired by God. I also like the ways that as McDowell puts it, God dummy proofed it for us.
One such way is the correlation between John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that HE sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
If you got tripped up and accidentally turned to 1 John 3:16, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."
John 3:16 is to Christianity what the pledge is to Americans. Most who have grown up in church were able to quote this verse since childhood. 1 John 3:16 takes the previous verse and ups the ante as to what we should do with the knowledge of John 3:16.
We should be willing to lay down, or set aside our own lives for the lives of others. That is the definition of ministry.
Ministry is:
Giving when you are in need.
Praying for others, when your needs are greater.
Sharing when you need to be taking.
staying the course, when your flesh wants to run.
Loving when you need to be loved.
Ministry is setting aside your own life, struggles and needs to meet those of others. It's showing Christ's love for others, even though you need it yourself. It is being selfless and looking at the big picture of the story of the GOspel rather than our own narrow-minded view.
So lay down your problems, thoughts and struggles and allow God to take them. But while you're doing that make sure you aren't overlooking others in your life who have struggles they need help with.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
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