What Is Ministry?

First of all what do we think of when we think of ministry?  Do we think of a Pastor? A missionary?  Ministry can be something big and full time, but it can also be quite small.

The ministry in our day has taken on more of a vocational meaning as we call pastors "ministers" to full-time service. Pastors do spend their lives in the ministry, they do minister to others, and they can rightly be designated as ministers, but pastors are not the only ones who are to be involved in ministry. From the early New Testament churches to the churches of our day, each Christian should be in the ministry of helping others (see Romans 12:3-8, 10-13; 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

 "Ministry" is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning "to serve" or douleuo, meaning "to serve as a slave." In the New Testament, ministry is seen as service to God and to other people in His name. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian ministry—He came, not to receive service, but to give it (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17). Christians are to minister to others out of their devotion to Christ and their love for others, whether the other people are believers or unbelievers. Ministry to others should be impartial and unconditional, always seeking to help others as Jesus would.

In its essence, this is what ministry is all about - playing your part in helping God’s plan and purpose to be outworked in other people's lives

So by helping your neighbor, visiting a senior in a home, being a Godly wife and mother, serving at church in any capacity, is all ministry.



Thanksgiving

Here in the United States, Thursday marks a holiday for us.  Thanksgiving.    I do believe that we should always be thankful for the things God gives us. 

Philippians 4:6 (King James Version)

  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Ephesians 5:20 (King James Version)


 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

The Bible has a lot to say about us being thankful or to give thanks to God our Father.  It also amazes me how prayer and thankfulness go hand in hand.

I myself and very thankful for many things that the Lord has done for me.   I am thankful for my salvation, that the Father God sent his only son to come and die for my sins, and to rise again on the third day.   I am thankful for my husband, and how the Lord has preserved him in many situations.  I am thankful for all my children.   I am thankful for the Bible college that we are priviliged to attend, and the teachers at the college who are willing to give of their time to teach us.  I am thankful for extended family and all our friends, both old and new.

So what are you thankful for?

Try to keep the attitude of thankfulness at all times....even when the going gets tough.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Eating Healthy

Right now as I type,  I can smell the aroma of fresh bread being baked.   Not only do we like having fresh homemade bread, it is also good for us to eat.


As a family we try to eat as healthy as we can.   We try to hold back on sugars and we don't eat alot of "pre made" food.  I try to make everything from scratch.  I would like some comments on healthy living and maybe I will make up a page just for that.  It would include recipes and ideas on healthy living.

Proverbs 31: 15 

 "She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and  a portion to her maidens"

                                     

I Am A Quilter

I am a quilter,  I love to sew and create things.   I find the colors and the patterns of quilting fascinating.   It is a hobby that I love to do and try to do it to His glory.

Proverbs 31:13 tells us

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."  

 I try to do this as much as I can.   I keep my hands busy, and reflect on God our saviour.  I believe that a woman can help her mate with working with her hands.  Not only can we make things to help in our household, but we can make extra to sell, or to give to charities.


I would be interested to hear if any of the readers are also interested in quilting, and what I can incorporate into this blog for you.

Prayer

There is one thing I have found in the past months, and that is how powerful and important prayer can be.  I also believe it is the one weapon we have as Christians that is overlooked the most.  


Ephesian chapter 6 tell us to put on the full armour of God, and "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" vs 18.


1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to "pray with out ceasing"


It is very important to keep our brothers and sisters in Christ lifted up in prayer.  We are in a spiritual warfare everyday, Satan being our enemy.


How often do you go to the Lord in prayer?  When your down and out and there is nothing left to turn to?  Or every morning before your feet hit the floor?  How often when someone crosses your mind, do you pray for them?


Prayer is our "alone" time with God, and we should make more time for Him in our lives.

Give It UP

Have you ever thought about what giving it up means?  Think about God and what He gave up when He came to this earth.  He gave up His kingly throne, He voluntarily gave up some of His attributes, and He gave His life for our sins.


What can we give up for God? What can we give back to him? Can we devote more time to Him? Be more of a Servant for Him?  Will we listen to His calling in our lives?
So what are you willing to do for Him?  It could be something simple like giving something up that is coming between you and Him.  It could mean going out into the missions field, it could mean giving some sort of service for Him....what will you do?


Philippians 1:21" For me to live is Christ and to die is gain"  KJV