Devotion #44

Hi, Everyone.
I love hearing from you! How precious are each of you. Did you know that, before you awoke this morning, the very God of the universe rejoiced over you with singing? (Zephaniah 3:17) Today's devotion is from my personal journal dated May 22, 2007.

     After my quiet time this morning, I asked the Lord what He wanted to talk to me about today. I don't know why He uses songs to speak to me, but I've noticed that He does that. A chorus came to my mind, so I sang, "Freely, freely you have received. Freely, freely give. Go in My Name, and because you believe, others will know that I live."
     Sometimes, especially on this journey to releasing weight, I've noticed that I get very self-centered, focusing so much on myself that I ignore those around me. I ignore that God gives me ministry opportunities, and I miss them. If I see a need and can meet it, I must do so.
     As God has worked in my heart and life, and released me from various chains, especially the bondage of depression, He has turned my focus upward and outward. For a year, I sat with the quote, "More of Jesus, less of me," and that helped me to see that when I focus on the Lord and the needs of others, He can use me in ministry.
     Jesus said in John 12:24-25, "...unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." 
     If I live only for myself, I will "remain alone." I will have no ministry to others, no "fruit." But if I embrace the cross of Christ, die to myself, and live for the Lord in whatever ministry He brings my way, I will "produce much grain." The Lord showed me that it is "grain" we produce, and grain has the seeds of other grain in it, so true ministry is self-perpetuating.
     Sitting with Ralph Sunday afternoon, as he lay dying, the Lord showed me that it doesn't have to be a big thing, to minister to others. It's not a big thing, but yet it is a big thing. I can't really explain it; it's just something I know in my spirit.
     There is nothing about which to boast, in ministry, for "it is by the grace of God that I am what I am" (I Corinthians 15:10). I believe that when God sets a person free, He also gives that person a vision for ministry, although not every person is obedient to that vision.
     II Timothy 2:21 says, "If anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." Ministry follows freedom and purity. That does not mean that we have to be perfect, before we begin to minister to others. The important thing is to daily "die to self."
     As always, Jesus is our example, and in Mark 3:14-15, "He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons."Before there can be genuine preaching, healing, and delivering, there must be time spent in the presence of God. Jesus first called His disciples to be with Him, and then to minister. The order is very important. Ministry is important, but being with Jesus is our first calling.
     What is my ministry? Maybe it's more than one. The Lord has given me a prayer ministry. After Sunday's experience, I see that even sitting with a dying saint can be a ministry. Maybe I'll be able to help others lose weight through the God Gain Lifestyle, sometime in the future. I don't know, but one thing I do know, there are many opportunities to minister grace to those in need, on a daily basis.  

Today, consider how you can die to self and give away that which you have received from the Lord. Look for opportunities to meet a need, today. Listen to a group of Gaither men singing "I Then Shall Live." http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=940a38a2cee923 847edf

Blessings,
Mary