Ministering in Everyday Opportunities. Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings— it means being God’s very special choice to be available for use in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us. The very character we exhibit in our present surroundings is an indication of what we will be like in other surroundings.The things Jesus did were the most menial of everyday tasks, and this is an indication that it takes all of God’s power in me to accomplish even the most common tasks in His way. Can I use a towel as He did? Towels, dishes, sandals, and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else. It takes God Almighty Incarnate in us to do the most menial duty as it ought to be done.Jesus said, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (13:15). Notice the kind of people that God brings around you, and you will be humiliated once you realize that this is actually His way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Now He says we should exhibit to those around us exactly what He has exhibited to us.Do you find yourself responding by saying, “Oh, I will do all that once I’m out on the mission field”? Talking in this way is like trying to produce the weapons of war while in the trenches of the battlefield–you will be killed while trying to do it.We have to go the “second mile” with God (see Matthew 5:41). Yet some of us become worn out in the first ten steps. Then we say, “Well, I’ll just wait until I get closer to the next big crisis in my life.” But if we do not steadily minister in everyday opportunities, we will do nothing when the crisis comes.________________________________________________________________

September 11, 2014

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, whenever I look to Jesus as an example of how I should (there goes that word “should” loaded with obligation and responsibilities) act, behave, minister, I simply feel “less than”.  I never seem to measure up, and so I wonder why I should even try. Using Jesus as my measuring point seems to just bring me down. Where is the life and life more abundantly in that?

And God says…”You are not to use Jesus as just your measuring point, or as an example about how you should minister and care for people. That will discourage you.  In your most disciplined and obedient self, you are not able to do what Jesus does 100% of the time.  He is your point of reference, but you can only “do what Jesus does” when you are connected to Him and it is Jesus that is doing the actual work though you.”

” Just be reminded that Jesus can and will work through you when you simply surrender. Seeing the futility of trying to be like Jesus can move you to the place where you surrender your own strength and discipline and surrender to Jesus. Let Him living through you (once you let go of your own efforts) minister to others. Let Jesus in you make the choices you cannot and do not make. Let Jesus in you give you life and life abundantly. Your role is to be; connected to Jesus, curious about what and how He will work it out for you. You can then remain expectant (expecting Him to work it out in you), as you are obedient.”