Don't Allow Others to Hinder Your Ministry

[bobinfaith]

Hello brothers and sisters;

As Christians we are all ministers. Part of our mission is to share the Gospel. It's important to be equipped and prepared what to say at that time when someone crosses our path, needs help with life challenges, and introducing them to Christ Jesus. We aren't the Savior, just the minister.

We all have different levels of our knowledge of the Bible. This makes no matter to God because He can do great things whether we know little or much.

I have been asked to minister to individuals, married couples, broken men and Christian ministries/organizations. Unfortunately, the end result was those I was ministering to somehow gets twisted and I become the blame. This is part of being a minister. We are in the people business.

If you have experienced this we must remember in the midst of helping others that spiritual warfare is ongoing. Don't allow this to discourage you. Afterall, God is in the midst of what you are doing and He will always guide you.

Also, it takes practice, aside from the Holy Spirit prompting us when ministering to others. The more we minister to others the easier it gets. Yes, ministry is hard but lets keep it in context. Be careful not to humble brag your title and accomplishments. This can be intimidating when helping another. Don't wing it! We are a vessel being used by God. So it's important to be prayerful to the other we are ministering to, and give our Father all the glory.

These are application passages to encourage you.

1 Thessalonians 5:24, 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. - ESV

Joshua 1:9, 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. - KJV

Psalm 34:18, 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. - NASB

Isaiah 41:10, 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - NIV

God bless you all and would love to hear your thoughts.

Bob

 

[Marilyn C]

Hi Bob,

Such a great topic for this season when people are despairing and losing hope. I`m reminded of this scripture -

`But sanctify the lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear...` (1 Peter 3: 15)

I have been talking with other people on this topic and we see that we are to listen to where people are at in relation to God and what they see happening in the world. For example, the lady who comes and helps me with the house cleaning has been following what is happening in the Middle East. She sees what Islam is doing and knows that they are over here in OZ too. She is very concerned.

I have shared some of what is written in the old texts, (Old Testament/ Ezekiel) and she is very interested. We only have a short time as she has to do her jobs and move on to other places. So, it is a step at a time. I believe we are leading up to the statement - my hope is in God, and not the world system. She then has the opportunity to ask how God can help. Anyway, just listening to the Lord as He is leading not me.

I believe we need to just give people a bit at a time for the Holy Spirit to work on that. Too much information all at once when the person is not ready is no good. The Lord knows the timing. Glad you said `don`t wing it.` Prayer before and after is so important.

Just pushing people can then lead to discouragement of which you are talking about. Or as a friend recently said she felt she `over killed.` She gave too much. But now she is listening more to the Lord and the other person, so good lesson there.

 

[bobinfaith]

Hello Marilyn;

I am delighted to read how you minister to your friend and how she is receiving of what you point out in Scripture.
Is she from the Middle East or is she only concerned?

Yes, we do need to give people time for the Holy Spirit to grow them. I'm sure you can relate that we are not responsible to keep score on people's faith growth or their knowledge of the Bible. God is moving.

We have enough to work on with the ones who push back in our ministry work. We must continue to love on them, endure patience and uplift them when we see resilience of a brother or sister who falls but bounces back for Christ.

God knows when I get mud on my shirt and someone has been there to pick me up, hold me up and lift me up during trying times in my faith.

God bless you, Marilyn, and thank you for sharing the ongoing Bible teachings.

Bob

 

[forgiven61]

the end result was those I was ministering to somehow gets twisted and I become the blame. This is part of being a minister. We are in the people business.

bee there done that maybe not the exact same manner . a young lady i had when i was youth ministry appeared again she was having marital issues her husband was watching things he shouldn't.. be seeing. in her vent later on she told me when she was telling me more details she was drinking. so i told her that drinking was just as bad as what husband was doing.. she got upset.. i am going to try to reach out to her again... ministry is tough . i been kicked to the curve more than once. saying i will not go again.. but i do if ministry is really in you.. then you will endure the bad things

 

[bobinfaith]

bee there done that maybe not the exact same manner . a young lady i had when i was youth ministry appeared again she was having marital issues her husband was watching things he shouldn't.. be seeing. in her vent later on she told me when she was telling me more details she was drinking. so i told her that drinking was just as bad as what husband was doing.. she got upset.. i am going to try to reach out to her again... ministry is tough . i been kicked to the curve more than once. saying i will not go again.. but i do if ministry is really in you.. then you will endure the bad things

Hello forgiven;

You wrote, "i been kicked to the curve more than once. saying i will not go again.. but i do if ministry is really in you.. then you will endure the bad things".

Amen to that. If I may share my thought's, Pastor, this is when our calling is really in you. We don't ask God to give ministry a vacation.

God bless you, Jerry.

Bob

 

[Marilyn C]

Hello Marilyn;

I am delighted to read how you minister to your friend and how she is receiving of what you point out in Scripture.
Is she from the Middle East or is she only concerned?

Yes, we do need to give people time for the Holy Spirit to grow them. I'm sure you can relate that we are not responsible to keep score on people's faith growth or their knowledge of the Bible. God is moving.

We have enough to work on with the ones who push back in our ministry work. We must continue to love on them, endure patience and uplift them when we see resilience of a brother or sister who falls but bounces back for Christ.

God knows when I get mud on my shirt and someone has been there to pick me up, hold me up and lift me up during trying times in my faith.

God bless you, Marilyn, and thank you for sharing the ongoing Bible teachings.

Bob

Hi Bob,

Thank you so much for your continued encouragement. The lady who helps me with the housework is not from the Middle East but probably English/Scottish/Irish. Will let you know how the discussion develops.

Now, hubby is going fishing next week with some Christian men and I`ll be at a friend`s place. Thus, I wont post another theme topic for a week. Look forward to any comments on my next one.

regards, Marilyn.

 

[bobinfaith]

Hi Bob,
Thank you so much for your continued encouragement. The lady who helps me with the housework is not from the Middle East but probably English/Scottish/Irish. Will let you know how the discussion develops. Now, hubby is going fishing next week with some Christian men and I`ll be at a friend`s place. Thus, I wont post another theme topic for a week. Look forward to any comments on my next one.
regards, Marilyn.

Good morning, Marilyn;

I enjoy talking Jesus with you, sister. Have fun at your friend's and we'll see you sometime next week.

God bless you.

Bob

 

[PaulisSaved]

Hello brothers and sisters;

As Christians we are all ministers. Part of our mission is to share the Gospel. It's important to be equipped and prepared what to say at that time when someone crosses our path, needs help with life challenges, and introducing them to Christ Jesus. We aren't the Savior, just the minister.

We all have different levels of our knowledge of the Bible. This makes no matter to God because He can do great things whether we know little or much.

Over the years, I have noticed that the Holy Spirit is our spear in Battle.
Key is to never make it about us, but about the challenge we seek for his glory.
Very easy to think we are the teachers, when it is Christ who has taught us.

Einstein's work is repeated and taught a million times a year.
And in Christ it is always his teaching, not ours. We are just the Vessel the Holy Spirit uses.
Be open to be armed, and you will not fail no matter whom you are.

I have never brought someone to Christ.
I showed them who Christ is and the path is made clear when the Holy Spirit is used in them.
I supposed in a way I am just a story teller, and Christ is the author.
Whether one buys the Book, will be up to them, and how the message is received.

For his power, Glory.

 

[bobinfaith]

Over the years, I have noticed that the Holy Spirit is our spear in Battle. Key is to never make it about us, but about the challenge we seek for his glory. Very easy to think we are the teachers, when it is Christ who has taught us. Einstein's work is repeated and taught a million times a year. And in Christ it is always his teaching, not ours. We are just the Vessel the Holy Spirit uses. Be open to be armed, and you will not fail no matter whom you are. I have never brought someone to Christ. I showed them who Christ is and the path is made clear when the Holy Spirit is used in them. I supposed in a way I am just a story teller, and Christ is the author. Whether one buys the Book, will be up to them, and how the message is received. For his power, Glory.

Good morning, Paul;

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'd like to respond.

You wrote, "Over the years, I have noticed that the Holy Spirit is our spear in Battle." I agree with you. Amen to that.

"Key is to never make it about us, but about the challenge we seek for his glory." It's never about us, Paul. It should be challenging and many times the challenge is going to sting. But we are reminded that it's always about Him. What a relief!

"Very easy to think we are the teachers, when it is Christ who has taught us." It is Christ who is our teacher and always His teaching, and later anoints those to be teachers. Ephesians 4:11-12, 11 And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, - RSV

I never aspired to be a teacher. But as you and I agree, it's about Him, His plan and purpose. In so many situations I still serve in that capacity of teaching and many times it's tough. But at the end of the day I love people and that's why He keeps me going. Still, it's always about Him.

"I have never brought someone to Christ. I showed them who Christ is and the path is made clear when the Holy Spirit is used in them."

From reading your many posts it seems you and I have served in many areas surrounding people. Even in those areas we only plant the seeds and God waters them. This is a metaphor for sharing Christ and it's the Lord who saves the lost.

Getting back to the jist of this topic, I thank God each day where He puts me. I love what I do but that punk the devil will oppose us. He's devious and will entice people the principalities of darkness by throwing darts and arrows our way who serve the Almighty. Many times it will sting but we are reminded our God is also there and will guide us through the battles.

Going all the way back to the OT in Exodus. God guided Moses in verses 13 But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will perform for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again, ever. 14 The Lord will fight for you, while you keep silent.” - NASB

God bless you, Paul, and thank you for sharing.

Bob