Don't Allow Others to Hinder Your Ministry

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bobinfaith

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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
 
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.
 
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
 
bobinfaith said:
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.
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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
 
forgiven61 said:
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
Click to expand...

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
 
bobinfaith said:
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
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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.
 
Marilyn C said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
bobinfaith said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
PaulisSaved said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
bobinfaith said:
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
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Hello Bob and everyone,

I’m truly grateful for this important topic. Sharing God's Word is so essential, especially because many people today don’t even realize they are going in the wrong direction.

I know this from my own experience. When I lived without Christ, I didn’t think I was a bad person or that my life was off track. In fact, the modern world often paints a very different picture — one where living without God doesn’t seem wrong at all. Society constantly promotes a "good life" through material success, self-centered achievements, and prioritizing personal desires over communal well-being.

Because of this, people often convince themselves that they're already "good enough" without God. They think that as long as they don’t commit any "major" sins, they're on the right path. But the truth is simple — there are only two paths: you either walk toward the Kingdom of Heaven, or you're heading toward destruction.

The problem is that most people never imagine they're on the path leading to the enemy. They assume that only cult members or those who deliberately perform dark rituals are aligned with the devil. But that’s one of the enemy’s greatest deceptions — convincing people that they are just in a "gray zone." Not fully with God, but surely not with the devil either.

I say this because I was once blind to this myself. If someone had told me back then that I was heading down the wrong road, I probably would have laughed and said, "Sure, I’m not perfect, but I’m definitely not that bad."

That’s why we, as Christians, must share God’s Word — to help open people’s eyes to this simple but often forgotten truth. People need to see that without Christ, they are lost, even if they believe otherwise.

Thank you, Bob, for this inspiring reminder. May God bless you all and strengthen us in this mission.
 
Yurii said:
Hello Bob and everyone,

I’m truly grateful for this important topic. Sharing God's Word is so essential, especially because many people today don’t even realize they are going in the wrong direction.

I know this from my own experience. When I lived without Christ, I didn’t think I was a bad person or that my life was off track. In fact, the modern world often paints a very different picture — one where living without God doesn’t seem wrong at all. Society constantly promotes a "good life" through material success, self-centered achievements, and prioritizing personal desires over communal well-being.

Because of this, people often convince themselves that they're already "good enough" without God. They think that as long as they don’t commit any "major" sins, they're on the right path. But the truth is simple — there are only two paths: you either walk toward the Kingdom of Heaven, or you're heading toward destruction.

The problem is that most people never imagine they're on the path leading to the enemy. They assume that only cult members or those who deliberately perform dark rituals are aligned with the devil. But that’s one of the enemy’s greatest deceptions — convincing people that they are just in a "gray zone." Not fully with God, but surely not with the devil either.

I say this because I was once blind to this myself. If someone had told me back then that I was heading down the wrong road, I probably would have laughed and said, "Sure, I’m not perfect, but I’m definitely not that bad."

That’s why we, as Christians, must share God’s Word — to help open people’s eyes to this simple but often forgotten truth. People need to see that without Christ, they are lost, even if they believe otherwise.

Thank you, Bob, for this inspiring reminder. May God bless you all and strengthen us in this mission.
Click to expand...

Hello Yuri;

Men and women of God do not take a vacation from growing as a disciple. Sure, there are times we get away to get refreshed but that's not what I'm talking about.

Where ever we are, the discipline of love, compassion, listening and forgiveness are always constant and at the top of our priorities, no matter what age.

I was blessed to serve in short term missionaries in Romania/Ukraine during October 2022 and again in November 2024, and I just returned after 5 days in San Diego. While away the 9 fruit of the Spirit still applied;

Galatians 5:22-23, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. - KJV

In between my discipleship there were moments of learning, not having all the answers while in other countries and unsuspected circumstances crossed my path. Was I equipped and prepared to respond, did I listen, or did I rely on my own understanding? Was there room for humbleness and humility?

While in Romania the faith is strong yet it was an eye opener to see the challenges in people's lives. In Ukraine it touched my heart that while preaching (with two interpreters) 98% of the congregation fled from the other side of their home country. In both cases they love the Lord but they needed to share to someone with a listening ear.

Years ago I was ministering to mostly those 40 years and younger. The last 5 years has shifted to middle and senior aged people. While in San Diego most of my stay was with childhood friends and immediate family in their 60s, 70s and 80s. My Dad will be 88 years old this July.

I walked away learning and being reminded of two important things. In our continued work in progress God is always there while we grow through hard knock experiences. The other is what little or much we learn from God is never taken away from us so we can apply it during those unique opportunities, that is, the opportunity to be used by God to bless others who cross our path or experience a similar situation same as our lives.

What we learn, hang on to it and grow from there, daily in Christ. Be open to seasoned ministers, textbook scholars and commentators. God will give us discernment and wisdom to know the difference between Truthful or suspect teaching.

God bless you, Yuri.

Bob
 
Well plenty of twisted people out there Bob. Some fixable some not.As God decides. Paulussaved makes a good point as the Spirit leads that’s half the battle, having confidence that God will lead us to the people he’s interested in. There’s plenty of people out there that willl you use you financially and drain you physically use you up and spit you out, it’s just how the world is. We like to give God room to breathe within their lives to see if they’ll bloom and flourish. It often a change of outlook
 
bobinfaith said:
What we learn, hang on to it and grow from there, daily in Christ. Be open to seasoned ministers, textbook scholars and commentators. God will give us discernment and wisdom to know the difference between Truthful or suspect teaching.
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Prim90 said:
Well plenty of twisted people out there Bob. Some fixable some not.As God decides. Paulussaved makes a good point as the Spirit leads that’s half the battle, having confidence that God will lead us to the people he’s interested in. There’s plenty of people out there that willl you use you financially and drain you physically use you up and spit you out, it’s just how the world is. We like to give God room to breathe within their lives to see if they’ll bloom and flourish. It often a change of outlook
Click to expand...

Amen, Prim90, you are correct, sister.

This is where God's discernment and wisdom anointing will guide us to know the difference between Truth, suspect teaching or blind faith.

The many times I fell into blind faith and the lessons I had to learn, go figure.

God bless you, Prim90, and thank you for sharing.

Bob
 
Prim90 said:
Well it’s a hard lesson we all eventually learn Bob . Some of us learn quicker than others. there be only so much us mere mortals can do. At the end of the day it’s all about seeing relationships flourish in God. ❤️
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Hello Prim90;

Most of the time it's not an easy lesson. I'm glad you are able to share this.

God bless you, sister.

Bob
 
bobinfaith said:
Hello Yuri;

Men and women of God do not take a vacation from growing as a disciple. Sure, there are times we get away to get refreshed but that's not what I'm talking about.

Where ever we are, the discipline of love, compassion, listening and forgiveness are always constant and at the top of our priorities, no matter what age.

I was blessed to serve in short term missionaries in Romania/Ukraine during October 2022 and again in November 2024, and I just returned after 5 days in San Diego. While away the 9 fruit of the Spirit still applied;

Galatians 5:22-23, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. - KJV

In between my discipleship there were moments of learning, not having all the answers while in other countries and unsuspected circumstances crossed my path. Was I equipped and prepared to respond, did I listen, or did I rely on my own understanding? Was there room for humbleness and humility?

While in Romania the faith is strong yet it was an eye opener to see the challenges in people's lives. In Ukraine it touched my heart that while preaching (with two interpreters) 98% of the congregation fled from the other side of their home country. In both cases they loved the Lord but they needed to share to someone with a listening ear.

Years ago I was ministering to mostly those 40 years and younger. The last 5 years has shifted to middle and senior aged people. While in San Diego most of my stay was with childhood friends and immediate family in their 60s, 70s and 80s. My Dad will be 88 years old this July.

I walked away learning and being reminded of two important things. In our continued work in progress God is always there while we grow through hard knock experiences. The other is what little or much we learn from God is never taken away from us so we can apply it during those unique opportunities, that is, the opportunity to be used by God to bless others who cross our path or experience a similar situation same as our lives.

What we learn, hang on to it and grow from there, daily in Christ. Be open to seasoned ministers, textbook scholars and commentators. God will give us discernment and wisdom to know the difference between Truthful or suspect teaching.

God bless you, Yuri.

Bob
Click to expand...
Hello Bob,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful response and for sharing your experiences. Your words truly touched my heart, especially that “what we learn from God is never taken away from us so we can apply it during those unique opportunities, that is, the opportunity to be used by God to bless others who cross our path or experience a similar situation same as our lives.”

This is exactly what I needed to read this morning. God often speaks to us through others, and your message was a timely encouragement for me.

It's inspiring to see how God has used you to minister to people in different countries and across generations. Your example reminds me of the importance of being ready to listen, serve, and love wherever God places us, whether near or far.

Thank you for sharing these lessons and for being a living testimony of God’s grace in action. May He continue to bless you abundantly and use you as a vessel of His love and wisdom.

With gratitude,
Yurii
 
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