Are You Worthy to be Considered?

I attended a conference this weekend that completely blew my mind. I was blessed with the opportunity to meet some powerful women of God, who are building ministries and bringing the lost into the Kingdom of God. I learned so much over a brief two days, and had an experience like no other. Yet, one thing that was said sticks out in my mind.

"Are you worthy to be considered?"

This question was asked by one of the women who ministered. When God and the devil had their conversation and made an agreement at the beginning of the Book of Job, satan did not suggest that Job be the subject of temptation. Neither did Job volunteer. In fact, it was God who said, "Have you considered my servant, Job?"

Job walked upright before God, and was such a holy man that he immediately came to God's mind when satan attempted to challenge God. Not only did God put faith in Job to accept and conquer the challenge, but He also protected him. He limited what satan could do, and even restored all that was lost in the battle.

"Are you worthy to be considered?"

My God, that is such a loaded question. I want to be worthy of consideration. I want God to be able to trust me. I want my Father to have confidence in me. I want to be so precious to Him, that He will stand up and call me by name when satan comes, knowing that I will not bow to temptation. The best thing about our Father is that He already does all this and more. I have not been as holy as Job was, yet the Lord still called me. I would probably lose my mind if I lost my entire family and all my belongings in one single day. Yet, He has promised that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Isn't God good! Hallelujah!

One thing is for sure. I praise God for the blood of Jesus. His blood means that God doesn't require a resume in order to serve me or allow me to serve. Nevertheless, I want to add a few credentials, just in case He takes a peak. I want to add to the Kingdom of God and grow on a daily basis. I want to know that God can depend on me, and that I can stand in the day of adversity. After all, to whom much is given, much is required.

AMEN

Every Believer Has a Ministry

^{2 Corinthians 5:17 – 6:10}

¹⁷ Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ¹⁸ And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. ²⁰ Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. ²¹ For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

¹ We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. ² (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) ³ Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: ⁴ But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, ⁵ In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; ⁶ By pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, ⁷ By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, ⁸ By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; ⁹ As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; ¹⁰ As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

What is a minister? How does one know that he or she is called into the ministry? I have been meditation on these very questions over the last few days. I must say that I am in awe at how complicated we sometimes try to make Kingdom business. The bottom line is that EVERY believer is called into the ministry. Each of us have a responsibility, which is to bring souls to the Body of Christ.

Now, Ephesians 4:11-12 outlines the five-fold ministry. In other words, these are ministry categories, if you will. Many of us are called into these positions or have ministries that fall into one of these categories. Nevertheless, every saint of God is called into the Ministry of Reconciliation!

Jesus has given us the ministry of reconciliation. This means that we are to reconcile sinners to Him. Each one must reach one, at least! We are not saved to keep this good news to ourselves. If this were the case, God could simply take up every person as soon as they sacrifice their lives to Him. Instead, He has constructed a plan by which His love and the Gospel can be shared throughout the world – through us. What a privilege and an honor. What a responsibility!!!

In the work of the ministry, many leaders and ministers often get caught up on the politics of ministry and outreach. It often becomes a business rather than a service. My question to myself and others is this: If God were to call you home today, and ask how many sinners you have brought to salvation, what would your answer be? For too many people, that answer is 0. The truth of the matter is that most churches are packed with broken believers. Most people who don’t believe the Gospel WILL NOT BE IN CHURCH! This means we have to go out and get them, Saints of God. We must go out, as sheep among wolves, and win souls over to Christ! To win a soul, we have to have substance. We need to know that Word of God. We need to have holy boldness. We need to live lives of prayer and fasting. The time is now – NOW is the day of salvation. We can no longer procrastinate. These are the last days, and we must work quickly. Souls are at hand. Eternal life is on the line. AMEN?

Then, we must prove ourselves through the ministry. A ministry is not proven by the amount of money it takes in, nor the type of car driven by the minister, nor the amount of members that show up each Sunday. Instead, according to the Word, our ministry is judged by our patience, our pureness, our knowledge and our love.

How does your ministry measure up? How many lost souls have you rescued from an eternal hell? My prayer is that everyone reading this post will make a new commitment to the Lord. Father, we will seek the lost and bring them back to You, as your Word commands. We die to ourselves, and seek your face. We will be obedient and operate in the ministry of reconciliation. This is a responsibility, but also a privilege given to us by the blood of Jesus Christ. Father, allow your Holy Spirit to teach and strengthen us as we go forth and do your well. Make ready the hearts of those who need you. The harvest is plenteous, and the laborers are few, but Lord, I will go. Send me, in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

Product Recall

The following post is a popular email notification that has been circulating for quite some time. Yet, it blesses me every time I read it. The original author is unknown, but I received it again and wanted to share...

Regardless of make or year, all units known as "human beings" are being recalled by the Manufacturer. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named "Adam" and "Eve" resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units.

This defect is technically termed, "Serious Internal Non-Morality," but more commonly known as "SIN."

Some of the symptoms of the SIN defect:

[a] Loss of direction
[b] Lack of peace and joy
[c] Depression
[d] Foul vocal emissions
[e] Selfishness
[f] Ingratitude
[g] Fearfulness
[h] Rebellion
[i] Jealousy

The Manufacturer is providing factory authorized repair service free of charge to correct the SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus Christ, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.

To repeat, there is no fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is:

P-R-A-Y-E-R

Once connected please upload the burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Christ, into the heart component of the human unit.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Christ will replace it with:

[a] Love
[b] Joy
[c] Peace
[d] Kindness
[e] Goodness
[f] Faithfulness
[g] Gentleness
[h] Patience
[I] Self-control

Please see the operating manual, HOLY BIBLE, for further details on the use of these fixes.

As an added upgrade, the Manufacturer has made available to all repaired units a facility enabling direct monitoring and assistance from the resident Maintenance Technician, the Holy Spirit. Repaired units need only make Him welcome and He will take up residence on the premises.

WARNING: Continuing to operate a human being unit without corrections voids the Manufacturer's warranty, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list, and will ultimately result in the human unit being incinerated.

Thank you for your attention.

Hell Bent but Heaven Bound

Praise the Lord! I have a burden on my heart to encourage the saints of God who are dealing with disappointments and frustrations. This is a time when many of God's people are literally going through hell in their lives. Oftentimes, believers feel they are being punished or forsaken because they have problems. We often become discouraged and concerned when things are not perfect, fearing that we are somehow cursed or not pleasing God. Well, I believe God would have His people encouraged in 2005. While it is true that we reap what we sow, the mere presence of failures and frustrations in one's life are not at all indicative of a failed or strained relationship with God. We all have good days and bad ones. People of God, we are often "Hell Bent," but praise God that we are still Heaven Bound!

Job 1:6-12
In this passage of Scripture, God refers to Job as a perfect and upright man. However, Satan challenges Him, accusing Job of living a righteous life only because of the blessings he receives from God. Satan cannot do anything to Job, or any of us, without God's permission, so the Father grants him the opportunity to tempt Job. Nevertheless, even the devil has restrictions. God forbids him to touch Job's life. The point here is that Job was upright in the eyes of God, yet he lost everything he had. Later in the book of Job, though, we learn that his loss is only for a season. In fact, he is restored everything he lost, plus more. Isn't that just like our God? People of God, if Satan is tempting you and you have lost some things in the battle, look for God to restore, in Jesus' name! Temptations and disappointments may have you "Hell Bent," but through His mercy, you are still Heaven Bound!

2 Corinthians 4:8-18
Hallelujah! The Word of God proclaims that we are broken, but never destroyed. Amen! Hell comes in our lives, but it doesn't contain us. We go through, but we will be victorious on the other side. Hallelujah! People of God, we will endure afflictions in this lifetime, but our glory in heaven will far exceed anything we experience in this life. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers us out of them all."

James 1:13-15
It is so important to remember that while God allows us to be tempted of Satan, much like Job, our Father is not the one who tempts us. Instead, we are tempted by our own fleshly desires. Nevertheless, we are called to endure this temptation. When we do, the Bible says that we will be awarded the crown of life. Only temptation that is fulfilled leads to sin. Think it not strange when you are tempted, but flee all appearance of evil! You are a victor through Christ!

Psalm 34:19
Many [are] the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

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In Psalm 23, David says, "though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." I submit to you that David was in a dark place with a stench. Everything around him symbolized death and the loss of hope. Perhaps things in your life appear dead right now - your marriage, your finances, your prayer life, your self esteem. Nevertheless, God allowed him to acknowledge a shadow. Saints of God, a shadow cannot exist without life. Even in the valley, God shines a light on His people. No matter how bad things get, if you can see a shadow, God is present! If you can just say a word to that husband or that wife, you can see a shadow. You may not be able to pay the entire light bill, but if you can still buy bread to eat, there is a shadow. You may not feel that you're reaching heaven, but if you can just open the Word of God, there is a shadow. Perhaps you're not happy with your weight. Skip the elevator and take the stairs, in Jesus' name. There is a shadow! Do not be weary in well doing. In due season, we will reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9)! Due season is nigh. Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations (James 1:2-12). God is just working patience in you. He is perfecting you. Endure, and you will receive the crown of life!

Be encouraged. God has said through his prophets that 2005 will be a year of increase for His people. Find the source of the shadow in your situation. Locate that one speck of light, and grab it. Expect great and mighty things. Your expectancy shapes your faith, and God moves based on your faith! Take heed, and seek the Lord while He may be found. Take inventory your life and be certain that your relationship with God is strong. Nevertheless, don't allow Satan's devices to discourage you. You are who God said you are, and what He has for you - it is for you, in Jesus' name!

Praise God, you are Hell Bent, but Heaven Bound, in Jesus' name. Rejoice and prepare your testimony!

Please click here to play an important audio message about being "Hell Bent, but Heaven Bound!"

Are You Hiring?

Resumé

Jesus Christ

Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Hello. My name is Jesus -The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications

· Founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)

· Formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)

· Breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)

· Redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)

· Blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant come through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background

· Employed, eternally, by only One, (See Luke 2:49).

· Never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.

· My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills & Work Experience

· Skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).

· I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).

· Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background

· I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).

· In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).

· My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).

· I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments

· I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).

· I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).

· I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).

· I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!

· There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References

Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance.

In Summation
Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).