Do you have a life-verse or a life-statement? Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain. (1 Cor 15 v58) Jesus shared in our death that we might share in his resurrection. The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. Bertrand Russell It is only inasmuch as you see someone as he or she really is here and now, and not as they are in your memory or your desire or in your imagination or projection, that you can truly love them; otherwise, it is not the person that you love but the idea that you have formed of this person. Anthony de Mello - How to love truly
The Fateful Fact by Dick Williams. If there is no reason behind the universe, then that is a fact, and it is a fact I need to know. For if I knew that, I should know that whatever reason I can construct for living will be sheer invention, having no authority whatever, save that of my own mind. But if there is a reason for everything, that too is a fact, and it is even more important that I should know it. For to be alive for a purpose and to be ignorant of it, would be a tragedy beyond imagination.
The purpose of our service is to glorify God and to edify others. When we find areas of service in which to use our unique serving profile, we will be fruitful and fulfilled. For we are God’s masterpiece [handiwork, workmanship, poetry]. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things [works] he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2 v10 [NLT] God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are. [CEV]
Our Serving Profile includes Our spiritual gifts Our Personal Style Our Ministry Passions
Ministry Passion Categories Description Outreach Relating to unbelievers and sharing faith in Christ Connecting Helping connect newcomers with members thru welcome, hospitality and encouragement Caring Caring for church and community people with their varied needs Equipping Helping to grow disciples in their gifts, service and leadership Supporting Organising structures and processes to free up and support people in their ministries Celebration Helping people engage with God through worship, the Word, music, prayer and the arts.
There are Different kinds of Opportunities to serve structured, permanent ongoing activities in the church & community special projects for a time. by responding to the Spirit’s promptings Ministry Passion Categories Description Social Issues Engaging in wider issues of social concern to help make a difference & transform society Cross-cultural mission Going to live in another culture to share the good news of Jesus in word and action.
Hebrews 12 v1 & 2 As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly [entangles us], and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. [GNB] Ephesians 4 v1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. [NLT]
M