Saturday, I was rushing around, trying to finish the videos of the grandchildren’s visit, while, beating myself up for having not accomplished all my to do list. At the same time, I was preparing dinner to take to the guys at the In2Action ministry. In2Action is a ministry to assist those who have lost their way, been imprisoned, and trying to get a fresh start. Their motto is: “Crime Prevention through Personal Redemption.” The men are given opportunities to restart their life through growing in their relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Once or twice a month I prepare food, go over and just spend time with them. Most of the time, I wonder who is more blessed by this ministry, me or them.
So, Saturday; while rushing around the pie wasn’t coming out right, the macaroni was sticking, and the videos were each slowly recording. Finally, I rushed out of the house; having baked the pie crust solo to crumble under cherry pie filling and ice cream. The macaroni and cheese which I made from a rue for the very first time; finally came out smooth. A counter top grill pan and brat burgers to cook there with all the trimmings thrown into the car as I rushed out. As soon as I arrived, they came out to unload my car.
MINISTRY OF LOVE
Together we talked about life, trials and good times. We laughed and we praised God. All the worries, the self-critical thoughts, the frustrations of imperfections faded away. Here we stood with unconditional love each for the other; wrapped in the unconditional love of the Father for us. No pretenses, no attempts to hide the truth of who we are; all quick to praise the God who so graciously saved us.
It is in that arena of ministry, we can fully exhort each other to stand fast in the Lord.
Paul wrote to the church:
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved Philippians 4:1
VULNERABILITY IN TRUE MINISTRY
Christ’s ministry always reached out to sinners, of which we all are. Genuine ministry comes from a willingness to be vulnerable. We cannot minister to others with the genuine love of Christ, if we are unwilling to be honest regarding our own frailties. Only then, can we reach out with genuine unconditional love for the lost.
Paul in writing to Timothy wrote this:
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. I Timothy 1:15
Oh, don’t get me wrong! This is not a license for you or me to sin; so, we might be more effective in ministry. That would be a blasphemous joke of a ministry! Instead, we must recognize our own vulnerabilities; battle sin with all the tools God gave us, while at the same time reaching out to those who need a helping hand. I cannot reach out a helping hand; unless, I take a stand firmly to follow Christ Jesus with all my might. I recognize those areas I must continue to battle, putting on the armor of God; so that I might reach out a helping hand to others. It would be impossible to help others in ministry, if I did not also learn how to be victorious over the trials in my life, keeping my eyes focused on Jesus Christ.
MINISTRY OF BLESSINGS
In the end, I am so blessed to be able to be a part of this ministry. So, much God has given me; allowing me to be a part of this. His love shines down upon each of us. There are set backs at times; yet, my prayer remains, “God bless, guide, and lift up each of these men. Help these beloved, stand firm in You. Thank you, Lord for having blessed me, allowing me to meet each of these men and to be a part of their story. It is your Grace that allows all this.”
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, if you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]Genuine Christ like Ministry begins with humility[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Beginning with a willingness to be vulnerable, humbly reach out to those in need” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]God’s Grace reached out to me and His Love bids me to reach out to others[/tweetthis]
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this write? So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling. If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Photo by Manu Camargo on Unsplash The inscription I added