Just wondering

I was just wondering how many of us Pastors (and actually all Christ-followers) act on Jesus' teaching in John 13. I see a lot of posturing and attention-seeking amongst believers today, but very little of what Jesus modelled for us.

When he {Jesus} had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17)

To be fair, I know that there are a lot of servant-hearted believers in our communities, because these are the Christians that make the most impact for the kingdom. I guess they are the ones who act for Jesus without publicizing their actions. 

·      “Most people wish to serve God - but in an advisory capacity only.” - Anonymous 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A motivation to do your best

As some of you are aware, we have just come back from a working Mission trip to the Namaqualand circuit. We were asked to help with some repairs and maintenance at the old age home in Springbok, called Huis Harmonie. The experience involved a lot of hard work but was equally rewarding. 

One of the key scriptures we used to keep us motivated was from Colossians 3. When you read it from Eugene Peterson's paraphrase, it makes a lot of sense:

"And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work." - Colossians 3:23-25

Thought: How can we go about our daily tasks being motivated to serve the Lord?

Living in grace

D3LM3

Strong and immovable

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Paul has a lovely way of encouraging us to persevere. I know that we don't always feel immovable and strong, but his message is important for us to hear. Our work for the Lord cannot be measured in the same way as commercial success, but we need to believe that when we serve God our efforts are making a difference.

"With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." (The Message - Eugene Peterson)

Keep serving the Lord and leaving the results up to him. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

On Assignment

Whether we realise it or not we are all busy on some assignment right now. Yes, that includes you too! It may not seem like anything official, but we could be working on the assignment of:
career, parenting, retirement, recovery, serving, helping, studying, planning, praying, loving.
Being on assignment can mean a range of things for each one of us - the important thing to remember is WHY you are busy on this assignment and for WHOM are you so busy.

Peter was very clear on his purpose and that is why he wrote:

"I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!" - 1 Peter 1:1-2 (Message)

Just reading these words from Peter I am also greatly encouraged by the words:

"no one is forgotten..."
"the Father has his eye on you...."

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Inadequate

“We are used to viewing the early apostles as superstars on a pedestal that we can easily forget that they were pitifully inadequate for the task which they were given.” – Phil Moore 

This quote makes me feel a lot more comfortable about serving God "as I am", rather than trying to be a Mega-Star pastor. God certainly desires to use every person to help build his kingdom, and God ABSOLUTELY needs all of us to take our "inadequacies" and to use our lives to honour him. 

Let us not make excuses today as to why we "can't" do something for Jesus, but rather show that we are WILLING to offer what we have.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

28 - Moonlighting with the Devil.

The term "Moonlighting" refers to someone working in a second job, usually secretly and at night - this is in addition to their normal employment. When Eugene Peterson reflects on Psalm 28 he uses this term to refer to how some people 'moonlight' for the devil. 

"Don’t turn a deaf ear when I call you, God.
If all I get from you is deafening silence,
I’d be better off in the Black Hole.

I’m letting you know what I need, calling out for help
And lifting my arms toward your inner sanctum.

Don’t shove me into the same jail cell with those crooks,
With those who are full-time employees of evil.They talk a good line of “peace,” then moonlight for the Devil."

The tough question for us is this: "Do we live two different lives? One that seems to be good and Christian, while our behaviour at other times is not very godly at all?"

"God is all strength for his people, ample refuge for his chosen leader;
Save your people and bless your heritage.
Care for them; carry them like a good shepherd." - Psalm 28:8-9 (MSG)

Even though there are some people who "moonlight with the devil" we should always remember who we serve. God is the best 'boss' to work for and he will always provide for our needs. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3