2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (NKJV)
I can hardly believe it is Christmas already! I’ve been thinking on gifts and my thoughts continually go to my Beloved, Jesus. Abba always gives the best and in His precious Son is His full expression of Himself……Love.
I recently started a new job. I am a home care provider for an elderly woman, Miss Zora. A few days ago, she was telling me about a woman in the rehab center she had just been discharged from. Miss Zora told me how the woman would crochet hats and give them to people. Miss Zora called it a “Love Ministry”. I love that! I also like to make hats, blankets, and baby booties to give to people. I pray as I make them. I had never really thought of it as a love ministry because it’s just what I do.
Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father. Jesus ministers out of who He is. It is His nature.
I looked up the word “ministry” in the Strong’s Concordance and the dictionary and they both said: carry out a purpose, be helpful, serve, attend, to run errands and a waiter (server in a restaurant).
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. (KJV)
Colossians 2:9,10 For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe. (NLT)
Colossians 3:11-14 (NLT) Paraphrased: In this new life Christ is all that matters and He lives in us. Be kind, gentle, tenderhearted and loving. Express Christ! Let Him flow through you and minister to those in your path.
Here are some ways I love to minister to people:
Smile and say hello. One day as I was coming out of the mailroom in South Korea where I was stationed, I looked up and smiled at another G.I. and said hello. He stopped with a look of shock on his face. He told me that he had been there for 10 months and I was the first person to ever smile at him and acknowledge him. I had gotten a package with chocolates in it so I offered him some and we parted ways. I was delighted to see a smile on HIS face as he left.
Thank people. As I was driving through our Air Force Base last week, I thanked the gate guard for protecting us and keeping us safe. He was so blessed that he blushed! Gate guard duty can be a mundane and thankless job, but it is a very important job.
Encourage and pray for people. I was coming out of Walmart one freezing, snowy day in Northern Maine and there were some Teen Challenge guys out front collecting money for the program. I don’t remember how the conversation turned to fathers, but this one guy had some serious issues with his dad even after going through the program and he was so angry. We talked for almost two hours and I encouraged him to forgive his dad and I told him of our Holy Father’s love….how much He loved him and wanted him to walk in freedom and peace in Christ. I don’t even remember what I said, but I could see it pierce his heart and I watched as the anger faded and wonder came over his face! God is awesome!
As you go along in your day, keep your eyes up and not on yourself. There is always someone that needs a touch from the Father and He wants you to be the vessel for His love to flow to those around you. Don’t look at the outward package of people, but ask the Lord to see their heart. As you think on Love, ask Him to give you ways to express Himself to those around you. Have a wonderful Christmas as you celebrate the best Gift ever!
Abba, thank You for Your precious Son Jesus. You always give the best gifts. Thank You for Your love and Your provision. Holy Father, help us to see the hearts of those around us and give us the words they need to hear. Help us to love people with Your love. Abba, You are truly amazing and we praise You. We praise You, Lord Jesus. You are so amazing and wonderful! Amen.
2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!