Here is a wonderful and timely message from Pastor “Papa” Bill Ruhl:
As I happened to listen to Lance Wallnau this morning, his comments sparked a conversation in me. I pondered the present state of affairs in our nation and world, because the Body of Christ has stayed on the religious mountain while not advancing the Kingdom in the other realms of influence in society. The old adage that “a person shouldn’t be so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good” came to mind.
Too many think that the only way to effectively serve the Lord is by pursuing “full time” ministry and many are disappointed when a son or daughter, or any family member for that matter, doesn’t meet up to their expectations of career choices because they are involved in “worldly” pursuits.
In Matthew 5:14,16 Jesus says we are the light of the world and that your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven. Where is your light supposed to shine? Out there, set before the world, so that All, not just the Church, can see it!
Think about it. How will they (the world) know and believe unless they can hear, and how can they hear without someone being sent into their arena to preach (Romans 10:14-15)? Notice it doesn’t say unless an Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Evangelist or Pastor is sent out to them.
No, that “someone” is all who have believed. Jesus’ commission to us was to go out into all the world (religious, government, media, entertainment, business, education and family) to preach the gospel of His Kingdom. We are not all called to the church. The church is a place of gathering to receive teaching, fellowship, and refreshing, so that you are prepared to go out and impact the world.
Ephesians 4:11-13 states, “He (Jesus) gave SOME (not all) as apostles, SOME as prophets, SOME as evangelists, SOME as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints (all the rest of us) for the work of Ministry (wherever you are in one of those spheres of societal influence), for the building up (Kingdom expansion) of the Body of Christ!” Some, some, some, some and some!
Most of my ministry has been as an itinerant preacher (not stationary, but traveling about in my day-to-day responsibilities (e.g., work, job, employment, gifting, etc.). When I was in “pulpit” or a church ministry, I was bi-vocational, as I also worked in a worldly vocation.
We’ve missed it church. We’ve lost our “saltiness.” We’ve been too concerned about credentials and titles, wanting everyone crammed into the “five-fold” box when only SOME are appointed to that “function,” but ALL are called to minister! Notice that Jesus wasn’t focused on you being the leader, but He was focused on each one being a servant to others.
Quit being discouraged because you don’t have a title, or perhaps your son or daughter hasn’t fulfilled YOUR dream by going to bible college and out into the “mission field!” Where can we/they fulfill God’s destiny for our lives? Where can we/they impact the world for Jesus best? The answer is right where God has planted us, where our gifts and talents thrive, in the field of opportunity He has placed us in; for the fields of this world are ripe for harvest, and the Lord is looking for laborers to GO and reap that harvest of souls for His Kingdom!
My greatest time of recognition was not before some church assembly, but during my retirement celebration after almost 30 years of service with Delta Air Lines. Many of my colleagues recognized my contributions over all those years, and that was very gratifying to hear, but the greatest tribute came when one of the younger employees stood up and thanked me for always being available to listen and for bringing Christ into the workplace. I remembered back to when I was first “born again” and a young lady that worked the ticket counter in Albuquerque came into my office and said, “can I talk to you about my marriage?” What, I’m your supervisor?
She said, “I know, but I just sense you can help me.” What had changed in our relationship? Jesus now lived in me, the Hope of Glory. Freshly born again and Jesus was already displaying Himself to others!
Think about this and listen closely to what the Spirit of the Lord is saying. What sphere of influence are you predestined to operate in? Where is your gift and calling best suited to operate effectively? Quit seeking a title or position to acquire the attention and admiration of others. Jesus said the Father knows all that you need, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these other things will be provided to you.” Do you desire to be an influencer, then speak Jesus wherever you are!
Several years ago, my amazing psalmist friend, CeCe Prince, collaborated with the group “Here Be Lions” worship team, led by Pastor and Worship Leader Dustin Smith along with the collective group of Smith, Jesse Reeves, Carlene Prince, Raina Pratt, Kristen Dutto and Abbey Benton, to write “I Speak Jesus.” The words of this psalmic prayer sum up my thoughts today:
“I just want to speak the name of Jesus!
Over every heart and every mind.
Cause I know there is peace within Your presence.
I speak Jesus!
I speak Jesus from the mountains.
And Jesus in the streets.
Jesus in the darkness over every enemy.
Jesus for my family.
I speak the holy Name, Jesus!”
Do you want to fulfill your calling and impact the mountains of influence in your region today? Well then, go out into all the world around you and “Speak Jesus!”
Blessings!
Pastor “Papa” Bill Ruhl, Global Destiny Ministry, Albuquerque, New Mexico