Welcome To Level #3!
To be fair, it’s not the final level. How far one can go in the Kingdom has yet to be discovered, but we are laying a foundation for long-term growth.
We often say that the Christian life is to Follow Jesus, Honor God, and Help Others. The Journey is one from the Individual toward the World. Simply put Christians have a Ministry toward each other and a Mission toward the World.
It’s so easy to simply get along and be concerned only with yourself. But, if that were everyone’s attitude how would anyone else find Jesus? How would anyone else grow in their faith?
2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT) You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
The wonderful gifts of Salvation, Discipleship, and Spiritual Gifts are given by God. And, they are meant to be shared with everyone.
We began learning to spiritually care of ourselves. We then learned that we need to invite others into our journey. Today, we talk about how to take this show on the road!
Change Up Your Prayer Life
I WISH I could overemphasize prayer. I wish I could make it of such magnificent importance that even a half response would suffice. But, prayer can’t be overemphasized.
Prayer is the air a church breathes. In fact, the health of a community is a direct reflection of the voices being lifted up for it.
Revelation 8:4 (NLT) The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.
This is one of my favorite scriptures on prayer. It reveals the power of Prayer from Heaven. God mixes those prayers with His power and Holiness. The results are literally planet shaking.
Last post we talked about praying with a friend. Today I want to challenge you to pray with your church family and your small group. I know the idea of a “prayer meeting” may not sound exciting. But, I assure you, it is powerful.
The greatest times of growth in my life came in those seasons that I was committed to praying with others. When we pray with others, we are encouraged in ways we did not know were possible. We learn about each other in much deeper and more significant ways. Prayer makes you stronger and your community stronger.
Prayer is also a magnificent way to engage our community. So few have experienced the supernatural touch of believing prayer. It may not be in your comfort zone but it could be. The blessing it would sow in your city is greater than you know.
Oh, that we would learn to love praying.
Wake Up Your Quiet Time
It’s fantastic to have a good habit of connecting with God and sharing what He gives you. Your faith will greatly accelerate as you share it. So, take your quiet time on the road. Well, at least share it with a small group.
Discussing your Spiritual findings with a friend is very powerful. Participating in conversations with others only adds to that experience.
Understand, the Holy Spirit is the Teacher. We live in a society of experts and professionals. We tend to forget that often the most compelling ideas come from the newest participants. In other words, a new believer is likely to have compelling insights.
It is common for experienced believers to take once inspiring truths for granted. How refreshing to hear those ideas expressed afresh from the lips of those new to the Kingdom. They will breathe fresh fire into your faith.
So, get involved in more faith conversations. It’s too easy to talk about nothing. Don’t fall for that trap. The enemy wants your faith experience to come to nothing. He does that by making sure we never have significant conversations.
It’s time to “unquiet” your quiet time, by bringing into your daily conversations. As you do, ministry opportunities will present themselves. You will learn time and again that you “fresh bread” from heaven is for a lot of people, not just you.
Shake Up Your Generosity
Sharing your blessings is interwoven in everything a believer does. So, let’s level it up by…
Sharing in your Church. Your church is a great place to use your gifts. It’s literally designed for you to have a place to share. But, let’s review a passage in Proverbs.
Proverbs 18:16 (NET) A person’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before important people.
Your church has never had anyone like you before. Your gifts may not be apparent right away. That’s why the New Testament spends a lot of time teaching believers to be patient and kind with each other.
The point I am struggling to make is this. Giving your talents and resources to your church needs to be WITH your church. You may begin serving in a place that isn’t your favorite place. But, it is serving with other servants that you discover your gifts. It is by serving with others that your gifts are revealed to others.
That’s what we mean when we say, “Your gift will make room for you.”
Learn to give of yourself and your gifts will open a path for you into greater service. But also into areas of your desire and passion.
Also, level up by sharing with the World. Church isn’t the only place to serve. It’s a great place to start. It’s a good place to learn about patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Learning about those fruits of God’s Spirit will equip you to bring your gifts into the world. A world that isn’t so patient, kind, or forgiving.
But, It needs those graces.
So, Release The JOY! Take this Faith of yours, this Faith that God has given you to others.
People need what you have been given.
Go With God My Friends!
Micheal