Three days…
1 Peter 4:8-10
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
When it comes to working in ministry, God tends to push me. He gives me ideas and motivation to do things I would probably never do on my own. Once, while in the middle of a hectic and crazy youth fundraiser event, one of the volunteers looked at me and said, “You and your big ideas!” I still smile when I think about that moment. I might seem a little nutty and overzealous at times, but I can honestly say those big ideas are not mine; they are God’s call on my life. For whatever reason, I feel not only inspired but propelled into different aspects of ministry. Though sometimes I feel like I’m in over my head, I’m never sorry I did what God was calling me to do.
In Titus 3:8, Paul says, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”
According to 1 Peter 4:8-10 and Titus 3:8, it is my own personal conviction that I use my gifts with a fervent love while ministering in the way God intends to use me. I also want to encourage you to not only step out and act on what God is calling you to do, but to do it in love. I persuade you to work on loving ALL people and ministering to ALL people in the way Christ would have us.
Every blog post I’ve written with a spiritual connotation I’ve shared first and foremost because God was speaking it for my own life. Every word I’ve written is meant first for me to apply to my personal reality. God is speaking it to my heart loudly and showing me the areas I need to strengthen. He is even spending some time weeding the garden of my heart. That isn’t always easy for my flesh to withstand, because unfortunately, weeds are firmly rooted. However, His word and direction in my life are softening those ugly roots so that they can be pulled and replaced with fruit. I hope through sharing my own personal journey, you will find some encouragement and hope. If God is weeding the garden of your heart, accept it with a willing spirit. His mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
