We communicate a lot through our teaching and preaching concerning the value of producing “godly fruit” though our lifestyle. The Scriptures are clear about what that fruit is and what it looks like as manifested through our words and actions.

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One of my favorite passages of scripture is Luke 4:18, 19:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor; he has sent me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed, to proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord.”

For recovery to transpire through the ministry of Jesus, the Spirit of the Lord had to be upon Him.

How much more so for us?

For additional insight read verses 1 through 14. Jesus entered the wilderness “full of, and led by” the Spirit - but after enduring a time of testing exited “under the power of” the Spirit. He was then empowered to fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy concerning him.

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There is much discussion and varying opinions concerning the role of the Church in the world. In light of the argument (and from a perspective formed through a long tenure of experience in mission work) I would like to submit a question and some points to consider.

Is the primary role of the Church to meet needs, or to embody the truth? If it is primarily to meet needs, then we will always be frustrated.

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I have developed a habit of journaling powerful quotes that have a way of coming across my path and speaking to certain situations. This week, two of them stood out in a significant way.

“Many want a “double portion” but are unwilling to go a “second mile.” (Chuck Kuehn)

“The most liberating thing you can do is become a prisoner of the Lord.” (Cliff Willis)

Be blessed this week!

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Every moment of the day we are either in an empowered, or dis-empowered “state of being.”

Feelings will affect our state, both positively and negatively. They manifest from the meanings we attach to the daily situations that we encounter.

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“But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news of God’s grace.” (Acts 20:24)

To finish the course of your ministry with joy, you will need to:

Not be moved by oppositions, unknowns, and disappointments.

Love not your life unto death.

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There are two spiritual entities that would love to have mastery of your life.

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10

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I walked through the grocery store yesterday, and after a few minutes noticed that no one was smiling. Intrigued, I decided to do a more thorough examination, so I did a complete lap through each department and found the mood to be consistent throughout. The customers, the bag-boys, cashiers - I diligently looked but could not find a hint of happiness in the entire place.

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We don’t have to ask God to do something that He has already given us authority and permission to do “in His name.”

He has given us the authority of His name, the presence of His Spirit, the power of His faith, revealed through the truth of His Word.  The rest is up to us to belive and act upon it.

“…In my name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison it will not hurt them,; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” (Mark 16:17)

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There is a principle that can be applied to our work in the ministry that will insure greater effectiveness and longer lasting results in the lives of people:

Join God in what He is already doing.

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