The Big Picture

Ephesians 3:1-3

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203%3A1-3&version=NIV;ESV

 

You may be familiar with the “parable of the talents” in Matthew 25. A land owner gives one of his servants five talents; to another 2; and to another 1 talent. Each servant

was a steward over the talent(s) they were given.

 

However, you may not be as familiar with the concept of being a steward of God’s grace. Paul was. He wrote about it in Ephesians 3.

 

² …assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, ³ how the mystery was made known to me… ⁶ This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. ESV

 

Paul is taking a Big Picture look at his life and his ministry. He didn’t focus on his past, feeling guilty about how he aggressively persecuted the church to the extreme of imprisonment and even death. And he didn’t focus on his current circumstances while writing this letter in prison potentially feeling powerless or sorry for himself.

 

Instead, Paul focused on the calling he had from God to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul was a steward of all that God had given him which included his calling.

 

In the same way, God has given each of us, you and I, a calling on our life. It is up to us

to look at the Big Picture, not the past or the present, and to be good stewards of His Grace.

 

In looking at the Big Picture of your life, ask yourself, what are the “talents” that God has given you to be a steward over? How can you use those “talents” to spread the Gospel of Christ? To build the Kingdom of God? What desires has He given you to touch the lives of others?

 

Paul concludes his look at the Big Picture in Ephesians with a powerful prayer for the Gentile believers. His prayer is just as powerful for you and me today.

 

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power,

together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.                       NIV

 

 

You Are Called

Mark 6:7-9 (MSG)  Jesus called the Twelve to him, and sent them out in pairs. He gave them authority and power to deal with the evil opposition.  He sent them off with these instructions: "Don't think you need a lot of extra equipment for this. You are the equipment. No special appeals for funds. Keep it simple.  

Jesus sent his followers out in pairs. He knew they would need the support and encouragement a partner could provide.  While singly the disciples could cover more territory, as pairs they could give prayer cover while the other was dealing with a situation.  When one stumbled or despaired, the other could provide support or wisdom when faced with new problems. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work (Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)
Keep it simple.  What a great way to approach ministry.  Keep it simple; how much more could be accomplished if we did this, if we kept things simple so our work could be easily duplicated. There is wisdom in these verses. It is simple to talk to a neighbor, to invite them over for a meal or to help with a chore. It is simple to ask if you could pray for them.

The relationship that is being formed will eventually allow you to take the next step and share your faith story. Keep it simple. Make friends, enjoy each other, develop trust and share your life. This is how we share the Good News, by sharing our lives, by opening our homes and keeping it simple.

It is good to remember too, when we feel inadequate and so very unprepared for what lies ahead, He (Jesus) gave them (and us) authority and power to deal with evil opposition," so we can know that we have truly been equipped. WE ARE CALLED! YOU ARE CALLED!

Mark 6:7-13

Build Up Our Communities Acts 2:40-47

Peter warned and pleaded with the people of Israel. “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation!” How many years ago was that? That sounds like the same message we’re hearing today. Are we living in a corrupt and indecent generation again, or still? All these years and we haven’t figured out how to fix it? Weren’t we given another chance to start over when the floods came? Why do we keep gravitating toward evil? If God is so strong and mighty, why does it seem satan is winning? Why are we believers the minority? WHY IS THIS SO HARD?! I have lots more questions than answers!

A majority of this scripture comes under the heading of The Fellowship of the Believers. It appears that if we belong to a safe little church community, we can get together, be baptized, do good things for others, praise God, and in turn enjoy everlasting life in his favor. That’s pretty comfortable, but ignorant don’t you think? Oh yes, I’d prefer to dream about how I am doing all the right things here on earth and will one day hear those humbling words. “Well done good and faithful servant,” but something tells me it’s going to take more than simply being part of a fellowship of believers.

My church offers many small groups, ministries, and serving opportunities around the world that are very organized and well executed. I love that about the church, because my brain is not always systematic—you can verify that with my husband. However, this may not be for everyone. I am not comfortable in large overly organized systems, so simply take direction from the message painted above the foyer as I exit the sanctuary each Sabbath. It reads, “You are now entering the mission fields.” I do believe that all the world is a mission field. Whether organized or not, we are called to minister to, and be an example for others. Perhaps it’s a neighbor, co-worker, or even your child’s “friend” who you would prefer had not entered into your life at all. Stepping outside of our fellowship circle may not be comfortable, but it can make a difference in this world, one heart at a time.

Read the Acts 2:40-47 text here.

Pray Continually - 2 Timothy 1:1-7

As I was writing in my journal this day, I was listing those I am praying for and acknowledged the list was getting longer each day.  The prayers ranged from health issues, to financials concerns, to petitions that some lost friends and relatives find Jesus.  There are varying degrees of urgency to these requests, but I ended my list with "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  I noted in the margin, "How does one  do that?"

The text today speaks of Paul praying continually for Timothy.  Again I ask, "How?"

"I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers." (2 Timothy 1:3)
Now, granted, Paul has lots of time as once again he is in prison, but Paul has been praying for Timothy since they first met.  So what does praying continually look like?  For me, I am sure I fall short of Paul's practice, but I have faith that once I give my requests to God He has them covered.  Therefore, if I live my day and my life in close contact with God, connecting with Him all day on every issue before me, I consider this praying continually.

Paul's love for Timothy and the faith he has that Timothy will carry on the convicted man's work of spreading the Gospel, give Paul strength and reason to pray continually for their ministry of love.

Read the 2 Timothy 1:1-7 text here

Stand Firm - Acts 25:10-26:1

During the time of my husband's illness, I wondered why God had brought him so far, had prepared him for ministry work like Kairos prison ministry, Honduran Mission trips, and outreach to men in local congregations through a program called Renewal.  Why did God give Dave such a powerful witness only to snuff it out a few years after it begun?

As I am reading about Paul's journey and the times he spent saying the same thing over and over with his words falling on apparent deaf ears.But Paul never stopped proclaiming the truth.  Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:10-11)

I realize now that Dave's witness was even greater during his illness and following his death.  People listened to stories about all the amazing things God did during Dave's life.  People also heard of some of the more precious moments God blessed Dave with during this difficult time.

It is becoming apparent that Paul's ministry is enhanced with the length of time it is taking to clear his name. The more he proclaims his innocence and demands to be taken to Rome for his trail, the more people hear him repeat the gospel message. God worked in mysterious ways in Paul’s life and He will do the same with your life and mine.

Read the Acts 25:10-26:1 text here.