It begins in Matthew 4: 18, Mark 1: 16, Luke 5: 1, and John 1:35.
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Sometimes I forget that I did not think of God first, love God first, decide to follow God first, or even decide to permit myself to be sent by God. None of this was my idea at all. It all came from God. Even before I was made, God loved me and had already chosen me. How could I be so arrogant as to think it was my idea all along? Perhaps it was and is mydesire to be in charge, to be in control of my own destiny, when deep within I know so very well that I am completely dependent upon God for all things. I think those first disciples and I have at least that much in common. They were each sought out by God in Christ and had to be reminded who they were, who it was that gave them life and loved them without limit, and who it was that chose them and sent them to be witnesses to the world. Even after three years and with Jesus they
needed each other and the power of the Holy Spirit to help them remember that they were indeed beloved, chosen, and sent into the world by God. I need as much today. How about you?”
Bishop Rueben P. Job, “When You Pray”
Folks, we have our weekly staff meetings on Tuesday’s beginning at 9:00A.M. It is time to go around the table and share what is happening in our particular area of ministry, what is not happening, and/or what
needs to happen. It is a time when staff bring their collective wisdom to the table for the greatest good of the ministry and mission of the church. I open each staff meeting with a devotional. This week, it was the
essay above. We pray before the meeting begins. We pray to conclude our meeting. We realize that we are about holy work, which cannot be accomplished without holy moments with God’s Spirit present. We also pray for many in the congregation, lifting up their needs and situations to the Lord. We, at times, share personal moments of need and concern that stay within our circle of trust and confidence.
God through Christ calls the church for a particular task. Every Christian has a responsibility to the Kingdom. Every Christian has a mandate to show up for duty…not just on Sunday, but every waking
moment. Our world brings about opportunities for ministry. Never forget: You are called. You are a beloved Child of God. Someone died that you may live. I work every day to be faithful to God. Join me. Join the church in doing holy work. See you this Sunday.
Shalom + Paz + Pax + Peace
Pastor Frank