My Food is to do the will of the Father

John 4:34 - "“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."

I love this verse. Jesus is saying, I live to do the will of the Father. He saying, this is what I crave. This is what satisfies me.  This is what sustains me. 

Think of a time when there was a certain food you craved. You hadn't had it for sometime, and you feel like you have to have it. You feel like you would do anything to get it. Think of a food that you feel you couldn't live without. What is most basic food.

As believers, we need to live for him alone. Even as our bodies crave food. We are to crave the Father. We live to do the work of God, His will. We should be compelled to obey Him and do His work. It should be what we live for.

Given From Heaven

In John 3:25-30, John the Baptist disciples come to him with a complaint. They said that everyone is going over to be baptized by Jesus and his disciples. John's following was decreasing and his disciples were concerned about this.

John gives this reply in verse 27 - "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven."

This is a profound statement and truth that we need to get hold of. John recognized that God called him to a specific area of ministry which was preparing the way for the Christ. John understood his calling and the limits of his calling. He wasn't upset or jealous because Jesus was getting a greater following. He understood that God was in control and this was His plan.

Sometimes as ministers of the Lord we look at other peoples ministries and get upset even jealous because there ministry is bigger and greater than our ministry. Yet, we shouldn't be comparing ourselves with others. 

2 Corinthians 10:12 says, "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise."

God has a specific plan and purpose for you to fulfill as a minister of the Lord. God has set up certain boundaries that our ministry is to fall between. The boundaries and calling God has given others may be larger, greater, and even more glorious, while this may not be what God intended for you. We always think bigger and more is better, only if this what God desires for you. We know God is limitless. He may limit us, not in power, not in strength, not in wisdom, not in the Holy Spirit, but 
limit our sphere of ministry.

Also John the Baptist declared in verse 30 - " He must become greater; I must become less.”

John understood that he was only there as a precursor of the Messiah. He was only setting the stage for Jesus ministry. He was only building the scaffolding for Christ greater ministry. Often God has called us to do the same thing. Many great ministries were built on the foundations that were laid by others. A foundation is small compared to the over all size of the building. It usually unseen and doesn't receive much attention, but it is essential for the longevity and success of the building.

I think of my father who worked tirelessly in Guinea and Sierra Leon, Africa for 9 year with very little harvest or visible fruit of their tireless work among the Muslims. They left Sierra Leon with only one convert who was a boy at the time who later went to Bible School. This pastor now has established many churches. My dad's ministry was not head line news, but he was faithful with what God had called him to do. He laid the foundation for future ministry.

Established on a Promise

John 2:19-20 - "Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
²⁰ They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?”

 When I read this verse, God spoke something to me. He said the temple took so long to complete because it was a man made temple. It was built in the flesh. It was built under Herod's command, not God's.

Solomon's temple was completed in 7 years because God had ordained Solomon to build it. The temple that was built after the Israelites returned from captivity took 19 years due to resistance of the surrounding nations that resulted in the stopping of work on the temple for 16 years. Yet, in the end God and his people were victorious and finished. the work. They were successful because God had commanded them to build it.

This is the difference in doing something commanded by the Lord and established on a promise. When we do something in according to God's will and in his power we will be able to do greater things. We will be blessed in what we do because God is working through us to accomplish His plan. Solomon's temple was greater than both of the following temples and built in a shorter period of time. The post exile temple was built in a shorter time than Herod's despite great hurdles they had to overcome. When we work according to our desire and in the flesh, the work becomes greater and more strenuous.

Complaceny

Amos 6:1 - "Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!"

There are many sins that we are not to commit. Many of these sins require action, while there is one sin that doesn't require action but non action. This is the sin of complacency. At this time the Northern kingdom of Israel, Samaria were very content and living in luxury and ease. Much like the United States has been for years. Samaria was in the lap of luxury and a time of peace. They felt very secure. They were not serving the Lord, but felt very secure in themselves. As result, they became complacent. They no longer pursued the Lord.

As believers, we can become complacent. We may not be living in blatant sin as Samaria was at this time, but at the same time we are not doing much for the Lord. We have become content in life, both economically and spiritually. We are enjoying the pleasures of the this world. Not necessarily sinful pleasures, but pleasures that lull us into a spiritual stupor. We have lost our fist love for Christ. We are no longer zealous for him. We are just going through the motions. We are no longer seeking Him with all our hearts. We are no longer living in the light of eternity.

God is calling us to wake up from our sleep because the days are short.

Prayer for your Nation

Joel 2:15-17 - "Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.¹⁶ Gather the people,consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. ¹⁷ Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the portico and the altar. Let them say, “Spare your people, Lord Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations.Why should they say among the peoples,‘Where is their God?

This a powerful verse that call God's people to intercede for their nation. We are fist to intercede for repentance in God's church. A prayer for the people of God who have strayed from the truth and the path of righteousness. A prayer for fresh zeal and power in the Holy Spirit. Then we need to pray for our country that they turn from their sinful ways and come back to the Lord.

There are several things in this passage that really stand out to me. First, everyone is to be involved in intercessory prayer on behalf of the land, even children and nursing mothers. In other words, no exceptions. Secondly, the intensity of the prayer which brings weeping. Lastly, if we don't pray, the nation will become godless. Europe is a great example of a godly nation that became godless. The great continent that used to send missionaries through out the world, now needs missionaries. We in the United States need to be careful that we don't go down the same path.

I call all of God's people old and young to pray on behalf of their country. There are two promises that accompany a nation who calls on the name of the Lord. One, the Lord will take pity and send blessing. ( Joel 2:18-19) Secondly, God will pour out His Spirit. ( Joel 2:28)

Amos One of the Shepherds

In the very first verse of Amos, it starts out, Amos one of the shepherds. God chooses a shepherd to take speak his word. He wasn't anyone special or great. The prophet Amos understood this fully.

Amos 7:14-15 - "Amos answered Amaziah, “I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. ¹⁵ But the Lord took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.

He father wasn't a priest or prophet. He was a nobody. Yet, in God's wisdom and sovereignty he chose him to be his mouth piece. This is a clear example that God can use anyone who is willing, and Amos was willing. We see no resistance to the call of God on his life.

You could have come from an unbelieving household. You could be car salesman, gas station attendant, farmer, house wife, and even a carpenter and God calls you to be his hands, feet and mouth. God could call you into the full time ministry. You may not have gone to Bible school or raised from a very young age in the church, but God could put his hand upon you and say, I am going to show you great and mighty things. I am going to make you my servant. Amos had no theological degree or mentored as Timothy was by Paul, but he loved God and heeded the call. 

I am not belittling being raised in a Christian family and in the church all your life. I am not belittling going to Bible school and being mentored. All this is very important. Yet, it is not an absolute necessity for God to use you. Just take a look at church history and you will find many people God used who had no great education or training but were willing vessels.

Are you willing to hear from God even as Amos heard from God and willing to declare His Word.

Keys to Church Growth

Why don’t we experience it ?

1. The Aquarium Syndrome - Churches have become aquariums, or holding pens for Christians.

4  Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5  And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. (Luke 5)

2. Not Realizing Our Potential

29  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30  By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4)

3. The Violent Take it by FORCE! Time to get in the devil's face.

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. (I Sam. 17)

4. Evangelism doesn’t work from pulpits very well. Works better in the street.

19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matt. 28)

5. Pentecostal Prayer and Praise

7 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1)

32 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4)

6. Must have a STRATEGIC PLAN

10:1  After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2  Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

7. Discipleship vs. Membership - Disciples beget disciples, members come once a week.

23  And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25  For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? 26  For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

NJ Institute of Theological Studies

http://jesuswords4today.wordpress.com/2012/10/15/ministering-like

Knowing Christ

Philippians 3:8-9

 

“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ “

 

Paul opens this chapter in Philippians by giving his resume. Paul was great and successful in both the secular Roman world and the religious Jewish world before he ever met Christ. He was born into an important family, had the best education, had risen to the top of his field, and was successful in everything he did. Paul was zealous for God and his church. He was at the top of his game. But Paul considered all that rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ.

 

Knowing Christ is not the key to greatness and success, nor is greatness and success evidence of knowing Christ. Knowing Christ is greatness and success. In Africa they have a proverb that says, “It is not important who you are but who you know.” In the world and the church we idolize fame, greatness, and success. Our bookstores are filled with books on how to be successful. We parade it on TV and reward it with our time and money. We often gain our sense of identity by what we do and what we possess. However, the things we put such importance and on which we spend so much time and money may bring us some fulfillment and pleasures in this world. But they are rubbish in God’s world compared to knowing Christ.

 

In Luke 10 and John 12 we see two stories of Jesus visit to the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. In both stories Martha is busy serving, and Mary is at Jesus feet in worship. In the story in John, Lazarus was seated at the table fellowshipping with Jesus. In Luke, Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not doing her part in helping serve. Jesus response is very revealing of the heart of God. “And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)

 

All three elements of fellowship, service, and worship are important in our walk with the Lord. But Jesus identifies that what Mary was doing as most important and would not be taken away from her. Everything we do that is of eternal value stems out of our relationship with Christ. The proof of our relationship with Christ is not in our accomplishments but our character as evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit will come forth in our lives in the good times and the bad times. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Prepare the Way for the Lord

Matthew 3:1-3 - "In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea ² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” ³ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
    make straight paths for him.’”

The ministry of John the baptist was to prepare the way for the Lord. This is now the ministry of the church today. Even as John prepared the way for the Lord's first coming, we are to prepare the way for His second coming. We are to preach the same message as John, repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. We are to seek to put people on the straight and narrow path of the Lord. 

Matthew 24:14 - "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."

The end is dependent on our obedience. It is dependent on us preaching the gospel. It is dependent on us being witnesses for Him.

2 Peter 3:9 - " The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God doesn't want anyone to perish. This why he has not yet come back for His church. His coming is dependent on us, the church. We can accelerate His coming or slow His coming. He will only come when every nation has heard the good news of the kingdom. Nation in Greek is "ethnos" or an ethnic group. It is only when every ethnic group has a viable witness that Christ will come.

Pondering

In Luke 2:19 we see that after the shepherds came to see Jesus and told the story of how the angels appeared to them, "Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart".

There are things that God speaks to us, we see and experience that are beyond our understanding. All we can do is ponder them in our hearts. In His time he will bring them to light and give us understanding.

The shepherds told many others the same story and they were amazed. Yet, they didn't treasure them in their hearts. It was a flash in the pan for them. It was something that impacted them for a moment, and then forgotten.

So often when God reveals something new. We get all excited but soon it fades away because we do not store it up in our hearts. We don't let it percolate. We don't let it complete its work. Sometimes as believers we are looking for the new word the new revelation and hop from one to another without allowing it to take root.