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“What Is Sowing Seeds
Ministry Trying to Say?” It was a hectic week with little time to prepare a message so I hurriedly looked up the first chapter of John intending to simply talk about the true meaning of Christmas but “Surprise!” I discovered something extraordinary… a gem of scriptural truth that helped explain what I struggle to accomplish as a minister and a writer. So it seems appropriate to share my newfound treasure with you as we begin a new millennium. After all, you have a right to know. U
What do I believe? What is Sowing Seeds Ministry attempting to
teach? "In the
beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in
the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he
didn’t make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone.
The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish
it.” (John 1:1-5 New Living
Translation) We
think of words as something you read but in themselves possess limited power.
But for John the Word is the living Christ who shines in the darkness and the
darkness can never extinguish it. In Genesis God creates the entire world by
merely speaking: “God said… and it was so. “ Such is the power of God’s
Word. So, my job as a pastor and a writer is to simply expose you to the
authoritative, living Word and have complete faith that God will do the rest.
For me, this is where it all starts. I teach at least one Bible study every year. In addition, I always speak or write with the belief that exposing you to the Word will change your life and lead to improving your relationship with God in other areas such as deepening your prayer life, sacrificially giving of yourself and looking for opportunities to share your faith with others. It all begins when you and I get serious about God’s Word. God sent John the
Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that everyone might believe because
of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was only a witness to the
light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to
come into the world. (6-9) Now what? It
may be the most important question you can ask as a follower of God. You’ve
studied God’s word… now what? John the Baptist was sent to be a witness to
the light but so are you. You are sent by God to be a witness to the true Light
of the world… Jesus Christ. Be honest with yourself. Why should you come to
church on Sunday if your faith doesn’t affect your daily lifestyle and habits
from Monday through Saturday? Why should others seek a deeper relationship with
God if they don’t see God’s light reflected in you?
Who me? How? I honestly don’t know because it depends on your God-given talents and what you have been uniquely shaped to do. Which is why studying God’s word becomes that critical first step. The church I serve has so many different ministries that at times it gets confusing. People are inspired with an idea and want to try it. We give new coats to schoolchildren every Christmas because somebody in a Sunday school class had an idea. Our children’s ministry began because someone felt called by God to be a unique witness to the light. I believe God is calling all of us to be a witness to the light of Christ but that is not always as easy as it sounds. When you get serious about being a witness you inevitably face obstacles. In next week’s devotion the Gospel of John will offer genuine hope in the face of persecution. Meanwhile, start the new millennium off right by spending some time to expose yourself to the awe-inspiring light of God’s Word. It will radically change your week and your life! I promise. “What Is Sowing Seeds Ministry Trying to Say? Part 2” OK Larry, we
understand from last week that Jesus Christ is the Word and provides light to
shine through the darkness. So studying God’s authoritative living Word leads
to deepening other aspects of our spiritual life. We even see the necessity of
asking: Now What? How can God’s Word influence us to take action? Taking
action inevitably leads to ministry. But taking action is never as easy as it
sounds because getting involved in ministry inevitably leads to obstacles.
But although the world was made through him, the world didn’t recognize him when he came. Even in his own land and among his own people, he was not accepted. (John 1:10-11) When
you become serious about witnessing to the light of Christ you inevitably face
obstacles and persecution. Good people often become discouraged because
they don’t anticipate this passage of scripture. God touches you in a
significant way. You are eager to learn more and become a witness then… you
get rejected, encounter an obstacle or worse. In business, facing obstacles could mean
taking a stand for higher ethical standards even when against standard company
procedures. A schoolteacher may look for opportunities to become a Christian
influence even when such activities are strictly discouraged. Being a witness to
the light of Christ could mean facing ostracism from fellow employees or even
risking your career.
A supervisor once told me… if you hide in the office, never talk to a customer you will encounter few problems. But you will also have no business, no income and eventually no job. Rejection is a natural aspect of business. Rejection is a normal component of life. Facing rejection is also a customary part of witnessing. Successful businesses learn to surmount rejection by providing quality training and continuous encouragement. God provides the same through the church. Now comes the best part! Here is what makes it all
worthwhile! But to all who
believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They
are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or
plan—this rebirth comes from God. So the Word became human and lived here on
earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen
his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father. (12-14) As an employee, you work under a contract. If you goof off or make too many mistakes you could be fired. If the company experiences a business downturn you could be laid off. There are no guarantees in a job contract. Maybe you imagined God as a cosmic employer who could at any time terminate your contract and abandon you. You could not be more wrong! You are never an employee of God. You are reborn as a valued member of the family. You are a child of the living Lord. Take a moment and savor this thought. God’s children are never fired or laid off. You may goof up and need discipline but you will always remain a precious child of God.
As a family member
you share in God’s glory. So, study God’s living Word and get serious about
your spiritual growth. Dare to become a witness to the light of Christ and trust
in the Holy promise God’s glory will fill you with perseverance in the face of
persecution. Welcome to the family!
As a minister and a
writer, I passionately labor to help you experience this awesome glory of God:
The glory that could motivate you to endure a disappointing week, a
stress-filled year or even a difficult life with a smile on your face and a
prayer in your heart. I call it, sowing seeds of
faith…
Larry's most recent series: Turning Points Simeon & Anna: A Church, The Messiah... Wait! Why? Elijah: Victory to Despair to Faith Samson & Temptation David & Getting Even Jacob & Reconciliation Moses & Failure |