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Twenty years ago I graduated college eager to do big things in ministry. Six months into my first job I realized I was in over my head. I began to search for the one thing that would make my ministry explode. I read books, attended seminars and talked to pastors. I figured there was one thing that would finally unlock ministry. As hard as I searched, there was no “one thing” to be found. When I began to ask pastors, they confirmed my fear: there is no silver bullet to doing successful ministry.
Turns out they were wrong.
The early church grew like mad. It seems that the early leaders were building a substantial ministry. None of them held degrees. No leader in the book of Acts had attended seminars on church planting. They had not hired a church growth consultant. They had done something much better.
13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. – Acts 4
Be. With. Jesus. It is that simple? To be effective in ministry and life our primary job is to spend time with Jesus. Forget trying to be extraordinary. Should we better our knowledge in leadership? Absolutely, but don’t worry about not being the smartest kid in class. Simply spend time with Jesus. That’s what gets the attention. That’s what people are wanting to see.
Dwight Moody knew the key. He is quoted as saying, “The world has yet to see what God can do through the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to him.”
God, this is the desire of our hearts. Yet much of what we see and hear tells us to be extraordinary. Stand out. Promote ourselves. Make a splash. Forgive us for chasing everything but you. You say that getting to know you is the best thing we can do. Everything else stems from that. We want to know you. And I believe you want to know us. Thanks for the invitation to be with you.
What are your favorite ways to “be” with Jesus? Comment below.
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judith hutts
15 Feb 2014I discovered years ago that speaking with JESUS like I can see his face everyday, all day, all the time is what I need. HE is my best friend, He was with me as a child in the dark HE came to my side & spoke \”MY CHILD DON\’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK, NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS I AM WITH YOU & YOU ARE WITH ME!\” I was able to sleep after seeing HIS face, my JESUS!! When I, as a young adult on the road to Indianapolis JESUS was in the passenger seat talking with me. I am loving and living with JESUS to this day. Every morning I say, good morning LORD, good morning JESUS, good morning HOLY SPIRIT!!! That is what JESUS wants to be, in your life not made to sit on the side lines. I hope and pray every one talks to their JUSUS all day all there life long. GOD bless, Judie