Quote from Forum Archives on May 10, 2001, 9:23 am

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

I'd like to share with you once again this week a practical
message from my friend, Larry Davies. In this week's message,
Larry asks ten questions, which can be useful as we struggle with
our faith and what to do with it. One particular question is
behind all of this: "What does God want me to do?"

For me, the first response I have is to earnestly seek God with
all of my energy and with a willingness to allow God to set the
agenda for my life. This principle matches what Jesus Christ
Himself taught to His disciples and those who followed Him. In
Matthew 6:33 (and throughout the Sermon on the Mount), Jesus
taught us to "Seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things will be yours as well". (my
paraphrase). In Matthew 22:34-40, when confronted about what is
the most important thing of all, Jesus responded that the
greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all of your heart,
soul, mind, and strength, and the second command is like it: to
love your neighbor as yourself.

Notice how both of these statements revolve around our
relationship with God first, and how our response to God affects
our attitudes and actions toward one another.

The questions and principles that Larry offers are excellent.
When they are grounded in our relationship with God, and not
simply to check off a list, they are solid indeed.

My prayer is that each of us learns to love God and one another,
in order that His purpose and ours may be completely fulfilled.
I pray for each of you, that each of our lives may be greatly
enriched and blessed as we earnestly look to God for every
answer, and His Glorious Name will receive the honor and praise
that God so richly deserves.

Brother Brian

From: sowseeds@nesbe.com
Reply-to: "Sowing Seeds of Faith..." <sowseeds@nesbe.com>
Subject: Ten Questions of Faith and Ministry

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Sowing Seeds of Faith

Larrys Ten Questions of Faith and Ministry
Larry Davies

People often ask: Larry am I doing what God wants me to do? I
use ten questions to regularly guide my ministry and spiritual
life. Recently, I shared them in church and several people asked
me for a copy. (Well, actually it was just mom but she seemed
genuinely interested.) So maybe you will find the questions
helpful too. Warning: Dont think you have to check off
everything or feel guilty about what you are not doing. These
questions are simply meant to be a practical guide for you and
your church.

1. Do I pray regularly? It sounds so simple yet nothing happens
without prayer. When I am struggling it is often because my
prayer life is not what it should be. Does your church emphasize
prayer as a regular and critical part of their ministry? Prayer
is always step one. 2. Do you have a vision? It is difficult
to shoot an arrow if there is no target. So how can you function
without a vision from God and goals to help you fulfill the
vision? What talents and resources are available to you to your
church? What is needed in your community?

3. Are we growing in faith? Spiritual formation is a continuous
journey of learning, experiencing and sharing the Word of God.
Young and old are discovering a passion for Gods Word but dont
always know where to begin. Bible studies and small groups play
a key role in spiritual development. Take a class, participate
in Sunday school or join a prayer group.

4. Are you caring for others? What are you doing to maintain
loving contact with friends and family? Do you regularly offer
encouragement? What is your church doing to care for each other?
Most offer shepherd groups, support ministries or prayer chains.
Perhaps you can help. The simple gesture of sending a card is a
ministry that often works miracles.

5. Do you cultivate friendships above and below your own age?
If you dont why not? Maybe you need to get a life! Just
kidding but its important that you reach beyond your comfort
level and seek to understand other age groups. You will learn a
lot and probably have a great time. Young and old alike have so
much to offer but they need our love and respect.

6. Am I involved in a community ministry? Is there a Habitat
for Humanity near by? Am I doing anything for children at
Christmas? Are groups fixing broken down houses for people too
poor or sickly to make their own repairs? Is there a Meals on
Wheels? Every community has needs? To meet those needs God has
given us all unique talents. What am I doing with mine? Its
usually not that hard to find out whats needed and ask: How can
I help?

7. Are you a witness? Do people really know what you believe?
How can you talk about God without others feeling intimidated or
offended? Do coworkers look upon you as someone they can trust?
Will you listen to their concerns with respect and love? Are you
praying for opportunities to share your faith? The best
definition for being a witness is the willingness to make a
sincere and honest attempt to be a friend in the name of God.

8. What about men? 61% of those not attending church are men.
Maybe you can help with starting a ministry for them. Mission
trips, building projects and sports have all proven to be
successful ways to include guys. Many come back to participate
in other church activities.

9. Are we reaching singles? More than 56% of the unchurched
population is single. Surveys indicate that many single adults
believe in God but feel isolated from the church. We can start
recognizing their needs by changing our language. Family night
supper implies that you must be married to attend. Instead call
it a Fellowship and Fun supper. Ministry ideas could include
divorce and grief recovery workshops or single parent programs.

10. What about children? Parents are struggling to provide a
wholesome environment for their children. It usually starts at
Sunday school and they often need your help as a teacher or
volunteer. There are other ideas such as: After-School Ministry,
Parents Day Out or M.O.P.S.

I cant possibly do all that! True but you can always do
something. My prayer is that these questions will stimulate your
thinking. Then, let God guide you. We all face a challenge to
reach out in ministry in creative ways. The main thing is to be
open-minded, be in prayer and celebrate the victories.

In the last few years, I have witnessed many people inspired by
God to become involved in ministry. It has been the biggest joy
of my life. The excitement of doing something worthwhile for God
is more contagious than a flu epidemic and the results are far
more lasting and satisfying. So, what are you waiting for? Find
your ministry today and may God be with you!

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