1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV)

Friday, December 18, 2015

How to Get Started in Ministry

Pocket Devotions

Acts 13:4-5
The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.
 
 

Thoughts for Today:

 
Previously the leaders of the church at Antioch had been instructed by the Holy Spirit to, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." If the Holy Spirit spoke to the church right know about setting you aside for service, then the church would need to assign your current duties to someone else, because the Spirit was going to use you in another way. For Barnabas and Saul that would mean packing their bags as they would be going on a journey. Saul had been a Christian for 12 to 14 years, Barnabas for much longer. They both loved to travel and share the good news about the Lord, so it was clear to them that when they received the Holy Spirit's instruction it was time to hit the road.

So now that we see what Barnabas and Saul did when they were called, what would you do if you were called? Remember, the leadership of the church wasn't given specific instructions on what they were to do (it was only given to Barnabas and Saul). If you can't answer that question, then take note of the last part of verse 5, "John was with them as their helper." Now this seems like a pretty innocent verse, however it gives a big answer to those of you who are not sure about where or how you should be serving -- start by helping someone else who is clear about their calling by the Holy Spirit. Watch, listen and learn just like John did.

John was his Jewish name and Mark was his Roman name. We know him as the constant companion of Paul or Barnabas. He was not only a missionary but ultimately a leader of the new church and author of the second book of the New Testament, the Gospel of Mark. Not a bad resume for someone who started out as a helper.
 
 

Questions to Ponder:

 
Follow John Mark's example: start by helping. It is only by getting started in ministry that you will truly find yourself and your calling. Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. What about you?

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