ephesians 3:10
through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Note
Two years ago, when I was first asked to consider deacon leadership, I was a little apprehensive and unsure of how God would use me in that role. I couldn't see how I would be able to give my time to the church in that capacity, and give my all at work, spend the time that I wanted with my friends, give my husband the time he deserves, and continue to grow in my relationship with Christ. When the next year rolled around though, things were a bit different. I knew that becoming a deacon, or getting involved with any type of service that God was calling me to do, would require me to give that 'role' over to Him, along with everything else that was on my plate and in my life.
Leadership is tough, and I have felt overwhelmed at times. But it is when I allow God to lead through me that it feels natural and fulfilling. And the time that I thought I would miss-out on to spend time with God, my husband, my friends, work, has only been that much more fulfilling. God has given me a passion for where he has called me to serve and on most days, I feel fulfilled by what I get to do for Him. I think that if we do serve God in all areas of our life - do what we have been created for - we will grow and be more fulfilled each day.
II Corinthians 8:1-7
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints-- and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you--see that you excel in this act of grace also.
Jeremiah 29:7
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Reflection Questions
Have you ever been in a place where you have nothing but God? Few of us have, so how can we live as people of faith? The early disciples had nothing but faith; yet, they started a movement that continues 2000 years later. How can we become people of Faith?
Lasting change occurs when a group of people organize and start a movement far greater than themselves. We hate the idea of “organized religion†but if we want to bring people to Christ, overcome poverty, and honor God; we are going to have to organize. If you are a follower of Christ, God wants you to build the local church. All followers should strive to be a deacon or an elder, what is God calling you to? How long will you fight the Sovereign God?
If Vintage21 suddenly disappeared, would our city mourn…they were the ones who showed us God, they tutored our children, they broke addictions, they restored marriages? If not, how can we love our city in the same manner that God does? Make your answer personal, how will you love the Triangle?