Originally posted 2017-09-11 08:00:36.
Hi!
Well! It is Countdown Day-4. Do you ever wonder if your life inspires anyone to grow or succeed? Do you intentionally bless people? Do you help others; just because it’s in your heart to do so? Yes! Well, why do you feel so down about yourself?
You’re attractive. You’re highly intelligent. You’re gifted. You’re articulate. You’re educated. You’re anointed. Though you’re not rich yet; you’re not poor. You’re giving. You love Jesus. You know who you are in God. You love your family. You love all God’s people. You love your enemies. Then; what’s the problem? Why the sense of being underclass?
Perhaps you want to help others financially; or give money to charities. But, you just don’t have the extra finances. 
Does this cause you to wonder; how you can help? Maybe you often have to make arrangements to pay for responsibilities. Is this the reason you feel beneath certain people?
So many people feel as if they are insignificant, just because they don’t have funds like their peers. Some are even looked down on by those who are more fiscally lucrative. This is classism; and it is a worldview. The people of God must not take on the world’s stance. Though we are in the world; we MUST NOT love the things of the world. (cf. 1 John 2:15-17)
This way of thinking even happens in the house of God.
Some saints feel bad when they can’t stand in certain offering lines. Others feel useless because their health won’t allow them to go minister in some places as they did in the past. If that’s you, STOP IT!
Stop believing the devil’s accusations. Entertaining put-downs exacerbates your feelings of being less than. Don’t buy in to insults. 
They’re not true. Your current dilemma doesn’t define you. You’re exactly who God says you are.
Yes, it takes money to do many aspects of ministry; or to help others. Yes, those places your health or schedule won’t allow you to go to, need visiting. However, you, my friend, can serve in a plethora of other ways, with what you have.
Volunteer your time, service and skills.
Many religious and charitable organizations need clerical help; food packaging; prayer lines answered; etc. Seniors and others in convalescent homes need visitors. Young people need tutoring and mentoring. People who aren’t fluent in English need English as a Second Language taught. Youth and adults with learning deficiencies need literacy help. Some older adults seek help with GED preparation. All of these areas of relevant ministry have time slots for service.
And so on….
Seniors living alone need their homes cleaned; lawns cut; or just someone to talk to. The homeless would love a hot meal. Persons in ministry need educating. 
Prisoners need someone to witness to them. The non-saved, everywhere, need the good news of the Gospel shared with them. There is so much to do; and many opportunities to share the love of Jesus.
All of the above fall under the umbrella of relevant ministry. Ministry is service.
If you are in ministry, do you serve with relevance? I watched the 700 Club the other day. They filmed people from Taft Texas expressing their hurt and pain. Some lost everything in the hurricane. This touched my heart. I prayed for them; and said; “Lord, I want to help.”
A non-profit charitable organization was also featured on the television program. They were soliciting donations. Volunteers were handing out food, clothing, and other items to persons effected by the hurricane. That’s relevant ministry.
Relevant ministry happens in multiple ways.
I went to Friday night evangelistic service at my church. The Word was very inspiring and edifying. That’s relevant ministry.
This reminds me of a scripture: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15 KJV
After service; our leader told the staff about people who suffered great losses. He let us know of the financial donations already sent. Also; our church is partnering with another large church in our city; to host an ecumenical hurricane relief effort. This includes, involving other churches and denominations in the area.
Our church is the drop off station for non-perishables. I was so excited. I said inwardly, “Thank you Lord. I can help.”
Even though, I teach persons in ministry; this form of relevant ministry is not enough. Lately, I’ve desired to do more.
The other day, I watched an interesting television program. The host interviewed an ex drug dealer. 4 decades ago; this now, born again minister of the Gospel, started selling drugs at the age of 15. The host asked him, “How did you get involved in selling drugs at such a young age?” He replied, “I was looking for a role model. So many young men end up on the streets looking for a role model.”
What he said, spoke volumes. There are young men, even in churches, who are searching for father figures. Where are they? Pastors can’t do it all. They need help. So many men in ministry, these days are trying to gain notoriety. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Especially if they want to reach the masses for Jesus; not for personal gain. However; some of them deal with frustration; from thinking God hasn’t blessed their personal ministries.
Do you think they need to pray for God to expand their vision? God just might show them; fatherless boys and wayward young men who need mentoring. Lord help men discover this form of relevant ministry.
The same holds true for women. The Lord has delivered many women from abusive households and toxic relationships. He has allowed these women to move on and have good success. 
But my sister; while you’re pressing; have you remembered your sister?
There are young ladies lost in addictions; or in abusive situations. There are single mothers; lost in mazes. Shouldn’t those of us who the Lord has brought out; reach out to those who can’t find their way? Wouldn’t our deliverance be a wonderful testimony for somebody?
What about you?
Have you discovered relevance in your life? Or if you are in ministry; is your service relevant? Do you feel good about yourself? I truly hope so.
There’s a song in my spirit. “I feel like giving God the glory. All the glory. All the glory. I feel like giving God the glory. He has done so much for me.”
How does remembering God’s personal promises relate to relevant ministry?
Scripture says: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalms 37:4 KJV. This personal promise is active in my life now. When I surrendered to the Lord over 24 years ago; I often prayed for God to use me for His glory. I also learned how to find joy in the Lord. He has not only answered my prayer; but He has given me relevance. Praise God!
My friends, what about you? Think about it. Has some of God’s personal promises been fulfilled in your life?
Thank you for joining me today. I’m looking forward to Countdown Day-3. We’ll talk soon.
Blessings!
Rochelle
