In what ways can we "minister to Him" in our daily lives? Ministering to the Lord: A Present-Tense Privilege Acts 13:2 pictures believers in Antioch “worshiping the Lord and fasting.” The phrase “worshiping” is often translated “ministering to the Lord.” Ministering, then, is not limited to professional clergy or temple service; it is every believer’s calling. What “Ministering to Him” Looks Like Today • Worship That Puts Him First – Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” – Begin and punctuate the day with spoken or sung praise, acknowledging His worth regardless of circumstances. • Focused Prayer and Fasting – Acts 13:2 ties ministering directly to fasting and prayer. Setting aside meals or pleasures to seek His face is service that delights Him. • Obedient Service to People in His Name – Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” – Caring for the hungry, lonely, unborn, or marginalized translates into hands-on ministry to Christ Himself. • Generous Financial Support – Luke 8:3 records women who “were ministering to them out of their own means.” Giving to gospel work, missionaries, and those in need is counted as ministry to Him. • Faithful Vocational Excellence – Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” – Doing everyday tasks with diligence and integrity offers a living sacrifice of service. • Loving His Word – Psalm 119:97: “Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.” – Regular Scripture reading and obedience minister to Him by honoring His voice. Heart Posture While Ministering • Love-Fueled: John 21:17—“Lord, You know that I love You.” Jesus ties love to feeding His sheep. • Humble: Micah 6:8 calls us to “walk humbly with your God.” • Joyful: Psalm 100:2—“Serve the LORD with gladness.” Living It Out Each Day 1. Greet Him on waking with verbal praise. 2. Schedule a brief midday pause to read a psalm aloud. 3. Identify one tangible act of kindness toward someone in need. 4. Offer your evening chores or desk work consciously “to the Lord.” 5. Close the day with thanksgiving, recounting ways you have ministered to Him and ways He has ministered to you. The Promise of His Response Mark 1:13 shows that when Jesus was in the wilderness, “the angels ministered to Him.” As we minister to Him, He does not leave us empty; He sends help, strength, and joy. Psalm 16:11 assures, “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” Ministering to the Lord ushers us into that presence, turning ordinary moments into holy ground. |
    |