How can you actively participate in God's work in your community? Stirred by the Spirit “So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God.” (Haggai 1:14) • God Himself initiates every righteous work. • The same Spirit who moved the remnant now moves believers to serve their communities. • Obedience follows the stirring; feelings alone never build anything. Why the Lord Invites Us to Join Him • He created His people for good works prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10). • Believers become fellow workers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9). • Service displays His glory to a watching world (Matthew 5:16). Preparing Your Heart • Submit to Scripture daily; it renews the mind (Romans 12:2). • Invite the Spirit to direct motives and plans (Philippians 2:13). • Confess sin quickly, keeping fellowship unbroken (1 John 1:9). • Cultivate expectancy; the harvest remains plentiful (Matthew 9:37-38). Practical Ways to Work in the Community Serve with your hands ‒ Volunteer at food banks, shelters, or neighborhood clean-ups. ‒ Offer professional skills—tutoring, carpentry, medical care, legal aid. Speak with your mouth ‒ Share the gospel in everyday conversation (Romans 1:16). ‒ Encourage the discouraged; words can build up (Ephesians 4:29). Give with your resources ‒ Allocate a generous portion of income to church and local ministries (2 Corinthians 9:7). ‒ Donate goods: clothing, school supplies, Bibles. Open your home ‒ Practice hospitality; a table can become a mission field (1 Peter 4:9-10). ‒ Host Bible studies to anchor new believers. Stand with the vulnerable ‒ Defend the unborn, the orphan, the widow (Proverbs 31:8-9; James 1:27). ‒ Advocate for biblical justice without compromising truth. Pray without ceasing ‒ Intercede for civic leaders, first responders, teachers, and neighbors (1 Timothy 2:1-2). ‒ Form prayer walks, covering streets and schools in petition. Working Side by Side • Link arms with your local church; God works through the body, not isolated individuals (Ephesians 4:16). • Regular gatherings spur believers toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Partnerships between congregations multiply impact and display unity. Persevering When Challenges Arise • Expect opposition and fatigue; resolve to press on (Galatians 6:9). • Remember that God rewards faithfulness, not flashiness. • Refresh your spirit in worship and Scripture; the Word revives the soul (Psalm 19:7). • Celebrate victories, however small, to maintain momentum. A Simple Action Plan for This Week • Identify one need in your immediate circles. • Set aside a specific block of time to address it. • Tell at least one fellow believer for accountability. • Pray daily for the Spirit’s empowering and for open doors. • Return next Lord’s Day ready to share testimonies of God’s faithfulness. |
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