We are All Ordained Lay Ministers
Nehemiah, a layman, lived approximately 500 B.C. and served as a cupbearer to a Babylon king as the conquered people of Israel lived there in captivity. By studying Nehemiah’s story as it is told in the Old Testament, we are able to learn and to first-hand see that we all can accomplish great things in God’s name. Originally believing the God of the Old Testament to be harsh and judgmental, I have discovered that throughout time, that God loves his people offering grace, teaching faith, and an unyielding love. In captivity, Nehemiah was brought face-to-face with his destiny and chose to accept the task God laid out before him and for his life. In his zeal to do God’s bidding, Nehemiah stepped out in faith, to rebuild Jerusalem’s fallen city walls to protect and re-unite the people of Israel. Nehemiah could have ignored the call and not made himself available to do God’s will, but instead chose to answer his defining call to action accomplishing great things in God’s name. Nehemiah re-built the fallen city walls in just fifty-five days while overcoming all obstacles, which were set out before him. Nehemiah did not wait on his pastor or minister for confirmation as he has, as we do, a direct line to the creator of the universe. Choosing to be a servant leader, Nehemiah rose from the ranks thereby becoming a lay minister and leader.
In our frailty and left to our own devices we often will stray from the Word choosing a path, which is not ordained by our heavenly creator. By leaning solely on the Bible as God’s infallible word, we have a standard and benchmark in which to live by. In frequently going back to His word we are able to more aptly see his hand in our lives and the miracles, which occur along our way. Some years ago I began a journal to keep a written account of events in my life, the fears and troubles I face, and the many and frequent prayer requests. By doing so I was more able to look back and begin to see God’s hand more clearly than ever before. My journal covers all aspects of my life including my wife, children, work and my walk with God detailing all aspects of the highs as well as the lows. In taking time to detail my concerns, toils, and tribulations I am better able to begin to look back on these events with more clarity than ever before, allowing me to see answered prayers more clearly. We are exhorted by Jesus to ask anything knowing that if it is in accordance with God’s will that he will answer us. Though many of my prayers are not answered the way I would have preferred but with the added advantage of looking back, I am able to gain a better and unique perspective helping me to be able to illuminate God’s guiding and diving hand. Being able to see the past, present, and future God knows what is best for me and my life. Just as diamond is polished to perfection so are we refined to be more like him.
By taking Christ along with us to work we are able to be a beacon of light to an unsaved world teaching others the good news of Jesus. Be living out our faith both in word and in action with our fellow workers and clients, we are able to let our others see God in us as we seek to conform to the words of our Father, and not those of the world.
By living our life in accordance with His precepts we come closer and face to face with who he truly made us be. Our God is one of order and not happenstance. By staying keenly aware we are able to fulfill our God ordained appointments keeping those meetings he has for us along the way as we journey though life. There are those about us every day, our office associates, vendors and our customers, who are in need of our hearts, experiences, and helping hand to comfort those with whom we daily interact. Just as Nehemiah in the Old Testament was able to look after those about him, we also are called to help those about us who are in need and hurting. In our service to others we learn more about God’s love and grace growing even deeper in our own faith walk.
Leaning not on our own understanding but seeking after God’s wisdom we are more aptly able to accomplish great things in His name. By bringing God into our office lives, our love of others is able to permeate through us sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. I have learned by being bold in my faith makes it easier to be who God has always made and intendeds for me to be. Seeking after him daily, I find a father who loves me unconditionally while always seeking the best for me in my life. It was not until my daughter was born I was able to begin to get a grasp of how great his love is for his people. Though God will never violate the free will he has given us, he stands at the door of our heart gently knocking, calling out our name.
Just as a runner trains to run the race set out before him so should we train our soul and spirit. By putting on the very armor of God we will find super natural strength lifting us in our direst time of need. I have learned to lean on God during those trials seeking after him with all my might. It was on a family mission trip to Jamaica, to reach out to those less fortunate, that God revealed himself clearly bringing his promises for me and my life to the forefront. It was in the midst of this time my family came to claim Psalm 27 as our life verse to guide us along life’s way. My beautiful bride was gracious and for Christmas that year framed in calligraphy Psalm 27:1-9 where it is proudly displayed in our home. Reading these words reminds me of a creator who is aware of my fears, strengthens my spirit, making me more steadfast in his ways. Read these verses slowly over and over letting each divinely ordained word permeate your very being teaching you of his majesty, love, and commitment to all of his people.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.” Psalm 27:1-9
Seek after God with all your heart. Seek his ways allowing him to guide your very steps along your journey. You heavenly father desires the very best for you and your life. Right now, today, God is drawing you ever closer to Him and his kingdom. Wherever you are, whatever is going on in your life, God cares. Call out to him and the Lion of Judah, the Great I Am will hear you. By beckoning to the great helper, the Holy Spirit, we are able to tap into the strength of the Lord, one which surpasses all understanding. And in so doing you will unleash the power of the Holy Spirit to do great things in His name and becoming a great lay minister and servant leader.
Written by Author John Dillard CPA of His CPA at 770 814 9304 and visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ (a Christian CPA firm). At His CPA we march to the beat of a higher drummer where we put the “Golden Rule” to work each and every day by “Serving Him by Serving You…One Tax Return at a Time.”
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