Defined by Jesus’ Grace Even in Difficult Times

Today I noticed what I had previous written on the side bar of this blog. That my intent on this blog (which is a conversation no more, no one is paying attention and participating in posting) is "to discuss the intersection of grace and missional(ity) in a lost and hurting world". Standing in this junction is Jesus. Without Him being the vine, we branches have no ministry. For a lost and hurting world, we are to show them what it looks like to entrust our own losses and hurts to Him. Because turmoil hangs around all of us, we that are being sanctified by grace, ought not be defined by anxiety but by the peace that is Jesus, as our Prince.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" 2 Timothy 1.7 (NKJ). "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4.6,7 (TNIV). Did you catch that? As we are in Jesus, it is His job to guard our hearts and minds. Our amazing God, working in such wonderful ways in our soul, truly "transcends all understanding"! In our lives, in our churches, for the lost and hurt—may we allow Jesus to guard our lives and may we remember to abide in Him.

The Spirit's Lead through Prayer

Consider the following quote regarding a pastor's philosophy of ministry.

A "tendency is to thoroughly popularize the ministry. He is no longer God's man, but a man of affairs, of the people. He prays not, because his mission is to the people. If he can move the people, create an interest, a sensation in favor of religion, an interest in Church work— he is satisfied. His personal relation to God is no factor in his work. Prayer has little or no place in his plans."
-- EM Bounds in Preacher and Prayer.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breath in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.

by Augustine of Hippo

John 10's Notice to Me: a Pastor

Quote from Matthew Henry's Commentary

"The under-shepherds, who are entrusted to feed the flock of God, ought to be careful and faithful in the discharge of that trust; magistrates must defend them, and protect and advance all their secular interests; ministers must serve them in their spiritual interests, must feed their souls with the word of God faithfully opened and applied, and with gospel ordinances duly administered, taking the oversight of them. They must enter by the door of a regular ordination, and to such the porter will open; the Spirit of Christ will set before them an open door, give them authority in the church, and assurance in their own bosoms. They must know the members of their flocks by name, and watch over them; must lead them into the pastures of public ordinances, preside among them, be their mouth to God and God's to them; and in their conversation must be examples to the believers."