Sent for Something Greater

DID YOU KNOW

Did You Know God Still Calls Ordinary People Into Extraordinary Missions?

When Paul opened his letter to Timothy by saying, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” (2 Timothy 1:1), he was reminding the Church that his ministry was not self-appointed. The word apostle means “sent one.” Paul understood that his life had been redirected by Christ Himself. Before meeting Jesus on the Damascus Road, Paul was a persecutor of believers. Yet God transformed him into a messenger of grace. That truth should encourage every believer who feels unqualified or overlooked. God has always delighted in using ordinary people for holy purposes. David was a shepherd before becoming king. Amos was a farmer before becoming a prophet. Peter was a fisherman before preaching at Pentecost.

In 1 Chronicles 14–15, David also walked through the tension of learning how to lead according to God’s direction rather than human instinct. At first, he mishandled the movement of the ark because he failed to seek God’s prescribed order. Later, he corrected his approach and honored God’s instructions. Missions from God require both passion and obedience. Many believers want God’s purpose for their lives, but they resist God’s process for shaping them. The Holy Spirit not only calls people into service; He forms their character for service. God’s missions are never merely about personal ambition. They are about advancing His kingdom through surrendered lives.

Did You Know Discernment Is Part of Encouraging God’s Mission?

Many Christians become uncomfortable when someone says they feel called by God. Questions immediately surface: Are they sincere? Are they trustworthy? Are they seeking attention? Those questions are understandable because Scripture itself warns about false teachers and deceptive leaders. Yet caution should not become cynicism. The New Testament repeatedly teaches believers to test spiritual claims while remaining open to the Spirit’s work. First John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Discernment is not rejection; it is careful spiritual evaluation.

At the same time, the Church is healthiest when it recognizes and supports genuine callings. Paul encouraged Timothy to stir up the gift God had placed within him (2 Timothy 1:6). Barnabas became known as the “son of encouragement” because he recognized God’s hand on others when many remained skeptical. Sometimes people carrying a genuine burden from God are dismissed simply because their assignment makes others uncomfortable. The Church does not belong to personalities, traditions, or institutions. It belongs to Christ. Healthy spiritual communities learn to recognize both wisdom and courage when God raises up servants for specific tasks.

Did You Know God’s Mission Often Faces Resistance Before Acceptance?

Psalm 83 reflects conflict, opposition, and nations gathering against God’s people. Throughout Scripture, those sent by God rarely walked easy roads. Moses faced Pharaoh’s hardness. Jeremiah was mocked. Paul endured imprisonment and rejection. Even Jesus Himself was misunderstood by many who should have recognized Him. Resistance does not always mean a mission is false; sometimes it confirms the spiritual seriousness of the assignment.

The famous line from The Blues Brothers—“We’re on a mission from God”—was often met with confusion or irritation. Interestingly, biblical missions receive similar responses. People become uneasy when God disrupts comfort zones or challenges settled routines. Yet Christ consistently called His followers beyond convenience. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commissioned believers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” The Christian life is not passive observation; it is participation in God’s ongoing work. Every believer may not hold a public ministry role, but every believer carries a calling to reflect Christ in the world through service, faithfulness, and witness.

As you reflect on these Scriptures today, consider this question carefully: what assignment has God quietly placed before you that you may have ignored out of fear, hesitation, or self-doubt? Sometimes the mission is public preaching, but often it begins in smaller places—a conversation, an act of mercy, faithful prayer, or encouragement toward another believer. God’s kingdom advances through people willing to say yes to His leading. The same Spirit who empowered Paul, guided David, and strengthened the early Church still works within believers today. We are not called to build our own kingdoms but to participate faithfully in Christ’s mission.

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“Time is wasted when it is not being converted.”
― Sunday Adelaja

#Bot #Quote #Calling #Destiny #Employment #God #Impact #Jobless #Joblessness #Kingdom #Life #Living #Love #Money #Opportunities #Passion #People #Principles #Purpose #Relevance #Selflessness #Service #ServingGod #Time #Values #Work #Worship

Rolling Up Our Sleeves for God

The Bible in a Year

“Their brethren, heads of the house of their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred and threescore; very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.” — 1 Chronicles 9:13

As we continue our journey through Scripture, we come to a verse tucked quietly into the historical records of Israel, yet filled with practical truth for every believer. First Chronicles 9 describes those who returned to Jerusalem after exile and resumed life around the restored worship of God. Among them were priests described as “very able men for the work of the service of the house of God.” These men were not celebrated for fame, wealth, or position. They were recognized because they were faithful servants willing to labor for the Lord.

The phrase “able men” immediately catches my attention. The Hebrew word behind “able” carries the idea of strength, capability, and power. These priests needed more than physical energy. They needed mental discipline to understand the Law of God and spiritual integrity to lead the people rightly. Serving God required their hands, minds, and hearts. That truth still matters today. Christianity has often been mocked by the world as weak or passive, yet Scripture paints a very different picture. Paul told believers in Ephesians 6:10, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Living faithfully in a broken world requires courage, endurance, wisdom, and moral strength.

I think about Jesus cleansing the Temple in John 2. He was compassionate and gentle, yet He was also fearless in defending the holiness of His Father’s house. There was nothing weak about His devotion. Likewise, the apostle Paul endured imprisonment, beatings, rejection, and hardship because he understood that serving Christ demanded perseverance. William Barclay once wrote, “The Christian life is not a battle to be fought once; it is a campaign that lasts a lifetime.” Those words remind me that discipleship is not casual participation but committed endurance.

The verse also emphasizes the “work of the service.” Service in God’s kingdom involves labor. Ministry is joyful, but it is also demanding. Too many people approach faith as spectators rather than servants. They want encouragement without responsibility or blessing without sacrifice. Yet the Bible consistently describes Christian living with words like soldier, athlete, laborer, and servant. None of those images suggest ease. Paul compared the Christian life to warfare in Ephesians 6 because spiritual opposition is real. The enemy does not sit idly while believers grow in faith and usefulness.

I have often noticed that some of the most spiritually mature people in the church are those quietly serving behind the scenes. They prepare meals, pray faithfully, teach children, visit the hurting, maintain the building, encourage others, and give generously of their time. Much of their work goes unnoticed publicly, but heaven sees every act of faithful service. Oswald Chambers wisely said, “Service is the overflow which pours from a life filled with love and devotion.” When our hearts are surrendered to Christ, service stops feeling like obligation and becomes an act of worship.

Finally, this passage reminds us of the place of service: “the house of God.” For Israel, this referred to the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, while God dwells within believers through the Holy Spirit, the local church remains a gathering place for worship, fellowship, and ministry. Church is not meant to be a weekly performance where a few serve while the majority observe. It is a spiritual family where every believer has a role. First Peter 4:10 says, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

As I reflect on this passage, I am challenged to ask myself whether I approach the church as a consumer or a servant. Do I come ready to encourage, help, pray, and labor alongside others? Or do I simply attend and leave unchanged? God never intended His people merely to sit in the house of God. He calls us to serve within it.

Perhaps today is an opportunity to roll up our sleeves again. The kingdom of God still needs able men and women—people willing to pray faithfully, work diligently, love sacrificially, and remain steadfast in service. The work may be tiring at times, but no labor done for Christ is ever wasted.

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The Root You’ve Been Feeding

545 words, 3 minutes read time.

Scripture

“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” — Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

Reflection

Have you ever been wounded while trying to serve God—not in the world, but inside the church?

Maybe you offered your gifts and got redirected. Maybe you poured yourself into something and leadership dismissed it. Maybe it happened years ago, and you’ve told yourself you’re past it. But late at night, when you’re honest, the wound still throbs.

I know because I’ve carried that root too.

Years ago I sat across from church elders and explained the technical gifts God had given me—web development, media, digital outreach. Instead of encouragement, I was gently pushed into children’s ministry. “We need faithful men down there,” they said. The rejection stung. I left that church quietly, told myself I’d moved on.

But I hadn’t. The bitterness stayed buried, feeding silently on replayed memories and quiet resentment.

That’s how a root of bitterness works. It doesn’t announce itself. It grows underground, hidden beneath faithful service and Sunday smiles. And Scripture warns it doesn’t stay contained—it “causes trouble” and “defiles many.” Your wife senses the distance. Your prayers feel hollow. You teach forgiveness while withholding it.

The double life is exhausting.

Here’s what I’ve learned: the root thrives in secrecy. Bringing it into the light breaks its power. Confession to God, to a trusted brother, to your wife—that’s where healing begins. And praying for the person who hurt you, not because you feel like it but in obedience, loosens the grip.

You don’t need their apology. You don’t need vindication. You just need to release it.

And brother—your gifts don’t need anyone’s permission. God gave them to you. He can use them anywhere.

Application

This week, name the wound out loud—to God, to a trusted brother, or in your journal. Stop letting it feed in the dark.

Prayer

Father, I confess I’ve been carrying bitterness I was never meant to bear. Forgive me for nursing this wound instead of surrendering it. Give me the courage to name it and the obedience to pray for the one who hurt me. Heal what this root has poisoned. Restore my joy. Amen.

Reflection Questions

Call to Action

If this devotional encouraged you, don’t just scroll on. Subscribe for more devotionals, share a comment about what God is teaching you, or reach out and tell me what you’re reflecting on today. Let’s grow in faith together.

D. Bryan King

Sources

• Hebrews 12:15 (NIV) – Bible Gateway
• Mark 11:25 (NIV) – Bible Gateway
• Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) – Bible Gateway
• Colossians 3:13 (NIV) – Bible Gateway
• James 5:16 (NIV) – Bible Gateway
• The Deadly Danger of Bitterness – Desiring God
• Church Hurt Is Real – The Gospel Coalition
• What Does the Bible Say About Bitterness? – Crossway
• The Danger of Bitterness – Ligonier Ministries
• What is a root of bitterness? – Got Questions
• Recovering from Spiritual Abuse – Christianity Today
• When Christians Hurt You – 9Marks
• Healing from Church Hurt – Focus on the Family
• The Poison of Bitterness – Tim Challies
• Matthew Henry Commentary on Hebrews 12 – Bible Study Tools

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.

Standing Before the Water

Faithfulness When Obedience Is Costly
The Bible in a Year

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he comes forth to the water; and say to him, Thus says the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me.’”
Exodus 8:20

As we continue our journey through Exodus, this brief but weighty command from the Lord to Moses offers a window into the everyday shape of faithful obedience. What appears at first glance to be a simple set of instructions unfolds into a pattern for living that is as relevant now as it was on the banks of the Nile. God does not merely tell Moses what to say; He tells him how to live into the moment where obedience must take place. Scripture often teaches us not only what God desires, but how faithfulness is embodied in time, space, and resolve.

The Lord begins with discipline: “Rise up early in the morning.” This is not incidental detail. In Scripture, early rising often signals intentionality and readiness before God. Abraham rose early when obedience required sacrifice. Jesus rose early to pray while it was still dark. Discipline here is not about rigid routine for its own sake, but about ordering one’s life around God’s call rather than personal comfort. Moses is being trained to shape his day around divine purpose. In our own lives, spiritual drift often begins not with rebellion, but with neglect—neglect of attentiveness, prayer, and readiness. Discipline creates space for obedience to meet opportunity.

Next comes duty: “Stand before Pharaoh.” Pharaoh represents concentrated resistance to the will of God—political power, hardened pride, and systemic injustice embodied in one man. Moses is not told to avoid him, work around him, or wait for a better audience. He is told to stand. The Hebrew imagery suggests firmness and resolve. Duty is rarely convenient, and Scripture never pretends otherwise. Faithfulness does not mean choosing the easiest path, but the right one. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once wrote, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die.” While dramatic, the point is simple: obedience often requires us to face what we would rather avoid.

The Lord then emphasizes diligence: “Lo, he comes forth to the water.” Timing matters. Moses must act while the opportunity is present. Delay would mean disobedience. Diligence is obedience that responds promptly rather than eventually. How often do we sense God’s nudge but postpone action until the moment passes? Scripture repeatedly warns against spiritual procrastination. Opportunity ignored becomes responsibility neglected. Moses is learning that faithfulness requires movement as well as conviction.

Declaration follows naturally: “Thus says the Lord.” Moses is not sent to negotiate, soften the message, or substitute his own opinion. He is sent as a messenger. This reminds us that authority in God’s service does not come from personality or position, but from faithfulness to God’s word. In every generation, there is pressure to let other voices define truth—culture, power, popularity, or fear. Moses’ task is to speak what God has spoken, regardless of reception. John Stott once observed, “The preacher is not to invent his message but to deliver it.” The same holds true for every believer called to bear witness.

Finally, devotion frames the entire encounter: “Let my people go, that they may serve me.” Deliverance is not an end in itself. Freedom is given for worship and service. God’s concern is not merely Israel’s relief from suffering, but their restoration to rightful relationship with Him. This confronts the way we often pray. Too frequently, our requests are centered on relief rather than realignment. We ask for health, provision, or resolution without asking how those gifts might be returned to God in service. Moses’ message reminds us that God’s redemptive work always has a purpose beyond comfort—it aims at devotion.

As we read this passage within the larger narrative of Exodus, we see that Moses’ obedience does not immediately soften Pharaoh’s heart. Faithfulness does not guarantee immediate results. Yet God’s purposes advance nonetheless. Obedience is measured not by outcome, but by alignment with God’s will. This is a critical lesson for a year-long journey through Scripture. God is shaping a people who trust Him even when resistance remains and progress feels slow.

For further reflection on obedience and calling in the life of Moses, see this article from BibleProject: https://bibleproject.com/articles/the-exodus-way/

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June 15, 2025: Our Deacon Bobby Lincoln discussed the importance of tithing, but how you can do it through your actions and the services to your church.

Check out the whole video on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/73mquF75GBw

#NSBC #tithing #tithingyourtime #BobbyLincoln #church #God #help #volunteer #helping #service #NewSalem #NewSalemBaptustChurch #SouthernBaptist #Baptist #MarbleHill #MarbleHillMO #Jesus #lord #christ #volunteering #christian #Christianity #servinggod #churchservice #testimony

Regardless of who you are, as one of Christ’s people, you have been gifted to serve the body of Christ. Be faithful to make the most of it. #ServingGod #SpiritualGifts

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