Author Archives: escalanteministries.com
Join the Team
I have heard it said that “you can’t win a championship if you don’t get on a team”. While others may dispute the validity of this statement, I believe it is also true for the body of Christ.
The church as a whole needs people who are willing to serve and take part in their local congregations. When we serve in the church we call our church-home, it is as though the Lord breaks the walls that distinguish what is called a surviving church to a thriving church. Blessings are poured out on the congregation because it has been awakened from the lulls of its selfishness and pride (more on that in a later blog). Such as; prayers being answered, marriages healed, children return to the Lord, and people are freed from sickness and immorality.
Joining the team reveals your identity. Over the many years that I have worked my uniforms have changed, although one thing remains- my uniform reveals my position. It shows those with whom you come in contact with what and who you represent. It lets others know what they can or cannot expect from you. For example, suppose I needed a fire to be put out, I would go to a fire fighter before I would go to a policeman because of what the fire fighters title represents. I would expect that the fire can be extinguished because I have confidence in that firefighter’s ability due to his training and years of expertise. Although I may not know him personally, I recognize the uniform. Can we get others to recognize that we are sent and called to be a blessing?
Allow me to ask you this? When was the last time you ever thanked your pastor for his un-ending service to you and your family? Can you recall a moment that your pastor was there for you in your troubling hour? If I may ask again? When was the last time you had prayed for your pastor and his family?
I want to encourage the Christian who feels that they may not have a skill to go and serve anyway. Serve with a willing heart. Serve as though your life depended on it. Pray, share prayers, literally be the church. Then something will happen. A dynamic change will occur simply because you and I made time to help our pastor fulfill the God-given vision for this church.
It’s time to join the team!
Ignited,
Mike
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#1 FAN
Recently, my beautiful wife was preparing for a women’s ministry event. It has been some time since she last spoke or sung in front of such a large group, not to mention since we moved from Washington.
She was nervous- I could tell, and rather tell her to ignore those feelings I stepped out in faith and began to encourage her. I let her know how much her joy makes me happy. I began to share with her how much I do enjoy what she does for Jesus. To translate in MAN: I even showed interest in what she was doing.
The thought then hit me like a truck! Does my Teresa know that I am her #1 fan? Really think about it brothers? Does your bride know that you truly support her? She should. She should know that you love her, not just in action but also in words. Think about it men– she chose you. You should try not just once or twice but at every opportunity that you are a fan of her. When she wins you win.
1 Peter 3:7 tells us that when we dwell with our wives according to the knowledge of them… really seeing them as how God sees them…it helps us honor them. Yes she is a woman, but she is an extension of you (GEN 2:23).
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Don’t wait!
For those who don’t know what to do with their God-given gifts,
Recently I was moving boxes moving to our new house. It’s a “cozy” home with new carpeting, furnished cabinetry, and it has a small room for my guitars. I have played the guitar for many years although you could not tell by my playing. I did manage to play a few melodies. In fact, I had spent a couple of years writing songs. I enjoyed singing these songs created by me and the Lord as much as playing them back to him. These songs were such a blessing to me. It was fun to create something that also moved my friends as much as me. I liked singing to God.
If you were to ask me right now if any of those songs made it on the radio? Well, not yet. Sadly, against many requests made by family and friends I declined to get them published. It was only until we relocated that I saw a small dusty note-book that possessed the treasures that lifted my soul to the heavens and allowed me to enjoy the worship filled presence of Almighty God. I knew it was God that gave me those songs but I was foolish to think that those songs were only for me.
On the radio I do hear melodies, lyrics and riffs that albeit original, sound very similar to the type of harmony that I believe the Lord wanted to exhibit through me years ago; had I been obedient………
The Lesson:
Recognize that the Lord is a good father and knows the good gifts for his children. He wants to bless his people and will place skills and talents within everyone to help his objective. He gives us these things for ourselves as well, these are the things we have in our hand to prosper us.
I believe God wants to speak to and through his people-all people. He is looking to find the one who would be willing to step out for his namesake and do his will- for his glory. So, remain faithful and prepare for the blessing that the Lord will use through you.
Don’t wait!!! If the Lord has placed something on your heart to do then I encourage you to follow after it. Be wise in your dealings, talk to your pastor and go hard after that which the Lord has placed before you.
So as for my music I will refine it and perhaps add a band, we’ll see how it goes….
Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
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