The Least of These

As we sit in the presence of God or in a church service where the Spirit is moving it’s easy to cry out in total surrender to the Lord. What do you do with your sacrifice once reality sets in and you’re forced out of your comfort zone?

My mother had an inner-city ministry. Word of the miracles that happened there was well known around the area. There were many who desired to be a part of her ministry. People would tell her on a regular basis that the Lord has spoken to them about helping her…yet…there was no glory in helping those that were poor, sometimes dirty, drunk, and high. If you helped in her ministry, you would have to be willing to get your hands dirty and see past their anger and give hugs to those that may not smell very pleasant.

It was difficult for her to find committed volunteers who were willing to do everything the Lord called them to do but the core she had reflected the love of Jesus so beautifully! Life is filled with tests and growth opportunities. Who is God asking you to bless? Is there a difficult ministry He’s asking you to take part in? Believe it or not, as you crucify your flesh, obey, and reach out to help someone in need simply out of your love for God…He’ll fill you with His love and compassion for those that are hurting and even bless you in the process. We lead a Care Group at our church and that’s what we keep hearing from those who are serving. They feel more blessed than those we are being used to bless. God's Kingdom is so contrary to natural systems. The first will be last, you give to receive, love your enemies...etc...

Just remember, you only love and serve God as much as you're willing to bless the least of these...

Matthew 25:34-46 (NKJV) Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Romans 12:16 (TPT) Live happily together in a spirit of harmony, and be as mindful of another’s worth as you are your own. Don’t live with a lofty mind-set, thinking you are too important to serve others, but be willing to do menial tasks and identify with those who are humble minded...