works

We serve God by faith. We believe God and our actions proceed from our beliefs, by faith. Today the Lord brought a statement out of my heart along this topic; “I serve a bigger God than you have faith for.” Though that seems kind of brash to me, I continued listening, for I perceived there was a lesson coming.

Certainly God is bigger and more complex than all our thoughts about Him combined. Who, then defines the boundaries of our faith? In my years as a Christian I have seen elders that encouraged faith in the brethren, and those who have discouraged faith. Since we each individually receive a portion of faith along with our gifting (Rm 12:3,6),That faith should define to what extent we serve God. But when it comes to serving God in ministry, sometimes our faith becomes defined by the unbelief of others. This dampens the spirit in the Church overall.

We see that one of the functions of the 5-fold ministry is to equip the saints for their works (Eph 4;12). When we realize that our works were “Prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10) those works take on a greater importance than anything we ourselves could think to do. These works are so important that God gave the gifts of the 5-fold ministry to help prepare each individual to do them (the works).

On 10/27/2002 the Lord shared with me in a night vision something that continues to burn in my heart. In that dream an angel brought the crucified body of Jesus forward, setting Him on a table in front of me. Then the Holy Spirit overwhelmed me, praying through me for the Church to do the works of Christ. After praying and interceding for the Church, I awoke. God’s message was clear; our works are important.

On 2/23/06 the Lord shared a dream with me that illustrates our works are not only important, but they are part of the strategy He uses to establish His kingdom. In this dream an angel instructed my husband and I, using the tongues of angels. We understood the interpretation and began instructing small groups of people, saying “Pray to find your brethren in need, who are serving the Lord. Come along side them with the gifts the Lord has given you, and serve them.” As each person left, coming along-side their brethren in need, healings and miracles were released.

The question remains in my mind; should we let others define the faith we serve God with by their own faith . . . or unbelief? Or should we grow in faith and service to our God? I would like to encourage you today to serve the Lord with the gifts and calling He gave you, and to encourage other to do the same. My husband and I are starting a ministry called “Come Along-side” and will be encouraging, strengthening, and building up those that we minister to in our home. God, be glorified in your people. Amen.