Who is in Charge - Really?

The work we do in ministry is pretty exciting most of the time. In your daily work, you get to see people’s lives changed.

The ministry you were called to do impacts them and they

begin to experience changes in their lives that wouldn’t have been possible if God and you hadn’t come together on their behalf.

They begin to “get it” and realize that they are loved by you and by God. Sometimes for the very first time in their lives.

Those moments make all the effort worthwhile don’t they?

In those moments, when you are back in your office reflecting on what God just did, what conclusions do you draw?

For most Small Ministry Leaders, that is a moment when the Franchise Partnership (you running His business) takes on a tangible quality and you sense that God has just used you and your team to accomplish part of His master plan. What a great feeling!

I wonder though, is it possible for that experience to be carried forward into the next meeting or event you have to attend?

I don’t want the things that God is doing in my life to become ordinary – every day – routine, but it happens. I get busy and rush through my conversations with Dad so that I can get back to the work He has called me to do.

But I wonder how He feels in those moments.  You know, the times when spending a few more minutes to thank Him and listen wouldn’t really be a bad thing.  I can almost imagine He’s there saying, “But wait – I have more to talk with you about.”

I’m about to propose something that some might think is a little over the top – but here goes anyway.

God gave us our imaginations. He allows us to dream.  He allows us to “see” a better future or ponder the “what-if” questions of life. That’s part of the “creativity” He designed into us.

And, I think He also wants us to use our imaginations as we approach Him in prayer.  How else can we boldly approach the Throne of Heaven except through the mental images our imagination provides.

So what would happen if we took this idea literally – into your next Board Meeting?

In the picture above, ask yourself who should be seated at the head of the table?  What if you create the mental image for everyone in the room that God’s presence is not just “spiritual” but real?   I’ll bet the vote on the next agenda item means more if you all seek His input.

Jesus said that if two or three are gathered in His name He would be in the midst of them.  That’s a promise we can rely on – and should take literally.  Was He painting a “spiritual picture” or could it be that He really is there without a place to sit?

I’m not advocating “spiritual extremism” – I’m suggesting that if God really is in charge of this ministry, you need to find ways to honor his presence when you gather to make decisions about His ministry (Franchise Owner’s need chairs too).

I’m just say ’n