A wonderful passage that I read from 3 John 5-8 this morning has me reflecting on several relationships that Sharon Barnett Bartel and I have had the privilege of building with faithful servants of the Lord over the years:
People who serve the Lord in other nations – many of them in difficult and dangerous places, others who are planting churches in strategic locations here in the United States, some who invest their efforts in important ministries that focus on evangelism, discipleship and compassion. They are our partners in fulfilling the mission and ministry Jesus began when He was here on earth and what He has commissioned us to do “in His Name” now that He has ascended into Heaven.
Sharon and I are limited to what we can do where we are – our prayers and our finances make it possible to extend our influence immeasurably!! As a result of this, the victories of these faithful servants of the Lord are also our victories – their challenges are our challenges – their needs are needs we share! Thought about all of that as I read these words of John to his friend, Gaius, in the first century…
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.” (3 John 5-8 NIV)
My recommendation? Identify a ministry or ministering person who is faithfully serving the Lord and fulfilling His mandate in a difficult or challenging situation or place. Then invest in their ministry regularly, encourage them, and certainly make them an object of your faithful prayers!
Coffee With The Lord 