|
Daybreak Devotionals Archives Index
|
Subscribe
|
|
| << August01, 2007 - Are You Foolish or Wise? |
September22, 2007 - Tabitha Lives for God >> |
|
August 21, 2007 Tent Ministry - Let's Go Camping by Pam Kumpe Have you ever gone camping? Do you know how to put a tent? Have you ever known a tent maker? Well, I do, I know a tent maker, but she lived a very long time ago. By profession, Priscilla and her husband Aquila were tent makers, and Paul the apostle met them at Corinth. In between his preaching stints, Paul worked with them making tents in the synagogue. Maybe, that’s where the phrase 'tent" ministry comes from, since Paul made tents to support his work for the Lord. I have no doubt that Priscilla was talented and gifted by God. She herself developed a "tent" ministry, and she was used by the Lord in the ministry for God’s kingdom. Sometime later, she and Aquila followed Paul to Syria. Their journey took them on to Ephesus where they remained, and Paul traveled on to another town. The continued their work in Ephesus, committed to telling others about Jesus. A ministry is available for each of us, right where we live. We can preach God’s word, live a life that points to Christ and tell others how he changed our hearts. Sure Paul's ministry was huge, and we can all think of someone who is a famous minister, but not all ministries take place in a large public arena. Most take place in a small setting, one on one, friend to friend. Priscilla was one of many dedicated to telling the good news, and she did so to small groups, to the local people in her area. She spoke when the opportunity allowed her the chance to talk about God. I have taught Kids Super Church for 18 years in a small room at my church, often to a small group of children, a handful of local kids -- just like the groups Priscilla may have spoken to in her journey. My work does not take place on a large stage in front of thousands, but it reaches children of God, those placed before me. I have my own "tent" ministry per se, of reaching those near me with the gospel. Priscilla and her husband most likely realized their purpose and stuck with it, telling as many people as they could about Jesus. Are you sticking to your commitment? Scriptures say in Acts 18, a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only about the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. In other words, this couple showed grace to Apollos, something we can do for others as well. They knew Apollos was familiar with the Old Testament scriptures but he was basically a new Christian, and needed more depth and understanding. They were faithful in sharing Christ with him. Are you? Do you live a life devoted to telling others who Jesus is? Do your friends, people you've met know your serve a risen Savior? Even if you do not have a pulpit, your front yard, the fence between a neighbor's house, the person you work with -- that is your pulpit. The people God who come across your path may need to hear from you. Isn’t it time to speak up? I want to be committed to reaching the lost in my home town, on my street, at my church or in my neighborhood. Priscilla was a spiritual mother of sorts, guiding new people to Christ, a voice for the Lord. I want to be a voice for the Lord too. She helped people learn more about their faith and I want to do the same. Don’t you? You may not think of yourself as a tent maker, but anyone who reaches the world for the Lord could be considered – a person who is stitching together a group of believers. So begin your "tent" ministry – it’s not too late. Let’s camp out for the Lord, and start a fire burning in the hearts of those we meet! ___________________________ Blessings from East Texas Pam Kumpe (Your Play and Pray friend) |
| << August01, 2007 - Are You Foolish or Wise? |
September22, 2007 - Tabitha Lives for God >> |
|
Daybreak Devotionals Archives Index
|
Subscribe
|
|
|
Archives powered by Zinester's Mailing List Service
Details on Daybreak Devotionals |
Browse for more newsletters at Zinester's Ezine Directory
Managed by Zinester's Mailing List Management |