Self-served Servili-TEA: a bitter cuppa

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)

1 Peter 4:10 states an important aspect of ministry. Serving one another.

Yet, a recent conversation had my ears opened to words that were missing....only to be found in the verse that followed. I just had to look for it in order to share it with others.

Have you ever been so tired that even your bones are weary? Fatigue seeps in and permeates your entire body.

Is your service so intense that it is cutting you off from God----God who is your resource as well as your reason for ministry. 

Have you ever been so busy caring for God's household that you have neglected your own time with Him---the One who called you into ministry? (1 Timothy 1:12) In hurrying and scurrying to feed others, both physically and spiritually, have you forgotten to feed yourself? 

Often, one knows when her fire needs to be rekindled. But sometimes that truth has to be shown by an outsider.

One who sees her sister's cuppa service has turned into a cuppa servili-TEA needs to share the following verse from1 Peter 4:11. 

If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised. 

"I can not explain exactly  how we are able to receiver the power to serve and to endure through communion with God, but I know it is a fact." (Streams in the Desert, 11/9)

In love, point out how servili-TEA, "an excessive willingness to serve," more easily happens when one is attempting to continue to minister in her own strength. Help her replace her cuppa servili-TEA with a refreshing cuppa of His minis-TEA-ry which is served with His strength.
Encourage her to sip quietly with Him as once again she feeds herself with His Word and His Presence, which will strengthen her anew for His service.

Commi-TEA-ment to Ministry

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. (2 Timothy 4:5, NLT)

How does one know if she is fully carrying out her God given ministry? She just keeps loving Him and serving Him by loving and serving others.

Sometimes ministry goes beyond one's street to meet someone at her point of need elsewhere in the community. The cuppa minis-TEA-ry might look a little different at each turn but if one seeks to bless those whom God has put in her path, even 45+ years ago,  she will serve them on their terms, according to their needs and their desires.

A cuppa minis-TEA-ry might be sweet, iced and served with 2 slices of lemon if one really seeks to serve another according to the recipient's pleasure. Whatever it takes. Whatever it looks like. Pleasing others in the household of faith pleases Him.**

**This blog was written early today as a result of a hospital visit yesterday. This afternoon I received a call from that long-time friend and sister in Christ, Melody. Her hubby died this afternoon. Such a shock. More ministry is needed for this "young" widow---young enough to have been rice girl at our '69 wedding. I don't know where to begin except on my knees seeking His mercy, comfort and guidance.

A Local Cuppa Minis-TEA-ry

and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, (Acts 17:26, NASB)

Continuing to ponder, "How does one "bloom where planted?"...spiritually, that is. Since God has determined that at this time I will live in Memphis, TN in Eastwood Manor area, specifically at 1152, then I know that I am here in this locality for ministry.

How does one do that? Minister in their neighborhood? 

In a nutshell, "Be open to others." (notes from Allen Bible Church 9/14/14)

• OPEN EYES--observe needs--see as God sees
• OPEN EARS--listen with all ears and you'll find commonalities
• OPEN HANDS--be receptive & responsive to both give & receive help when needed
• OPEN LIVES--be relational, move toward them, feel compassion and share life's moments

Jesus came and dwelt among us; (John 1:14) or as Eugene Peterson describes, "He moved into the neighborhood." That's where He ministered. We should do the same.

Next time you serve a cuppa fill it with minis-TEA-ry for your neighborhood friends.