Devotions 08-04-08 (Eph 6:21)

"But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you."

Paul was very much involved with those to whom he ministered. He kept them informed and prayed very diligently for them. In this case he sent one of those who ministered with him to take a personl message to those at Ephesus. This was a very important ministry that Tychicus was going to do. Paul called him a beloved brother and a faithful minister in the Lord. The ministry was not a job but a work of God to help and encourage those who knew God to be faithful in what they were doing for the Lord.

Lord, I have not kept those who have supported us over the years informed very well. Forgive me. I pray that after this move I would take the time to thank and tell stories of all God has done through us these past seven plus years. Lord, thank you for the time at Allika church on Sunday. How touching to see how much they have appreciated our being here and helping them in their walk with God. Help me to communicate to our donors God's grace in allowing us to have such a ministry here in Estonia. It is all God's kindness and grace and my part was just being available to God so He might work through us.

Devotions 04-04-08 (Eph 6:20)

"...for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly. as I ought to speak."

I have been doing more thinking on my responsibility to be more active in speaking with boldness or eagerness or conviciton about what Jesus Christ has done for me. I feel this is a major problem among believers today and I am not much better than the average believer. I am busy doing in depth discipling but I am not being an example to them in reaching out to the lost around them. I have used my excuse as being that I do not know Estonian well and that hinders my witness but I do not think this is a very good excuse. I still should try and if I get hung up to give out a card or something to show I am interested in telling them about the good news of Jesus Christ and His message of salvation.

Jesus came to seek and to save those who were lost. If He came to do this then that must be a focus in my life as well. I pray the Lord will give me a growing opportunity to right this wrong in my life and my ministry for my Lord.

Lord, guide me to make some specific plans in how I am going to correct this error in my ministry. Lord, thank You for this study in Ephesians and how You are speaking to me in so many ways. Oh, Lord give me the strength and the wisdom in finishing our move to the US and applying the truths of Ephesians to my life and ministry. Thank You for your Word and Your patience with me.