What are you doing?
If we are doing ministry at church, it is easily understood that we should be doing it in the name of the Lord. Afterall, we all know church work is the Lord's work. What do you do through your local church?
Do you sing in the congregation about the name of the Lord? Do you teach about the Lord? Do you pass out Gospel literature about the Lord? Do you speak to others about the Lord? Do you invest financially to help the work of the Lord further the Gospel through missionaries? Do you provide loving childcare for families during church meetings?
Let us remember that as believers, any work we do - in word or deed - is the Lord's work through us. The Lord's work is not confined to a local church facility. The Lord's work infiltrates all the places - wherever believers are interacting. The Lord's work begins in our own hearts and is first evident (or not) in our living spaces. As we go about our daily preparations, processes, and productions, we should be considering that we are carrying the Lord's name wherever we are - in word and in deed. If our words or our actions are not characteristic of the life of Christ, then we are not speaking and doing honestly "in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Think about the places you are on each day of the week. Some will be in workplaces, in shopping centers, in grocery stores, in parks, in neighborhoods, in sports facilities, in schools, etc. We all will be in our homes or wherever we dwell. The Lord's work should be consciously present and His name uplifted in all of these. Are we able to say and do all that we do "in the name of the Lord Jesus"?
How are you doing it?
Giving thanks to God for whatever comes our way in all these places is only possible as we live, speak, do, and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. When the Lord is free to do His work through us (which cannot be measured by man), our hearts know assuredly that it is the LORD working in us and through us. "Not by works of righteousness" that we do! We become more grateful to Him as the days go by aware of His multiple mercies in our lives. We know anything good is only by HIS working and by HIS grace.
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:17
As a wife, mother, and grandmother, this Scripture is guiding. Turning my thoughts toward the name of the Lord helps me in my most important relationships.
As a pastor's wife and ladies Bible teacher, this verse helps me as I study and rely on the Lord to do His work through me.
As a musician and writer, I desire my words and
music to honor the Lord Jesus Christ.
As a high school teacher and as a basketball coach's wife, this Scripture is one my students and I are reviewing this year. This is a good verse for students to remember in school work, and for basketball players to remember on the court. Sometimes, the music played at ballgames is less than desirable for my taste. I had the thought that I should write my own "fight song" for my son's team. This verse came to mind, and the tune I wrote is catchy, in my opinion. I imagine that an expert orchestration master could make it a magic team song! Note the word "imagine!"
I'd like to share these free downloads with you to help you remember the verse. It's short and easy! If you'd like to subscribe to my email newsletter, I'll let you know when other new tunes are in sheet music form.
Blessings,
Jeri Lynn