Ministry to the Lord pt. 2


 














Paul Baloche, in his Youtube series "Leading Worship" elaborates on the idea of individual ministry to the Lord in the episode titled "Ministry Examples" After describing his practice of playing and singing in front of an empty auditorium to simply dwell in the presence of the Lord, Baloche highlights how it can be uncomfortable and awkward to do this in the early stages. He suggests doing with a few close friends and followers of Jesus. At its essence though, he emphasizes that this time is about being with the Lord and nothing else. It's not rehearsal or practice but rather a time to spend in the presence of God. 

Baloche makes a simple yet pivotal point about the importance of simply "showing up". He describes the necessity for someone to just be there in a relationship for the relationship to prosper. The world today is saturated with distractions. Notifications on phones come in by the minute and agendas are filled with the likes of homework, sports, music, and friends. I can relate to this type of life. Yet, it is so critical to set aside the time to dwell in the presence of the Lord. Giving God the gift of our time is the only way we can truly know him and grow to be like him. In fact, despite all the possible things that can take up time in our life, if we truly want to be "lacking nothing", as James chapter 1 says, we must prioritize time with God above all else. He promises that when we seek him FIRST; when we give up our time for Him FIRST; when we choose to dwell in his presence FIRST . . . "all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). Our best life springs out of an intentional initiated relationship with God, and that starts with the gift of our time.  

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