Torch, Summer 1991

--------------------------------- Mind-Set For Ministry by Pat Warren hatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). This verse, which I memorized in Sunday school as a young girl, has guided my thoughts on ministry to this day. Taken in light of Solomon's concluding admoni– tion, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Ecclesiastes 12:1), my verse becomes more than practical human wisdom. It reminds me of the motto, "Only one life, t'will soon be past; Only what 's done for Christ will last" and becomes a powerful motivator to con– sider all of life a ministry. Before God asked Moses, "What is that in thine hand?" (Exodus 4:2), He reminded him at the burning bush, "I am that I am" (Exodus 3:14). Moses needed to remember Who God was. Paul, likewise, reminds us of God and His mercies when he appeals to us, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies" (Romans 12: 1). Motivation for ministry comes from remem– bering God and His mercies to us. I breathe in mercy; I breathe out ministry. Ministry, first and foremost, should be an automatic reaction to the grace of God in my life. Direction for ministry begins with Solomon's wise advice, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. " When God called Moses into ministry to use his shepherding skills to lead His people out of Egypt, Moses didn't think he could serve the Lord. He had already tried and failed years before. But God simply asked, "What is in thy hand?" Similarly, we Christians must ask ourselves, "What is in our hands?" What opportunities for ministry are there at our churches? Is there a need for VBS workers? Teachers or helpers in the Sunday school or children's programs? Are there calls that need to be made? Are there missionaries we could write? Is there a need for someone to linger after church and be friendly? Is there someone who is sick, alone, or hurting? Would a telephone call, cheery note, or freshly baked pie be an encouragement? Is there a young person struggling with his grades? Is there a widow whose home needs some attention? What is in our hands? What do we know how to do? Who needs that service? What appears to be a simple deed can often provide the solutions to someone 's not-so-simple need. What is in our hands? Do we have children at home? Are we still rocking babies, picking up toys , or holding tiny hands? Praise the Lord! Are other mothers in the neighbor– hood doing the same? Maybe they would bring their preschoolers to our home one hour a week and allow us to teach them a Bible story. It can be simple. Children don 't expect treats unless we start them. They love the stories and the attention. We can invite the mothers to listen as we