Unfinished Business

"And say to Archippus, 'Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you."  Colossians 4:17

Do you have some unfinished business with the Lord?  

Is there something that you and He have talked about - maybe even wrestled with, that needs to be done or submitted to?  Perhaps there is someone you know you need to share Jesus with but you have been hesitating.  Maybe there is a fractured relationship in your life and God has been speaking to you to take the first step in making things right and forgiving.  Do you need to follow the Lord in baptism but you've been putting it off?  Could it be that the Lord has been speaking to you about tithing for awhile and you've been ignoring His voice?  Maybe you are called into some specific type of ministry and you have been running in the other direction like Jonah...

It's very uplifting to read through the last part of Colossians 4 and notice how Paul is sending encouraging words and greetings to those in that church from mutual friends including Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke and several others.  At the very end, however, he has a special message for one individual in particular.  He says to make sure that they say to Archippus, "Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you."  

Hmm.  I wonder what that "ministry" was and why Paul felt so impressed about it that he actually mentioned Archippus by name?  Scholars have differing opinions on whether this was a gentle rebuke or simply a work of encouragement for Archippus to stay true to his calling.  Either way, it certainly warrants some reflection.

What ministry has the Lord given you?  You don't have to be called be a pastor or a missionary to have a ministry.  If you know Jesus you have a calling, a ministry, a mission if you will.  No sideline spectators in this race.  If you are on the team then you are in the game.  Don't tell God what you 
will do.  Instead, ask Him what He would have you do.  Be willing to surrender to His call whatever that may be.  There and only there - is true fulfillment and joy.

Unfinished business?  Today is the perfect time to wrap it up.

Hanging Hope

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain."  Hebrews 6:19

Hope.  Where do you hang yours?  When the storms of life catch you unprepared or the rising pressures seem to have the single goal of pulling you under, where do you turn?

It wasn't too hard to choose a life verse for 2019.  Hebrews 6:19 won hands down.  The twists and turns of 2018 were constant reminders that I needed that comforting and familiar anchor called "Hope".  No matter how strong the storm, if our anchor is securely fastened onto that which will not be moved, we are safe and secure.

My anchor is called Hope and it is forever chained to the One who gave up everything for me.  Thank you Lord Jesus.  I am blessed and humbled by your constant love and comfort.

Hope.  Where do you hang yours?