"Called to Serve" - A Calling Not a Job By Ron Croft, Hope for Men staff Joy means the perfect fulfillment of that for which I was created and regenerated, not the successful doing of a thing. The joy Our Lord had lay in doing what the Father sent Him to do, and He says – “As My Father hath sent Me, even so, am I sending you.” (Oswald Chambers) Am I working a job or fulfilling a call from God? Am I finding joy in my work, because I am called of God or because things are going my way? These are important questions to ask ourselves when our work involves ministry! What is ministry? Ministry in a Biblical context, essentially means service. It encompasses any activity where individuals serve God and others, often in the name of Christ, to meet needs and spread the Gospel. God doesn’t call us to a job but to a ministry within our job. The Merced County Rescue Mission at its core is a ministry serving the people not only of Merced, but in communities throughout California. Oswald Chambers said, “If you have received a ministry from the Lord Jesus, you will know that the need is never the call: the need is the opportunity.” Here at the Mission, we have a marvelous opportunity because the need is great! What do you find joy in? Paul says, “That I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry I have received of the Lord Jesus.” Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. (Phil. 4:1) Paul the Apostle learned to find his joy, not in the circumstances whether good or bad, but in his Savior and in the calling. He had placed upon him. So it can be with us! Strive not for the treasure which passes away, but for the glory which can never fade. My prayer for all of us is that we might truly find the joy and fulfillment that can only be found in the calling of God as we minister life to those seeking life. May they come to truly know the Author of Life. (fb)

Serving .. as Christ Served - High school students from Stoneridge Christian School and instructor, Michael Briggs, spent the morning in service at Merced Rescue Mission, “Serving … as Christ Served.” They helped to prepare lunch at the Village of Hope Respite Care facility. The outreach project was part of ‘Spiritual Emphasis Week’ which focuses on community service for the Glory of God. (fb)