Platforms for Spiritual Developement

Platforms For Spiritual Development

There are some distinct attributes of a servant. According to Webster’s dictionary, a servant is one who is:

• Devoted to a cause, creed or belief

• Dedicated voluntarily to another

• Used for the service or purpose of another

John 13:4-5

4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and be- gan to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel where- with he was girded.

John 13:13-17

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also are to wash one another’s feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, which was a task of a slave. This shows us how far we must go in serving one another. He humbled Himself as a slave, walking in ser- vitude, as He waited to fulfill His mission on earth, to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus served His disciples although He knew that later they would deny Him. Love will cause us to serve others even when they do not deserve it. Love causes one to lose sight of self and think of others first. . . . but by LOVE, serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

II. EXAMPLES OF SERVITUDE

Let us examine the importance of taking on a servant’s mind:

 Peter and John prepare the Passover - St. Luke 22:8-13

. They were serving the man of God. Jesus instructed the disciples to prepare the upper room.

 In St. Mark 11:1-7

He told them to prepare the ass on which he would ride. In both instances, Jesus did not choose a stranger but used the ones who were with Him. They, too, had to walk in a mind of servitude. They never questioned Jesus but did as they were instructed. These same men later established the first church. No doubt God honored them for their submission. This is how God will work through us as hospiticians. When we serve others, He will reward us for faithfulness. The disciples did not know the magnitude of how they were sowing seeds in their own lives. We do the same when we serve a glass of water, seat a pastor, or when we anoint someone with oil for the laying on of hands. These things may seem insignificant, but they will form Godly character in us as we serve with a pure heart.

 Jesus tells the disciples who is the greatest – St. Mark 10:35-45

Two of the disciples wanted to sit at the left and right hand of Jesus. However, He showed them the price they had to pay to have this honor, as those who desire the most important of seats, must be a servant to all. Before we are called to move into any greater callings, we must first develop an attitude of servitude to the hospitician ministry. The duties create a platform for a servant’s heart to become a part of us. Here is where character is formed that God might be able to trust us with the lives of His people.

III. REWARDS FOR SERVITUDE

Matthew 10:41

41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

Matthew 25:23

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

When we are faithful in what God has put in our path to do, and it is done with a pure heart and a right motive in pleasing God, then He can trust us with “holy things.” To serve with a pure heart and motive means to serve God’s people not expecting praise or reward from men. We should not serve in order to receive a “pat” on the back, praise from men or to be seen as “somebody” in the eyes of men. We should not seek to make a reputation for ourselves. This is vanity and will hinder your ability to be used by the Father. Instead, we should serve one another because it is the will and de- sire of the Father. If we never receive praise, recognition or promotion from men we must still serve and be content doing so, while looking to God to move us in Him and to form Christ within us.

This in itself is reward enough. Another reward of servitude is that God will form humility in us. He will teach us how to esteem others higher than ourselves. This is the mind that was found in Christ and God will train us in this same way of thinking. Not only will you find yourself walking in humility, but you will become a servant to anyone you encounter, not just to leaders. Servitude must be an attitude of the heart and not isolated to certain people. Although it is honorable to serve the leaders in the Body of Christ, our heart must be to serve whenever the need arises, regardless of whom it is. When you commit to serv- ing with this mindset, your servitude will not be a chore and you will reap the blessing of giving yourself in service unto the Lord.

IV. LOVE - THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY

The Word of God tells us that Jesus died for mankind because He loved us. He was not motivated by the fame or recognition He received nor did He become high-minded because of all the miracles He performed. Jesus was love through and through. It was the motivating force for everything He did. We, too, must strive to have a testimony that regardless of how great we become in the eyes of man, a love for God and people must be our motivation to work ministry. After all, love is the more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 12:29-31

29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all work- ers of miracles?

30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all in- terpret?

31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13:4-13

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is CHARITY.

V. REASONABLE SERVICE

As we give our all to God, we present our bodies a living sacrifice; which is our rea- sonable service. We cannot feel as if we are doing God a favor by serving Him. What God asks of us is not unreasonable. After all, His Son bought our freedom with His very life. All God asks us to do is obey His commandments and allow Him access to our bodies so that He may save the lost. My friend, this is a reasonable (not extreme or excessive: fair) request. Consider

Romans 12:1

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye pre- sent your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Now we will read the Amplified Version:

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your rea- sonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.

At the end of the day we must still consider ourselves to be unprofitable servants.

Luke 17:10

10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

VI. MEETINGS

The Hospitician board will hold general meetings several times during the month. These meetings keep the members informed of the mandates that are to be followed by the board. Monthly meetings will also give board members the opportunity to ask questions regarding their responsibilities as well as address any problems or concerns within the group. Meetings are also a platform where new ideas can be voiced and where fervent prayer and intercession can be made for the entire ministry and for each another. It is also possible that the Holy Spirit will use this time to expose negative mindsets that are a hindrance to any member’s spiritual growth. There is no movement without confrontation (the catalyst for change). This is one of the tools we have been given for our continued development.

VII. SHUT-INS AND TRANSMITTALS

These are group meetings held to discuss spiritual issues. The Hospitician Board should conduct a shut-in or transmittal at least once a month. Because specific situa- tions and spiritual dispositions may be dealt with during these settings, the President should seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to set the agenda for these settings. The greatest deliverance can take place during these sessions because of the time allowed to informally sit and deal with the mindsets that would oppose our ministry. Confrontation is the catalyst for change and is crucial to spiritual development. Confrontation brings us face to face with those things that cause us to walk contrary to God’s will. It identifies the negative mindsets and dispositions that have become so much a part of us. In these settings, spiritual wickedness is addressed and dealt with directly. When these negative mindsets are exposed and we submit to the truth, we move from one spiritual location to another -- this is maturity. To shut-in takes discipline. Our flesh does not want us to make this sacrifice. Sleepi- ness or negative attitudes can be our greatest hindrances. The fleshy mind will pro- duce excuses, ranging from not being able to stay awake, to not seeing the reason for meeting for that length of time. Whatever the reason, the enemy will try to manifest his presence, as he realizes how effective this method of purging has become within the ministry.

VIII. PRAYER

Prayer, at least once a week as a board, is mandatory. The scripture instructs us that “ . . . men ought always to pray, and not faint, . . .” (St. Luke 18:1)

It also states “ . . . the prayer of a righteous man availeth much . . .” (James 5:16)

We have seen this to be a reality in ministry. Prayer has been, and is, the spiritual discipline that has brought us closer together. It keeps us sensitive to one another ’s infir mities. Without prayer, we lose touch with each other and many of the goals set by an auxilia- ry cannot be reached. Negative mindsets on the board will begin to thrive and order is lost. Group and individual prayer is vital to our spiritual growth. Flesh must be chal- lenged, whether it is in prayer, shut-ins or transmittal sessions. We should always walk in holiness, in order to be able to pray at a moment’s notice. When we live holy we have confidence that the Father hears our prayers and will an- swer them. Sin makes us unmindful of spiritual things, neutralizes our prayer life and blurs our identity in Christ. It is vital that we develop an attitude of prayer and be willing to intercede for others. Regular prayer sessions will aide us in achieving this goal.

IX. FASTING

To fast, according to Webster’s Dictionary, means:

• To Abstain from food.

• To eat very little or abstain from certain foods, especially as a religious discipline.

The Hospiticians must conduct a fast at least twice a month. They may fast on their own (as a group), or corporately with the church. Fasting is a vital part of any spiritual body, as it helps to sanctify the flesh, allows for quality time with the Father, and is necessary in seeking further direction from Him. Although effective, when done for the right reasons, fasting is one of the greatest areas of opposition from the enemy (Satan), because most people love to eat; or they think it is obsolete and old-fashioned to fast. The flesh does not want to give up a meal, not even for a day. The fleshy mind (brain) will come up with all types of justifications why we cannot fast, such as our jobs or being too busy that day to participate. The fleshy mind will also discredit the need for fasting. However, the Bible often talks about fasting, usually in connection with prayer. Let’s consider the following examples:

• Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast when the enemy approached (2 Chronicles 20:1-3)

• Esther requested a three day fast, without food or drink, before approaching the King with the problem of Haman (Esther 4:15)

. • Daniel fasted for three weeks as he was seeking understanding about a vision he was given (Daniel 10:1-3)

• Moses, Elijah, and Jesus each fasted for forty days, and Jesus also expects us to fast, for He says in (Matthew 6:18)

“When you fast . . .” Not if you fast. A. Why should we FAST? We will let the scripture answer this. Let’s go to

Isaiah 58:6-7

“When you fast . . .” Not if you fast. A. Why should we FAST? We will let the scripture answer this. Let’s go to

Amplified Version

6 [Rather] is not this the fast that I (God) have CHOSEN: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every [enslaving] yoke?

7 Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the home- less poor into your house—when you see the naked, that you cover him, and that you hide not yourself from [the needs of] your own flesh and blood?

Satan is the enemy of SOULS! Therefore, in addition to setting free the oppressed, fasting and prayer can also obtain direction and discernment for other tactics and strat- egies to use against him. It is important to pray and use God’s Word, our sword, when we fast. We must expect opposition from Satan and/or his cohorts. However, we must ask for God’s strength to overcome any attacks of exaggerated hunger pangs, weakness, nausea, or headaches. We must be determined and place our trust in God’s ability to take us through. The indwelling Holy Spirit gives us the same ability Christ had, and just as He responded, so can we: “. . . Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (St. Matthew 4:4)

B. Motive for Fasting Your motive for fasting is important.

In fact, your motive is more important than the length of the fast. Fasting for the wrong reasons will get you no where with God. Let’s go back to Isaiah the 58:4-5 [Amplified Version]

4[The facts are that] you fast only for strife and debate and to smite with the fist of wickedness. Fasting as you do today will not cause your voice to be heard on high.

5 Is such a fast as yours what I have chosen, a day for a man to humble himself with sorrow in his soul?

Is true fasting merely mechanical? Is it only to bow down his head like a bulrush and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him (to indicate a condition of heart that he does not have)? Will you call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord? Now let us look at the words of our Lord in

St. Matthew the 6:16-18 [Amplified Version]

16 And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already.

17 But when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face,

18 So that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.

As Christians, our lives are to reflect Christ; and nothing was more important than His communion with the Father. Jesus gained strength through His time spent ALONE with God, and when we choose to do likewise we too, will have the power the Father gave to Him. The whole point of fasting is to have more TIME with the Father. Those who fast, for the right reasons, are in effect saying, our dependence upon God is more vital to us than even food and drink. Because your motive is important, I feel it most necessary to state what fasting is not: 1) It’s not an automatic way to miracles. It isn’t a spiritualized form of magic. Fasting is not a secret of power for just anyone; it has power only for those who have an intimate relationship with their God.

2)It is not a way of earning God’s blessing. He provides His help and blessing because He loves us.

3) It is not a way of bypassing obedience. Our heavenly Father will not hear our prayers, even if we add fasting, if we refuse to walk in obedience to His Word and will.

4) It doesn’t accumulate power to us personally, so that we can dis- play it at will. We cannot and do not use the Holy Spirit--He uses us! The moment a person decides to brag or boast about his or her power, it is gone.

(Taken from the Armed & Dangerous Prayer Warriors Re- source/Training Guide).

Note: “If for health reasons you cannot go on an extended fast, you can try a modified fast. Or you can give up a favorite food as an act of denying yourself during a specific period set-aside for prayer. Start with one-day to three-day fasts before attempting a prolonged period, and drink lots of water or diluted clear juices while fasting.” (Taken from the Spiritual Warrior’s Prayer Guide, 69, Sherrer & Garlock).

X. FELLOWSHIP

We have been brought together to serve the people of God. We are on the same team and working for the same God. However, it is easy to become so busy with duties that we lose focus of our need to just relax and enjoy each other. Therefore, we must make a point to set aside time for fun and fellowship. As we spend time with each other in a relaxed atmosphere, and share our experiences, one to another, vulnerability and sensitivity will begin to flourish among us. It is good to celebrate special days like birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, such as Christmas. Eating out together is another good way to fellowship. Whatever the occasion, the motivation has to be to spend time together, learning about each other as well as encouraging and uplifting one another. We must endeavor to remain unified in the Spirit so that our fellowship with each other will be pure.