Proclaim the Truth of God's Love

Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. --2 Corinthians 4:1-2

Richard Baxter, a 17th-century preacher from Kidderminster, England, was known for his passionate ministry style. He saw himself as a dying man ministering to dying people, so he always spoke as if he were preaching his last sermon and his audience was hearing their last message.

In addition to his dynamic style of preaching, Baxter spent every Monday and Tuesday instructing the children of his church. On Wednesdays, he went from house to house to make sure the needs of his church's widows, aged, and sick were met. And during the rest of the week, he prepared his sermons and wrote books.

As a result of Baxter's ministry, the town of Kidderminster was completely transformed. The small village that had once been a place full of sexual immorality, violence, and sin, eventually became a town where almost every household honored the Lord. Baxter's zeal for ministering to others and bringing them to Jesus reaped a great spiritual harvest.

Are you doing everything you can to minister to the needs of those in your family, neighborhood, circle of friends, and church? Are you a daily witness and servant to those with whom you share life?

As believers in Christ, we have a ministry…even if we don't work for a church!  Today, determine to proclaim the truth of God's love in word and action…as if you were a dying man or woman of God ministering to dying people!

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to open up opportunities for you to minister to others who are lost and hurting. Pray that He would give you a great passion for serving others and bringing them to Him.

Visit the Senior Living Ministries website