Biblical Life eMag - Biblical Life College & Seminary

1. How am I doing in following the commandments and ways of God? Do I pick and
choose? Do I follow only those that do not require a change (or transformation) in my flesh?
Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to bring correction to me and live the Word by His power?
2. Where do I receive my affirmation and approval for life and ministry? Here is an acid
test that I use: Do I feel pressured to start immediately in the morning with all the things I
need to do in ministry? Is that my main focus? If it is, my affirmation and approval are
ministry and people oriented. That will lead to physical and spiritual burnout . If I have a
myriad of tasks to perform in the morning, but I start the day with a prolonged time in prayer,
THEN my priorities are right. My affirmation and approval are coming from God. I trust in HIS
ability and leadership in ministry. No longer am I pressured to get everything done within a
certain time to keep people happy. Today, everybody may have to wait until tomorrow
because God has only ONE thing for me to do . . . or one person to minister to.
Remember this important lesson: If I respond to the many without direction from God, He will
allow me to do it . . . in my own strength. If I respond to Him and do only those things He has
instructed me to do that day, it is done by His power and anointing. I will not be burned out
in ministry, but rather empowered by His working through me and enriched by fellowship with
Him.
3. What really motivates me in ministry? I am not talking about all the PR we give out and
the ministry talk that we do. I am talking about the truth that we very rarely even admit to
ourselves. Is it His fame and purposes? Or is it my fame while I appear to be accomplishing His
purposes?
The times that we are living in demand that we be more real with ourselves than ever before.
Only HIS BOND SERVANTS will be able to stand and thrive in the days to come.
Dr. Michael K. Lake is the founder and chancellor of Biblical Life
College and Seminary, the president of Biblical Life Publishing, and the
Apostle of Biblical Life Assembly. He has earned doctorates in
theology, religious education, and pastoral psychology. Dr. Lake has
been teaching and mentoring those called to ministry for nearly 30
years and serves as a consultant on Christian education for many
religious organizations. He is known for his where the rubber meets
the road teaching style that makes complex theological concepts easy
for all to understand and live out in their daily lives.
Biblical Life eMag | Premier Issue