The Ministry of Presence Text: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
The greatest thing anyone can do for you in times of trouble is to be there. One of the greatest realizations will be when you understand the ministry of Presence. If you are employed, your first obligation to your job is to be present. When someone is in need or maybe in the hospital your presence can bring that person hope.
There are all types of ministries within the local body. Such as, ushering, teaching, helping, but the greatest ministry is to present.
Again Ecclesiastes says that two are better than one.
There are so many people who feel all alone, and without hope.
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
A sick heart: There’re everywhere; we need each other.
Tree of life: At our first church no one came, I started picking up a man by the name of Lee Hammond’s.
Where do people need you; where are you needed? Here. If you aren’t here something goes undone. Hospitals, nursing homes, the home bound and church.
The ministry of presence: At our jobs and in our neighborhood.
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
To obtain knowledge, and to have first hand information, plus insight that the Spirit of God doesn’t leave, nor forsakes you means everything. Understanding that whatever you face, He stands in complete sequence with you, means you will make it. Your number one duty and obligation in life, is to be present for others, to help others. (The ministry of presence.)
Jesus is a wonderful listener: Jer. 33:3 Call unto Me...
Jesus is compassionate: Psalm 145:8-9 The Lord is good...
Jesus is there: Say, warm body. Hebrews 13:5-6 Amp Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] 6.So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?
Jesus smiles: Psalm 144:15 Happy is man who is in such a state...
Jesus is positive: II Cor. 1:20 All the promises of God...
You, represent hope. You will become a tree of life for others. Because of your presence someone will be healed, saved, delivered.
Song.
