[Christ] “who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14)
After reading my daily devotion from The Institute for Creation Research, I took time to reflect. Jesus not only died for us, but redeemed (bought us back) and purify (sanctify) us out of our sin led life and called Born Again believers to be a peculiar (strange, unusual) people. Jesus died for us so that we could become zealous (enthusiastic, passionate) people of good works. After we become Born Again we are transformed into people who are not only grateful that our Lord died for us, but enthusiastic servants of God and all the people our lives touch.
As I reflected on these Biblical truths, I reflected on last night. As the President of the Boone, NC Camp of The Gideons International, I played a small part in the amazing Annual Pastor’s Appreciation Banquet that occurred last night. I reflected about all those men and women of God, called by God into this ministry, a peculiar group of Born Again believers called out to share Gods word through the distribution of Bibles and personal witnessing so that men, women, boys and girls, through the calling power of the Holy Spirit, can come to the saving knowledge and grace of our Lord, Jesus, the Christ. I’m so honored to be a part of the Gideon ministry – a peculiar people, drawn out of a peculiar people to serve our Lord, zealously sharing Gods Word, the Bible.
Our Annual Pastor’s Appreciation Banquet was a great success with 93 in attendance. We had pastors, preachers, evangelists, ministry works, deacons, elders and their families – peculiar people zealously serving within their own niche of service to our Lord. Our Faith Fund offering goal was $1,500, but we received $3,900. We didn’t ask this money from our guests, no, this money was collected exclusively from Gideons and their wives. Each Gideon Camp has two funds, the Camp Fund (for funding banquets, meetings and administration), and the Faith Fund that goes for the purchase of Bibles. So all the money to fund the banquet came from the pockets and purses of Gideons and Gideon Auxiliary members, and all $3,900 collected at the banquet will go for the purchase of Bibles to be distributed worldwide. All praise honor and glory to our risen Lord, Jesus!
As Born Again believers, we are called to be unique – sanctified, unusual, zealous servants of God. We are to live a life of service and good works to the honor and glory of our precious Lord.