Seven years ago, Jim Haesemeyer and I met in a coffee shop in Lubbock to prepare for this website. It often amazes me how Jim graciously mentored and tagged along with a amateur like me with no prior writing or publishing experience. So much was at stake for a veteran missionary and bible teacher like Jim to work with me. We felt passionate about moving forward with the ministry and were supported by loving people like C.M. John and Steve Price. My wife, Merlyn, played a crucial role in starting and maintaining this ministry with her insights and efforts. It was obvious God’s hand was there to use broken vessels like us. Here are a few reflections on what God has shown through the Renew In Knowledge website ministry.
In the past seven years, we published over one hundred sixty articles! I often hoped for a viral moment when one or two articles would explode online, but it never happened. I’m glad it didn’t; I don’t think I could have handled that attention well, and it might have been too distracting. God usually works quietly and gently, with very rare moments of crusade or breakthrough. Most of the time, He influences us through simple conversations and daily regular efforts. Isn’t that what our lives are mostly about? I hope this encourages those of you who feel stuck in daily monotony.
But God sees you and will reward your work done in His name no matter how small or insignificant it seem to you. When Scripture says even a cup of water given in His name will be rewarded, it suggests that every daily act can be honored by God. Heaven will reveal how many people will be honored for their everyday faithfulness in simple tasks. I am convinced that many moms and women will be showered with rewards in heaven for their incredible faithful work at home and outside that often gone unnoticed and under appreciated. For those who feel unappreciated, isn’t it comforting to know that God sees all your actions and will rightly judge your good works? Would we rather prefer temporary rewards here or eternal rewards?
Now, the efforts of the Renew In Knowledge team may not seem monumental when compared to the daily battles fought by moms everywhere or the dedication of those who trek through rugged paths to worship and spread the Gospel. God’s Word shows us that even our smallest acts—those crumbs and pieces—can be multiplied by God in astonishing ways and at just the right moment.
What is it that God is leading you to do now? Is it visiting or calling that believer who is struggling through an impending disability; taking the time to regularly connect with a friend grappling with their faith; stepping into the role of a mentor for a neighborhood child eager for guidance? Does it mean providing a rich and biblically grounded education that shapes your children’s lives forever? Is it that you get rid of that secret sin in your life so that others will see the true you and glorify God? Is it that you go ahead and finally forgive that person who hurt you years back?
As a final thought, you don’t need perfect plans to serve the Lord. Just be His disciple. That is the Great Commission. Be willing and open to follow where God leads. Don’t wait for the perfect timing or edits, because nothing we do is ever perfect. A disciple need not be an expert or experienced or charismatic. In a previous article, I touched on how we could be influencers and disciples in this dark world. And a word on entitlement – do not think that you deserve to be honored and rewarded for the works you do. Please don’t let that fleshly thought hinder your joy and make you a miserable and angry person. We are just the servants of Almighty God. Praise Him that He chose you to be His child, servant, disciple and friend. Only God is perfect, and He can make us shine for His glory and kingdom.
put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him
- Colossians 3:10 NKJV
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