THE VIRUS

2 short weeks ago, I went through one of the worst experiences of my internet history. I contracted a computer virus. I'm not sure if it was one related to the twitter attack that also took place at the same time. I researched it and was or could of been the Convicker virus. I spent alot of time trying to make my computer work. But failed. I stayed up at all hours of the night, to my my dismay. Anyhow, I went and bought security protection software from Fry's. Though I already had McAfee. And, it pretty much made it worse. To the point a blue screen simply came up and I knew I was in for it. I contacted a techie, and so we pretty much had to dump all my programs. You know things that help you get along in your study and all. Total I paid more than $220.00. I caught the Virus. A virus is a bacteria. It is a disease. Is there an area in your life. Where you try and try, and try. There seems to be no answer. God is the answer for your life. Sometimes we must dump all we have. Our experiences. Our ministry history. Our pride. To the point we are all so vulnerable. But, not too worry. God is there with you. He will not let you fail. Anyhow, a virus is an infection. No matter what I tried to do it did not work. Yes a virus is an infection. And there is difference between an infection and addiction. We all know what addiction entails. Yet, I’m talking addicted as in ministry. 1 Cor 16:15 says, "I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints," KJV

Addiction means habit; Influence, Power; authority; Hope, reliance; Confidence; Compulsion;

1. Stephanas was a sign from God - A sign God was moving in Achaia.
2. Stephanas was refreshing in ministry - He had caught the vision.
3. Stephanas was a treasure - His name means crown. Isa. 45:2-3
4. Stephanas became addicted to the ministry.

What did they do?

They showed hospitality. They met needs of people for the Lord. They helped Paul further the movement of God. It was a self -imposed duty. And, boy, today, don't we need more Stephanas'? We need more wives and families of Stephanas. The Bible says, it was the whole family. His household. That means relatives included.

What about you? Are you addicted to the ministry"

Let's look at a person addicted to drugs. Addiction comes in 3 ways.

(I know, this is a negative example. Maybe I shoulda talked about addicted to shopping?) Whew!

1. Desire - They have an overpowering desire for the drug.
2. Develop - Develop a high tolerance. Need a stronger dose.
3. Dependance - Person needs drug to function. Basically strung out.

What does the Bible mean concerning Stephanas?

The more Stephanas ministered, the more he felt compelled to serve. The more he was encouraged and led by God, The more he wanted to reach more people for the Lord. He was addicted to ministry for love's sake.

What is going to take?

1. It takes a love for people
2. It takes a passion for the mission.
3. It takes faith to reach the city.
4. It takes people who cross the threshold to embrace their future.

When the telegraph was the was the fastest way of long-distance communication at that time, a young guy applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. He answered an ad in the paper, then went to the office address that was listed. He got there then entered a large, busy office filled with a lot of noise, including the sound of the telegraph in the background. A sign on the counter told job applicants to fill out a form and wait till they were called to enter the office. The man filled out his form then sat down with 7 other applicants in the waiting area. After a few minutes, the young guy stood up, crossed the room to the door of the office, then walked in. Then the other people were surprised, wondering what was going on. They said among themselves that they hadn't heard any direction yet. They thought the young man who went into the office made a mistake and would be disqualified. Within a few minutes, the manager came out with the young man and said to the other men, "Gentlemen, thank you for coming, but the job has been filled." The other applicants began complaining to each other, and one spoke up saying, "Wait a minute, I don't understand. He was the last to come in, and we never got a chance to be interviewed and he got the job. It’s just not fair!" The employer said, "Look, I'm sorry, but all the time you've been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: 'If you understand this message, then come right in. The job’s yours!’ Yet because none of you heard it or understood it. This young man heard it. So the job is his."

What about you? Do you hear the call? Devote yourself and become addicted to God, to the ministry, along with our families. And point to Him. Giving the Lord our best. And be just like Stephanas and Co. Okay? Let's do this.

Once again, leave your comments, if you can. See Ya.