When I invited guest posts from anyone who wants to write one (an offer which is still open, by the way) I knew that eventually I would come across a post that I wasn’t sure I was comfortable putting on my blog.

That day has come, but not in the way I expected. Deb Watson (Blog | Twitter) is a friend I met through the wonders of the internet. I had the privilege of reading and reviewing her incredible book, Kiss Goodbye, the true story of her daughter’s tragic death and God’s subsequent healing work in her life and we have been in touch with each other regularly ever since.

It has been great getting to know her but her guest post submission really floored and humbled me. I mulled the post over for some time wondering if I should publish it and eventually asked some trusted friends and family their opinions.

I was encouraged to share it with you, not to be prideful or big-headed but because it has come from Deb’s heart. I am grateful for it and am sure I’m unworthy of most of what it says but this blog is about Rediscovering the Church and Deb is a part of the Church so what God puts on her heart to write is a valid as what he gives anyone else.

This is what was on Deb’s heart as she wrote her guest post. Thank you, Deb, for sharing with us:

Different Kinds of Service

It is such an honor to write a guest blog on this site, “Rediscovering the Church.”

One morning this past May, shortly after the release of my book, I met Peter on Facebook. To this day, I am unsure who befriended who, but I am confident that it was of God’s leading. Before our meeting, I had little experience with blogs – I had never written one, and I had read very few. Peter, in his friendly manner, had responded on Facebook to some questions I had regarding marketing and from there grew a cyber friendship.

Peter, who has a pastor’s heart, has been a source of encouragement in ways I suspect he is totally unaware of. His blog has not only been an inspiration to my Christian walk, but has also taught me much about what it means to have an online social media presence. As Christians, we are called to be salt and light to a dying world – before my encounter with Peter, I never realized the impact that blogs, websites, and social media forums could have. Peter has seized this opportunity to bless others through his words.

Words possess an incredible power – the power to build up or the power to tear down. Because I have never met Peter in person, and perhaps, never will on this side of heaven, our communication has been totally dependent upon words—words that convey encouragement, hope, and direction. To quote Solomon: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Peter does indeed pastor a home church – or perhaps I should say, Peter pastors from his home. Peter has taken hold of a unique way to shepherd the flock.

For myself, I am being challenged with new opportunities to serve Jesus Christ.  The comforts of home are being stripped away as I step out boldly to proclaim my faith. At times, I am distracted by the knocking of my knees, but God is faithful. To be a servant of the Most High is the greatest calling I will ever receive.

What about you? How is God using you today to strengthen and build His Kingdom? Culturally, we are taught to look for the big things, but Jesus’ economy is different. Jesus will use every morsel we offer up to Him. Peter is using words, I am using new platforms, and you are using what? Acts of kindness, prayers, helps, serving, teaching, hospitality –what are you offering back to God as your service?

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:5)

Deb Watson

www.debwatson.net