Pastor’s Corner: “Go with God!”
Ephesians 4:1-8 (NLT) – Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
Imagine getting up every day with the conviction that you are on the planet for a purpose. How fulfilled would you be to know that you and your work matter to God and that He is pleased?
God is always calling us—first to enter into relationship with Him, and then to walk in His plan. Does the Lord still call people, or was that something He did only in Bible times? Does He speak to a specific few or to everyone? Although God may not use an audible voice, He’s still in the business of seeking followers. He calls people to Salvation: Because sin has created a barrier between man and God, He offers salvation through Christ. He calls people to Sanctification: Once we have been reconciled to the Lord, He sets us apart for His purposes. A sanctified life isn’t perfect but is bent toward righteousness and obedience. Although God begins this work at salvation and continues until our physical death, the process also requires our participation. If we choose not to cooperate with the Lord, our growth in Christlikeness will be hindered. And He calls people to Service: God has chosen to establish His Kingdom in the world through those who are saved. Our job is to serve Him by accomplishing what He has planned for us.
Here are ten ways that help people hear God calling and follow His leading:
1. Worship God: There is no calling without The Caller. Take dedicated time to praise and thank Him. Then as you live and work every day, do everything to glorify Him. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; worship…in the splendor of His holiness Psalm 29:2 NIV
2. Study the Bible: The Bible is God’s written authority and our manual for living. Consider it like bread, and feed on it every day. If the Bible is new to you, start with the book of Psalms, John or Ephesians. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path Psalm 119:105 NIV
3. Pray: Be in conversation with God every day. Start with a prayer for guidance from Psalm 143:8 NIV: Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
4. Listen to God Prayer: Prayer is two-way communication. In a journal, notebook or this workbook, write thoughts that come to your mind. Be still and know that I am God Psalm 46:10 NIV
5. Fellowship: Spend time with Christians who are like-minded and like-valued. Study the Bible and pray together. Encourage one another. Follow the ABCs of Accountability, Belonging and Care. And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds…Hebrews 10:24 NASB
6. Seek Wise Counsel: Seek first wisdom from above (see James 3:17) and then from people. Some may be friends. Others might be strangers. All should be of good reputation. Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance Proverbs 1:5 NIV
7. Consider Your Circumstances: Be a good steward of opportunities God gives you. Consider unfolding circumstances in prayer, with counsel and in light of the truth of the Bible. Be very careful, then, how you live…making the most of every opportunity. Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV
8. Confess to Clear Your Heart & Mind: It is easy to get confused when sin is getting in your way. Confess and clear your heart and mind every day. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness 1 John 1:9 NASB
9. Receive God’s Peace: As you consider various choices, be alert for the peace of God, even in the midst of the most chaotic of times. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds, in Christ Jesus Philippians 4:7 NIV
10. Trust & Obey There is no other way!: If you hear Him, follow Him. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. John 14:21 NIV
How are you responding God’s call? Remember that someday we will all stand before God and give an account of our life. Those who have a habit of responding to His voice will experience spiritual abundance and blessing, both here on earth and one day in heaven!
Go With God!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton