God Equips the Called

GOD EQUIPS THE CALLED. That statement says it all. If God calls you to do something He will give you everything you need to complete the task. EVERYTHING! Amazing isn't it? All we have to do as Christians is to be willing to accept the challenge and allow God to do the rest. That's it. No strings attached. Just demonstrate your faith in Christ by being obedient to the call He places upon your life. No matter how old or young you may be. It doesn't matter. God uses all kinds of folks to complete His work. The Bible is full of examples where God continually used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. He has a work for each of us. There is no retirement when God is your employer.

I feel such an urgency in my own spirit to seek God for clear direction in my life. Time is short and there is a tremendous task at hand to tell people about Jesus. Do not allow fear and the voice of the enemy to hinder God's call on your life. He is looking for willing vessels who are anxious to step out of the comfort zone and take a risk for the Kingdom. Yes, it can be frightening to accept the challenge of God in blind faith, attempting to do something that you have no idea how to do, but God will be with you every step of the way. I encourage you to be diligent and obedient in your walk with Christ. Serving Him is an exciting adventure. It becomes boring and unfruitful when we demand control of our lives and refuse to listen and obey His call. I challenge you today to be a risk taker for the Kingdom. God has big plans for your life. What are you going to do with it?

Blessings friends!

Thankful Thursday - Provision

My heart has been so sad this week as I listened to the heart wrenching reports on the news of so many who have taken their lives and the lives of their families. Overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness and desperate for answers to the huge problems they were facing, these people couldn't grasp the truth that God was their provision even in the midst of horrible storms.

So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?" 1 Kings 17:10 (NIV)

In a nation that was required by law to care for its prophets, it is ironic that God turned to ravens (unclean birds) and a widow (a foreigner from Jezebel's home territory) to care for Elijah. God has help where we least expect it. He provides for us in ways that go beyond our narrow definitions or expectations. No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless our situation, we should look for God's caring touch. We may find his providence in some strange places!

When we pray"Give us our daily bread", we are acknowledging that God is our sustainer and provider. It is a misconception to think that we provide for our needs ourselves. We must trust God daily to provide what he knows we need.

I thank God today for His provision in my life. When situations look absolutely bleak I am thankful that my God is still on the throne. Where would we be without His provisions?

Check out Laurie's blog for more TT posts.

Blessings friends!

In "other" Words

"Give yourself permission not to know and be satisfied knowing the One who does."
~ by Joyce Meyer, "I Dare You" ~

I am often reminded that as Christians, we are supposed to trust God in all circumstances. Although we are not capable of seeing beyond today, God expects us to have the faith to trust Him with our future.

Like others, I often become frustrated because things I expect to happen in my life are just not! You know what I am talking about.... God gives us dreams. Dreams that continue to grow but many times doors don't seem to open as quickly as we expect. Years pass and the dream still has not become a reality. Frustration? Maybe. But God really spoke into my heart at the beginning of this year and told me to stop focusing on what it is I want to do with my life, and focus on the NOW. He has given each of us a work to do and I believe it is our training ground for a bigger task He has planned for our lives. Is it easy? Absolutely not! Will I become frustrated and perhaps discouraged? Absolutely! But God is doing a work in us and when He feels we are ready for that next level He will open the doors and make things happen.

Our faith grows in God when we are forced to trust Him because we cannot figure out what it is He is doing. Pretty exciting don't you think? Serving Christ is a continuous adventure for me. I never know what a new day will bring and that my friends is awesome! I could never understand how anyone could say that serving the Lord is boring! They certainly must not serve the same God I know!

Over the years, as I have matured in Christ, it has become easier to wait on God and trust Him with my life. Even though sometimes I may find myself in a very frustrating place, I know God will work it all out in His timing. I have learned to trust Him even when life just does not seem to make sense.

Nina at Mamas Little Treasures is hosting IOW today. Visit her blog and read what other women have shared about this quote.

Blessings friends!

Friday's Cup of Wisdom - Character

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.

~ Helen Adams Keller ~

Have an incredible weekend friends!



Blessings and hugs!

Thankful Thursday - Legacy

I posted this blog several years ago but it seemed so appropriate for today.

I am thankful today for my husband, Bobby. We were married the summer I graduated from high school and left the following month for bible college. I seriously would not encourage anyone to do that but thank the Lord we survived! We will celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary in July.

Even though the ministry can be a tough and challenging profession, Bobby has taught me numerous lessons over the years as we have co-pastored. He is a wonderful father and my very best friend. He is a true example of putting God first in everything he does. His life truly represents God in all ways.

My dad passed away at the age of 49 with lung cancer. I was seven months pregnant with our first child. My children never had the opportunity to meet their grandfather. I am thankful today that my dad accepted the Lord on his death bed and that one day we will be reunited.

My grandfather was a Pentecostal Holiness pastor and passed away from complications associated with cancer. I am thankful today for his heritage. His influence in my life inspired me at a very young age to seek Christ. I can remember the summer's that I would spend with my grandparents in the mountains of West Virginia. My grandfather would take me to church and encourage me to play my accordion. I have no idea what happened to that incredible musical instrument, no idea how to play or a desire to try! Anyhow...... he was a great man of God and made a huge difference in my life.

My father-in-law was another great man of God who influenced my life tremendously. He passed away a number of years ago. Although he battled sickness most of his life I am thankful for the incredible Godly legacy he left behind. He was a great model for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

And most of all I am thankful today for my Heavenly Father who consistently puts up with me! Sometimes I react like the children of Israel whining and complaining about everything. He continually loves me and encourages me daily. I love Him so much and am so thankful that He is such a tolerant Father.

Visit Laurie today for other Thankful Thursday posts.

Blessings!

In Other Words - Is Heaven Seen in Me?

Heaven must be in me, before I can be in heaven.

by Charles Standford

God expects us to live according to His Word. Many people today are trying to mold God into who they want Him to be, filling their lives with compromise and false teachings.

"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" Luke 14:27 (NIV). Jesus' audience was well aware of what it meant to carry one's own cross. When the Romans led a criminal to his execution site, he was forced to carry the cross on which he would die. This showed his submission to Rome and warned observers that they had better submit too. Jesus spoke this teaching to get the crowds to think through their enthusiasm for him. He encouraged those who were superficial either to go deeper or to turn back. Following Christ means total submission to him and death to ourselves.

How can we lead others to Christ if we settle for a life of compromise? How can we preach to others about serving the Lord if they do not see the example in our lives? Are we truly "walking the talk"? Do others really see Jesus in us?

Following Christ and living a Christian life is not an easy task but the rewards are incredible at the end of the journey! Our God is there for us 24/7 no matter what time of the day or night we choose to call upon Him. He offers peace and joy and will always walk with us through every circumstance this life throws in our paths.

If we are not reading our Bibles and spending quality time with Jesus how can others see heaven in our lives? We cannot give away what we don't have. To many folks we are the only example of Christianity they may see. We must live our lives according to God's Word. We need to be imitators of Christ so that those around us can see heaven in us.

Denise at ShortyBear's Place is hosting "In 'Other' Words" today. Visit her site and the links to the other women who have shared in this quote.

Blessings friends!