Tag : calling
Tag : calling
“God has given us a desire to strive for something greater than ourselves.” That was the statement in the devotional I’m reading on YouVersion called “How to Plan for Success.” It struck me that in my own flesh, I could never accomplish what the LORD has put on my plate. At times, when I don’t spend enough time centering myself in the morning, feeding on the strength of God, I get overwhelmed with the task list and start to back-peddle. But then it’s time to return to the place of sustenance, the presence of God.
In a few weeks, Pearls of Promise is taking on something that, on paper, seems over the top for a small ministry. We have purchased an Exhibit booth at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention and will be taping interviews at the booth with some of the leading Christian media and writing professionals of our time like June Hunt, Joel C. Rosenberg and Richard Blackaby, son of Henry Blackaby.
Both Dr. Lynnette Simm and I will be doing book signings in the Exhibit Hall. She will be signing her book, And the Day Came, and I will be signing, and hoping for a divine appointment for my apologetics book, The Root that Never Died. I will also be speaking in the Exhibit Hall about Pearls of Promise in a message called “The Promise of the Pearl.”
All this is greater than myself!
But as I prayerfully produce eight interviews and ask the LORD how I can honor Him on the platform, I relax, knowing that it’s not about me and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I have also realized that the LORD called us to do this because it often feels like an “out of the box” experience. When I start to think from an earthly perspective about all involved, I get a little anxious.
When we are called to do something greater than ourselves, we must submit to the one who is Greater.
I often worship in the morning to songs about God’s greatness like Great are You Lord, (the Casting Crowns version), or Greater Than by Gateway Worship. It’s my way of saying to God that I am nothing. I can only accomplish this calling if His greatness flows through me. When Jesus came on the scene, John the Baptist said, “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30).
One of the interviews we are doing is with the CEO of “Ministry Watch,” Warren Cole Smith. He wrote a book about all the religious scandals over the years called Faith Based Fraud: Learning from the Great Religious Scandals of Our Time. It occurred to me that those scandals probably happen when people are called to something greater than themselves, but they begin to rely on themselves.
Do you feel like a burden for something greater and feel ill-equipped to proceed? Then know that if it glorifies God, it’s probably from God. And you cannot proceed without Him. How great is our God!
Categories: Blog
I could do it. I could easily sell everything I own and become a beach bum. I love waking up to the sound of waves crashing the shore. I love the salt air and the feel of sand between my toes. And I could eat a Grouper sandwich or shrimp tacos every day. So what’s stopping me? It’s simple. I can’t disregard the calling on my life and that call is not to make sand castles every day.
I’ve heard the audible voice of the Holy Spirit only a couple of times, but both times it was about what I’m on this earth to do, so I keep doing it, even when it seems difficult to maintain.
Today I was reading about the Apostle Paul who, in 2 Corinthians 11, who listed off all the hardships he faced during his evangelical outreach. “I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm” (2 Corinthians 11:23–27, NLT).
Whew! I wonder if Paul dreamed of retiring to a little villa by the sea?
But Paul had an encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road, and continued to hear from Him throughout his life. He had a calling that he could not dismiss or walk away from.
The truth is that even though I’m here at my happy place, I’ve still worked. I’ve produced one POP Talk television show and I’m working on another. I have finalized a prayer event for church and will be editing a radio show today. Although a little later than usual, I wrote this blog. Even in the midst of a more relaxed gulf-side environment, I can’t escape my calling and so I keep at it, while taking afternoon breaks for beach time.
So what calling has the LORD spoken in your ear? Every believer has a purpose. But is it becoming difficult? Maybe you are thinking it’s time to retire. I’ve got news for you. Except for the Levitical priests in the Bible, God never instructs us to retire. Our lives are a living sacrifice for Him. If you are feeling tired, remember your encounters. Those times when you unmistakably heard the voice of the Holy Spirit or felt an impression on your spirit. The touch of God will be enough to keep you moving forward in your calling.
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Won’t you join us for POP Chat on Wednesday, May 26th at 6:30 p.m. CST? Dr. Lynnette Simm will be speaking about “Being You Bravely.” Our guest Worship Leader is Flautist, Katherine Legg.You won’t want to miss this, as it’s our last POP Chat before our Summer Break. Just click on the link to sign up.
Categories: Blog
Today as I was cleaning up and going through papers that I need to get rid of, I realized this time of isolation provides a great opportunity to discard of things no longer needed.
While tearing papers, I came across a letter my husband wrote to me 37 years ago. He was acknowledging his undying love for me, his beautiful flower (He called me Rose), and how happy he was that we were together. After reading this thoughtful and sentimental letter, I cried!
My husband passed away six years ago. Until today, I did not realize how much I missed him. Yes, I grieved for a while after he was gone, but a flood of grief engulfed me after I read his letter. You see, I had forgotten he wrote it to me and the fact that I was not looking for it touched the core of my heart. Was he trying to tell me something? Was he thinking about me today? Was he saying, “I miss you.” “I am so proud of you.”
I am reminded of a scripture. Hebrews 12:1 assures us (the faithful), that “we are surrounded by … a great cloud of witnesses.” The cloud referred to as “great” indicates that millions of believers have gone before us, each bearing witness to the life of faith we now live.
Yes see, it was just yesterday I was offered a position as Chair for a Christian organization that I am connected to, and I accepted. This is a great opportunity but I am holding onto God’s hand as I move forward because he has put me in a place of responsibility beyond my experience. I believe my husband was saying to me: “Rose; you can do this. I am cheering you on.”
Once we say yes to God’s will and to His ways, no telling where he will direct us to be his hands and feet. “Since the Lord is directing your steps, why try to understand anything that happens along the way” (Proverbs 20:24). We have to simply trust Him.
You are unique and God has blessed you with a special gift or gifts for His will and purpose. It’s never too late to serve Him. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverb 16:3). We just have to remember to let him lead.
My God richly bless you.
Categories: Blog