Challenges to The Call
We can be sure that the culture we are apart of is the most influential culture in all of history. In no other time have we as Christians been so exposed to the “world” around us. This type of influence poses a number of threats to the Christian, many of which we are not aware of until their impact has greatly effected us. The call of God on our life is not immune to the influence of the culture around us. However, many leaders (those with a calling) have not even thought about how this impact.
With this thought in mind, share how the culture of this world and of the 21st-century church has influenced and or impacted your acceptance of God’s call on your life; your fulfillment of God’s call on your life; and your expectations of God’s call on your life?
Hello Leaders,
Taking this thought in mind, I am sharing how the culture of this world and of the 21st-century church has the following:
1. Influenced and/or impacted my acceptance of God’s call on my life.
• With the vast amount of cultural differences and generational dynamics, this has made a influence and impact with me. I am able to relate to Millennials or Generation Y society that are born 1977 to 1995 as well as the Generation Z individuals that are born 1996 to 2015. Even though, I am a Generation X person born between 1965 to 1976, and raised by a Baby Boomer born 1946 – 1964 and a Traditionalists or Silent Generation born 1945 and before. Just consider this, even though I am not a millennial and the majority of leadership is not, we are currently faced with a greater opportunity to reach millennials that have created a direct influence to change in our current culture. We have rapid changes in the 21st century with social values, similar to the changes that occurred in the first part of the 20th century. Families have become more diverse. For the first time in history, large groups of people opt not to get married or have children. We are faced with a challenge in this world. And the challenge I have accepted, but most of all I am called to.
2. My fulfillment of God’s call on my life.
• When I take into consideration how technology creates and provides entertainment and news to be more accessible than any other century. Thus, the access to biblical material and resources is all across web, flooding our networks and creating a mentality or stigma within society that we are smarter than other and it is okay to be alone. With the culture in this world having an inaccurate concept of how the 21st century church should function, we (Christian leaders) need to create a greater urgency to share with people their importance, their need for God, and the truth of God’s Word. I know with my call in requires me to speak the truth, to maintain God’s order, and produce order within our community.
3. My expectations of God’s call on my life?
• The opportunities God has provided is to be able to preach international through various avenues of technology. Technology allows growth to spread at rapid synchronized momentums and venues, which is one of the greatest resources we have in the 21st century to be able spread the gospel globally. I am able to utilize web pages and social network applications to spread the gospel more broadly and synchronized. I am able to receive and provide training in one location while several others can be a different location. The resources that I am able to utilize helps my calling as well as others. Current technology allow us to make intentional actions to empower culture of this world and of the 21st-century church to make a relevant change
Because of His Love,
Richard
Min. Jones in reaching the Millennials do you have recommendations in reaching them? What would it look like because the easy suggestion would be to say social media, which I can see why because of the rapid form of communication and the short attention span associated with Millennials. But what about grass roots movements of evangelism, of getting out on the grind in the neighborhood and communities to connect with them. Do you think this method is still valuable in reaching the millennial generation and those younger?
When I was young lady the Bible just seem like a collective book story the every one would learn for life I never really saw it as one story with underlying messages of jesus Because I did not see the Bible way God intended I was really never really pressed to read it I would only read a section here and maybe a section out of. The New Testament after reading this lesson it has really helped to group book together that will help with my teacher in the future I believe the first time I knew I was call when I was moving from south Carolina to Virginia
The current culture has impacted my calling by way of Black Liberation theology either at some faults of my own desire to raise and uplift the black community or in my own embracing, which I will explain later. But at the same time there are those who wish to place it on my shoulders to champion “the cause” in support of equality. They seek to dictate and shape my box of discovery and action for my ministry. That if I don’t adopt this form of theology then I cannot be considered a champion for my people and that I’m not down for my people and the fight for overcoming oppression of black people. So now I am a sellout.
Now with the climate in America being what it is I have personally sought at times to use my ministry to liberate people of African descent from political, social, economic and religious oppression. Having the desire to mix Christianity with concerns over civil rights and the fight to supporting the diaspora of Africans in America. At times I see nothing wrong with this directive as long as it doesn’t interfere, disrupt or disturb the gospel to where it only fits the black perspective of church and spirituality and does not embrace or engage all people beyond their own cultural bounds.
In fulfilling God’s call on my life I have to be honest in that I have at times personally sought solace in the Black liberation theology because of Martin Luther King Jr who was a pivotal icon for civil rights of African Americans. But yet he is quoted as saying “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” So with that in mind and along with being mentored and guided by my Pastors who look to Christ as the total answer I have chosen to not allow culture, race or political differences to prevent me from spreading the gospel.
My expectations of God’s call on my life although I personally believe that God is concerned with the poor, disenfranchise and the weak. I am still obligated to love ALL people regardless of their station in life. Our God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), the gospel is for everyone. Every single man and woman He has ever created is on an equal footing as long as we fear God and seek to do right. God has equal and unconditional love for each person He has ever created and He is not going to be playing favorites with anyone. So it’s not just those of color but all of Gods people even the unjust need the gospel. So if I capitalize that only Black Lives Matter when taken out of context, as some typically point out that this means you only care about black lives. No the statement is to resonate with those that look at Blacks at less than human, we, who are black count too.
Now my obligation is to God first and so I must be able to witness for Christ, regardless of cultural differences, race, political or even economic status.
As a millennial it was EASY to run from my call. When I look at the people I hung around with at my old church I can see how many of us are/were running from the call that God has on our lives. Within our friend group we seek acceptance and when we meet push back we “drop them,” saying that they are a “hater” or we were never really our friends in the first place because they provoke us to do better. This habit upkeeps the mediocrity we’ve come accustomed to and provokes a pattern of stagnation that is dangerous and/or deadly to our spiritual health. I found myself in this cycle and when I wanted to break out I didn’t know who to go to for fear of rejection. I wanted to fit in and I would do anything to stay in with those I felt comfortable with. So I decided to just ignore it. I knew I was missing out but I didn’t care because I was fitting in with my friends, or so I thought. Eventually I came to realize that “fitting in” was a term not fitting to what I was doing. I didn’t really realize this until I moved back to Newport News and this helped me to begin to accept my call for what it was and move forward in doing what God created me to do.
When it comes to the fulfillment of God’s call on my life and culture, it’s daunting. I see the wrong in today’s culture and how it leads my generation and the generation after mine astray and it hurts my heart. I don’t how to fix it though and that’s scary; to see an issue and not know how to right it. I don’t understand how God will fulfill all the intricate aspects of the call He has on my life and I know that He will still continue to reveal small pieces of the whole as I continue to grow and walk in my call and that’s crazy to me! How can little old me affect change in culture? Sin is so deeply engrained in the current culture I don’t see how I can change it, but even just changing one will be worth all the work I will do to see God’s will done in my life.
Social media is the biggest hinderance to me when it comes to the expectation I have for God’s call on my life. Now I understand that my expectation is nothing compared to what God will do through me, but when I see what He is doing through others it makes me wonder, “Is that what I should be doing.” I can’t help but compare where I am and my impact (at least the impact I see) with what someone else is doing and their impact (the impact I can see). I will NEVER measure up in someone else’s lane! Even knowing this, I still compare. For that reason I left social media and have yet to go back. It has allowed me so much freedom in walking out my call! I don’t compare myself as often (I still see people walking out their call everyday, but it is less concentrated an “put on for the gram”). I have realized that as God continues to unfold His plans before me, I will always measure up in His eyes and that’s what matters. I am here to please no one but God and that’s easy if I listen and obey! It’s liberating and amazing! Thank You God for Your love and Your guidance!
Allie, I experienced crazy things with my friends. I did not want to let go of my friends. God knew me and He did the separating. I saw God’s hand move in my life. God knew my friends would hinder me walking in the calling on my life. I was hurt but I thank God everyday. I would not be a preacher today. Gods loves me.
The biggest thing that has hinder the acceptance of God’s call on my life was the lack of accountability that was in the church. No one could really even question something in their brother or sister’s life that didn’t line up with God’s word without is coming off as condemnation. As long as when people saw you it seemed like your life was in line no one really bothered you. As christians, that can really stunt our growth and let a lot of things in the church that don’t need to be let in. And for someone like myself who is an introvert and does not always like to be bothered, that really slowed me down as far as growing in God. Also understanding that someone questioning an aspect of your life and holding you accountable is a true sign that the person really loves you. Now that may not seem like a big deal, but sometimes that’s how God needs to reveal something about you that he wants to change, and if you are not open to that correction then you can not expect to receive everything God has for us. So now I make a point to check in with my accountability partners so that I can let the Lord work wherever he needs to so I can walk in the calling that God has for my life.
Greetings Leaders,
As I process and evaluate some of the nuances of the influence of
our culture on my call. The environment in which I found myself in, at one turn I was seeking to “fit in”and at another turn I was striving to influence the school-aged population which was under my stewardship. Initially, I did not believe in the institution of marriage just from having been raised by a single parent. I did not have a healthy example of a Christian marriage, so I failed to see myself in one. Having a career in child care offered me the opportunity to bear witness to the influence of our society’s culture on children , teens , and young adults. This is immediately impacted by the social norms of the day. Also, I realized is that, what might influence a certain group of young individuals at one point is drastically impacted by the environment of their existence. As a young boy, my self-esteem was impacted by the culture of the time. As my self-esteem was being shaped, so was my identity. Growing up I faced some of the same challenges young people face today however there is far more cultural stimuli shaping the outlook of children and young people than there has ever been. With the advent of social media and the need for acceptance within our society. While I have a captive audience of extremely impressionable young people, I am not permitted to outright reference God or religion while they are in my care
My challenge in this has been instilling and reinforcing positive character traits in children and young people as well as employees who have been placed under my leadership. I have found that my call as well as my christian walk is a tangible example of the love of God in the midst of our culture.
In fulfilling the call of God on my life, I have the opportunity to directly impact the lives of many. As my relationship with God deepens, there is a stronger outpouring of His love to those around me. Our culture can be enriching and nurturing, or detrimental and destructive. In recognizing that , I realize that we have to continue to sow the good seeds of faith.
to not only speak God’s word but to show the awesome power of His love for us. We should not only be merely speaking God’s word but showing what salvation, repentance, and forgiveness looks like, and their impact therein.
In regards to my expectation of God’s call on my life, imagine everyone who were, has been , and will continue to be affect by the call of God on my life. ..from 1984 …until ….I am home with the Lord. We , who are in Christ must work together to influence the culture of our communities. I am but a filthy wretch, not worthy of His grace. Every day I fall short, nevertheless He uses me. I am so richly blessed to be use by God.
Thank you Lord for your grace and your mercy
Acceptance of God’s call on my life (influence/impact)
The exposure to me has always been there for the Christians and the threats manifested greatly since they took prayer out of school. The slavery generation that extended through the 1960s restraining blacks from entering in restaurants, signs posted whites only, blacks had to go through the back doors, separated bathrooms for blacks and whites, fight for voting rights, and the list goes on and on. I remembered at the old Riverside hospital we had to enter the back door and stand in a hallway before we got to see a doctor. I remembered just like it was yesterday my mother crying when Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy were killed. That scene hit me like a ton of bricks. I was never the same and I knew I needed to pray. This started my zeal to learn about prayer and to pray.
Fulfillment of God’s call on my life
The 1960s culture forced blacks to survive on those old church songs and prayer. I am not talking about the pretty prayers prayed today but prayers that touched heaven. I went up to the altar crying twice to join the church. I wanted to be saved. Those Mothers believed in soaking their selves in prayer. They went from moaning to praying. I was nosey and I wanted to submit totally to God. This influenced me and looking back I was in boot camp being trained for God’s calling on my life. The 21st – century is worst because of social media and our government. Yes, we are exposed to more threats. The threats keep me on my knees to be prepared to help people to know Jesus is so real.
Expectations of God’s call on my life
When I read the newspapers, social media and looking at the television keeps me feeding my spirit man to be ready to help where ever God sends me. It pushes me to keep an Isaiah’s spirit “Lord I will go.” Jesus Christ left us the Great Commission which stays on my heart. God’s calling on my life keeps me alert that I am bought with a price and my life is not my own. I must be careful not to pass up an opportunity to spread the word of God.
We live in a world that would rather trust google than the Holy Spirit. People would rather watch church than participate in church. We even have so many people who don’t trust the church because of some crazy story they read or heard on social media. Everyday it makes it harder to answer the call of my life because of all the pollution that fills your eye gate no matter where you turn. There has never been so many ways to disobey God so easily. But it is also what Jesus called us todo when he told us to bear our cross daily (Matt 6:24).
Even with all of the mess going on sometimes to connect or relate with the youth I have to use certain tech ideas to relate with them. Show how certain things that are trendy are not in line with Gods word. This culture does give plenty of help with lessons to teach. Hey
I believe that in the future this culture is going to raise a generation that can clearly see the world with a grey view of Christ. Because of all the information shown in the public, I will have to be ready to defend the faith on another level. Knowing things like where and why certain things happen. It is going to be tough but with God all things are possible (Matt 19:26).
The culture of this world and the 21st century church has impacted and influenced my acceptance of God’s call on my life; my fulfillment of God’s calling on my life and my expectations of God’s call on my life? Every day is a struggle from what I hear on the news, what I see on social media, things people say/ do at the job and just every day life. We have Christians walking away from Christ and non believers not wanting to get to know Christ because of the lack of credibility of some Christians. We have Christians that are on big stages make it difficult for all of us because of their words and actions that don’t bear fruit.
Every day I have put on the full armor of God and say yes I will go Lord. The enemy is crafty and is trying to take us out one By one. I have to remind myself to remain submitted to God, my wife, family, my Pastors, my church family.
My Thoughts, how the Culture of this World and the 21st Century church has influenced and or impacted my acceptance of God’s Call on my life,my fulfillment of God’s call on my life and my expectations of God’s call on my life.
First I looked up the definition or both words
Impact- the action of an object coming forcibly into contact with another.
Influence – the capacity to have an effect on the character development or behavior of someone or something or effect
The second thing that came to my mind is The Great Commission Matthew’s 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Whatever is happening in this world is Nothing New to God. Regardless what the world say and or allow…What does God and The Word of God say. God called me for a time a time like this! This Call is All consuming. What God said, in the Old Testament is The same He said in the New Testament. I said a lesson ago, that God does not want non to perish, so I will, impact this world with “Thus said The Lord” I am not changing watering down nor compromising God’s Word.
I have children that are living out of The Will of God by leaving a life of hemosexual. I Love my young adults with everything in me but I hate the sin. My young adults were raised in the church, taught The Word of God but choose to live what the world says is allowed. The Bible says it’s wrong. I daily show the Love of God but stand FIRM with The Word of God.
Also Roman’s 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Discerning the Will of God does ensure this renewed mind. These lessons and questions has allowed the scripture to soak, marinate saturate my mind. The Christian mind is shaped by The Word of God, all the while praying “O God shape, O God make me. O God
Bring me into conformity to the world at the depths of my being.”
Nothing is New in the eyes of The Lord. So I will Serve God with My whole heart. 21st confound your ways to what, “Thus say The Lord.”
I have seen many changes in our culture in the world today, examples technology, confusion of male and female identity. People getting shot in church just to name a few. The following has made a major impact on how my spiritual walk must be maintained daily. My expectation of the call on my life is to produce Good fruit with the help of the holy spirit and guidance from wise counsel.
Today’s culture is one of mistrust, chaos and senseless deaths. Matthew 5:14-16 sums up my feelings of accepting God’s call on my life and how my life as a Christian has been influenced by the church. It tells me that I am the light of the world. I am a like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, I let my light shine before others so that they may see Gods good words and give glory to my Father who is in heaven.
My whole being expect and look forward to God being with me and guiding me along this spiritual journey. I expect God to work through me so that I can be the best example of what a child of God looks like and sounds like. I am not perfect but I strive to be a great example of him. I can’t change the world but I can change and enhance the little pieces that I come in contact with daily. I expect him to show up and show out in situations that may baffle me. I am grateful to be one of his disciples. I am called to bring others to Christ and to bring light in the dark places of peoples hearts, souls and minds. I expect God to continue to show me the way no matter the situation or the cost. I expect him to make a way out of no way and give me the strength and courage that I need in today’s world. I will continue to make a stand in Jesus name even I have to stand alone!
Praise God for the great things he hath done. Amen…Hallelujah
Today’s culture is one of mistrust, chaos and senseless deaths. Matthew 5:14-16 sums up my feelings of accepting God’s call on my life and how my life as a Christian has been influenced by the church. It tells me that I am the light of the world. I am a like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, I let my light shine before others so that they may see Gods good words and give glory to my Father who is in heaven.
My whole being expect and look forward to God being with me and guiding me along this spiritual journey. I expect God to work through me so that I can be the best example of what a child of God looks like and sounds like. I am not perfect but I strive to be a great example of him. I can’t change the world but I can change and enhance the little pieces that I come in contact with daily. I expect him to show up and show out in situations that may baffle me. I am grateful to be one of his disciples. I am called to bring others to Christ and to bring light in the dark places of peoples hearts, souls and minds. I expect God to continue to show me the way no matter the situation or the cost. I expect him to make a way out of no way and give me the strength and courage that I need in today’s world. I will continue to make a stand in Jesus name even if I have to stand alone!
Praise God for the great things he hath done. Amen…Hallelujah
Today’s culture is one of mistrust, chaos and senseless deaths. Matthew 5:14-16 sums up my feelings of accepting God’s call on my life and how my life as a Christian has been influenced by the church. It tells me that I am the light of the world. I am a like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, I let my light shine before others so that they may see Gods good works and give glory to my Father who is in heaven.
My whole being expects and looks forward to God being with me and guiding me along this spiritual journey. I expect God to work through me so that I can be the best example of what a child of God looks like and sounds like. I am not perfect but I strive to be a great example of him because I was created in his image. I can’t change the world but I can change and enhance the little pieces that I come in contact with daily. I expect him to show up and show out in situations that may baffle me. I am grateful to be one of his disciples. I am called to bring others to Christ and to bring light in the dark places of peoples hearts, souls and minds. I expect God to continue to show me the way no matter the situation or the cost. I expect him to make a way out of no way and give me the strength and courage that I need in today’s world. I will continue to make a stand in Jesus name even if I have to stand alone!
Praise God for the great things he hath done. Amen…Hallelujah
In this day and time we as Christian believers are placed under a microscope daily. It seems as if every other belief, practice or thoughts are the exact opposite of what we are taught. It’s great to be in a place of freedom but as well a place that teaches what the word of GOD says. Many churches in the 21st century has watered down the truth in order to fit in. Either for more members and greater tithes and offerings or to allow singers and musicians that’s not living according to the woll of GOD just to have what they would think of as a glorious praise and worship team. As for me the more I draw towards GOD the more my spiritual eyes are opened. My influence comes directly from the word. My influence in the past came partly from the pastors of the churches that I attended but thank GOD for planting me here at LFCC where I’ve been taught by the bible.
The scriptures tells us that we are in the world but not of the world. In certain sectors of the body of Christ, this scripture I believe is emphasized but provides no practical wisdom and directions that the Christian should take. God says that we are in the world, but it does not tell us to ostracize ourselves from the world.
When I was younger, this was a great challenge for me. I understand it that if I mingled with the unsaved it would draw me away from Christ. I knew that Jesus fellowship with the sinners, how else were they going to see his good works and glorify our father. But I was overwhelmed with the fear of interacting with those that were not believers, so I didn’t fully give myself to my call to witness and draw souls into the Kingdom of God. I knew this was the call on my life but I was not adequately prepared and beared little fruit.
Now, I understand that God wants us in the forefront being our authentic self, living a transparent life unapologetically before the unsaved. Our call is to God first and then he sends us out to reach those that we will encounter everyday. Yes, we have to be aware of the snares and traps set by the enemy. But God word gives us knowledge of right and wrong. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment and help us avoid or counteract the snares and traps of the enemy.
I am better equipped now with a greater understanding of God and who I am in Him. I have no need to fear because He is with me and has ordained me to walk in my call. My responsibility is to surrender, obey, and yield to the work of the Holy Spirit within me so that when I preach to other, I myself will not be a cast away. As I do this, the call of God on my life will be fulfilled and I in turn will see the bountiful fruit of my submission to Him.
Culturally we are expected to go along with the “social norm” or have what the world says we should have. Growing up I can remember having to wait for everything; a computer to load, the internet dial up, bus, train, the fast forward of a cassette tape that really wasn’t fast. Nothing was given to me quickly. Where as now it is said that we must have the latest of everything right away. Even though I didn’t grow up with a quick fix I now live in a world that perpetuates what I think I need right away. The worlds view of getting things quick has impacted the Christian community in many ways. One thing that comes to mind is preaching. In my short time as a minister I have seen how sermons that were meant to tell a story and allow people to sit in it long enough to feel, taste, smell and even experience what the word of God was saying. Now due to millennials being use to the “quick fix” preachers have developed sermons that last 15 min. Not that a sermon cant be given in 15 minutes but we must also keep in mind that something has be loss when we aren’t taken the time we use to take to preach the word of God. It is said that now the younger generations don’t have the attention spans to sit long enough and absorb sermons that last an hour. Even in conversation with younger individuals I recognize how their plans to accomplish things are quick. The idea have having to go through a process in order to accomplish anything is considered a threat of not being able to accomplish it.
I recognize that this concept impact my calling because I don’t want to rush and it helped me recognize how important taking time with the basics are. When I rush, other people will feel they need to rush. It the quick fix mentality at one point almost has its way with my calling. I thought I needed to be in a certain place in my calling at a certain time. But I soon realized that getting things quickly didn’t mean I had arrived in a place God desired, nor did it make me mature. Now I recognize the importance of waiting on the Lord. In fact I understand the importance of studying His word and allowing it to take root in my heart. Like one of my STVU professors said “Why is it that Jesus lived 33 year living out Gods word and we think we can go to seminary for 3 years and learn it all?” I expect that God will take his time with my calling the same way he has taking his time with everything else. The reality is; if I never go through a process how do I expect to ever really teach anyone about how to get through something? My calling is a process that I must trust. There are things that I felt like took forever to learn and understand and I couldn’t understand why I had to go through it. But I know see how the process itself had a lesson in it that helps me even now.
How has the culture and the 21st Century influence and impact the acceptance of God’s calling over my life.
I grew up in a Buddhist household. We went to a Catholic Church when growing to. I did not understand Christianity. As I remembered, there wasn’t anything from the church that influenced or impacted my life to live a life as a Christian. All i remembered was fellowship. I did not see any relationship building, serving one another, serving in the community, living out God’s words, etc. It was challenging to understand what the Christians were supposed to say or act.
I became a new Christian in 2001. That’s the first time I gave my life to Christ. I was so excited to learn more of God. I had a zest and zeal to tell the people about Jesus Christ. It was such an amazing feeling. As years went by, i grew in the word and the teaching from Pastors David and Linda Jenkins, building a relationship with the Lord, and my desire was to live a life that pleases God. My living must line up with the word of God. I was determined to follow His examples. Each year, i grew as a Christian. My hunger and thirst grew. As it grew stronger and stronger, God was transforming me into His image day by day. My calling got stronger and stronger. The acceptance was not easy.
Then I came to Virginia to surrender and submit under the teaching of Pastor Salvatore and Pastor Matisha. It was so different from what i was being taught. It was challenging. It was so different, my flesh was warring on the inside everyday. The culture was so different here compared to Oak Harbor WA. It was a small community there.
Here in Newport News, As God is taking me into the community, i am faced with so many challenges and threats unto my calling. What i am seeing on a daily basis sometimes throws me into this judgement mindset. I would say to myself that they are all wrong. Why are they doing that? Why are they sinning? Why are they not living a life as a Christian but professing Christianity. I have to stay in the presence of the Lord to keep my mind stayed on Him. What i see on social media, my heart burns with such sadness and overwhelming feelings of like why! I see people not wanting to go to church anymore. They feel that the church is within themselves. They don’t need to attend church to see or feel God. That they are okay listening to the sermons on tv. The don’t want to go because they don’t feel God is calling them to go. They put their personal things before God. They listen to their friends. Their families are Preachers, Ministers, Bishops, Deacons, they know the word. It’s according to their feelings. They say, “don’t judge me, only God cAn”. People are relying on social media to give them a word. That’s all they need to be close to God. I have to continue to walk in the word. Live in the word, speak of the word. Be a living testimony. Be the living and walking Gospel.
The fulfillment of the acceptance of God’s calling over my life.
The fulfillment is knowing no matter what culture and the 21st Century are doing, I must continue to stay steadfast and unmovable. I must not give it power to detour me into this culture. Yes, daily it’s challenging. The Heart of Giving is surrounded by all kinds of beliefs, gender, political, people, culture, etc. i am in the office with them daily. But knowing God is always with me. He would not put me in the community to leave me there. He is strengthening me in midst of all of this. I am forever grateful that when i wake up, i know i have to go do what He is calling me to do. I am so blessed and have seen what He has done in my life and the organization. He makes me feel safe. He assures me that He is calling me into the highways and byways to touch souls. He is reminding of daily in my calling that it’s about His will and His purpose. As i take care of His business He will take care of my business. Be about Kingdom business no matter the cost. He is always with me.
The expectations of acceptance of God’s calling over my life.
What i face and see on a daily basis, my expectations is knowing God is a promise Keeper. He is a provider. He is peace maker. He is a way maker. He is the prince of peace. He loves me so much that i no longer doubt His love for me. He saw me worthy to call for such as time as this. Only greater comes after this. Be about His business in the community. Giving Him my all. My life, my family, my marriage, my children, my all and all. Trust in Him even the more so. He is God. I have to continue to be faithful. I have to continue to seek His face. I have to continue to walk worthy of the call over my life. I have to surrender, submit, and obey Him. I am so grateful for the everlasting love. The love that never changes even when i have sinned and fallen short of His glory. Thank you God!
Good evening leaders,
Based on my various experiences, I get the impression that we live in a world of sensory saturation. Entertainment and information in its many forms is available on demand 24/7. Boredom is a nemesis most people, Christians included, strive to avoid like a disease. The cure that the culture of this world offers, however, is most often not what I believe God would deem healthy. I used to wallow in the most disgusting pits I could find for my next rush, but the Holy Spirit, and those God works through, help keep me from sliding back into seeking a new thrill.
My parent’s made sure I grew up going to church. The church I spent most of my formative years attending is a great church, and my parents still go there. But while it had the arms to embrace you, it didn’t have much backbone about holding people accountable. If you did something disapproved of, or embarrassing to the church, they played Joseph, and quietly dismissed you. When that was the case, because there was no public acknowledgement of an issue, there was rarely room left for public reconciliation. Long story short, I was deeply hurt by the treatment of my father by one of the former pastors and it is one of the primary reasons I stopped attending, even after I moved back home at the end of my college career. My father has graduated from seminary, and was a Deacon at that church, but he fell into sin hard when I was a child. Because of his failures he had to quit serving in those capacities and has never gone back to doing so. Living through the consequences of his actions as his son prevented me from believing I would ever be good enough to serve God as a leader. I was too dirty and unworthy to answer a call to ministry, because, how could God really want to use me?
But He never gave up on me. And even while I was plugging my ears, either in denial or defiance, He was still calling me. I felt it in college, but pushed it away. I felt it in the last church I attended before LFCC, but still held it out at arm’s length. It wasn’t until I hit a supremely low point in my life that I finally said yes, not knowing what I was getting myself into.
As it stands, I consider myself to be in an apprenticeship of ministry, with a lot still to learn. I realize that I am just at the beginning of the journey of walking out the fulfillment of God’s call on my life. My expectations are unknown in that I do not know exactly what He ultimately wants be to be doing in the future. In my present I just want to serve and am making myself available because it is thrilling to know that, hey, God really does want to use me!