Category Archives: Calling

Alone, Attitude, Bible, Calling, Clarity, Distractions, Holy Spirit, Indwelling, Peace, Restoration, Scripture

GOT TO GET AWAY

GALATIANS 1:17

“nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.”

Have you ever just had to get away? I mean, out of Dodge, away from it all. Sometimes that is nice. My wife and I like to go to the mountains. Others like the beach scene. But I especially like to get in the woods. If I am hunting, that’s just icing on the cake. The real treat is just to get away. That is not meant to be a slam against anyone. I love people. Getting away from all the “noise” allows me to hear God more clearly. How about you?

In today’s verse, Paul describes an event that is absent from the book of Acts’ description of his early years. Paul, obviously, knew where he was then better than Luke (the author of Acts) did. To recap – Paul gets saved and then goes away for a period of time into Arabia. We don’t know exactly where he was or what he was doing. We can only conjecture. The point Paul is making in today’s verse is that he did not get his message from men. He got it from God.

APPLICATION

What can we learn from Paul in today’s verse and how do we apply that to our lives? We can learn that even the most honored Biblical saints needed to get away. Paul had to “unlearn” a lot of his earthly teachings and begin to listen to the Holy Spirit. Hmmm? What can we learn from that? We need to listen, don’t you think?  One way is to get into His Word. I recently read that the Scriptures give us communication with God so we can commune with God and have union with God. I like that.

Luke 5:16 tells us something about Jesus that we see reflected here in Paul’s life. “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” If Jesus modeled this and Paul did this, why shouldn’t we? I have found value in doing this. It clears my head. Do I always come back with some great new insight? Nope. But do I come back feeling more in tune with my Lord? You better believe it.

We can’t live in the wilderness. Paul didn’t stay in the wilderness. Jesus didn’t stay there either. He had work to do. We have work to do. In fact, we have HIS work to do. May you experience some solitude so your attitude can give you the fortitude to advance His kingdom. (That last sentence is an original Carl quote, lol.)

O Father, I thank You for those times I am able to get away and hear You clearly. I want to hear Your marching orders.

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Abiding, Appointed, Bible, Calling, God's Will, Holy Spirit, Listening, Messages, Scripture, Testimony

IN ME

GALATIANS 1:16

“to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,”

God has allowed me to minister to others for almost 45 years. My calling occurred soon after I was saved, and I served my first church at age 18. How did I know God was calling me to full-time ministry? He spoke to me through His Holy Spirit. He gave me a burden for the Gospel. It is hard to put into words because it happened internally. I didn’t hear this audible voice from heaven. He spoke to my spirit.

Paul explains his calling in today’s verse. We know of his conversion on the Damascus road detailed in Acts 9. But here he explains that internal calling. The Greek really explains this better. It says, “apokalysai..en emoi.” Let me explain. That reads “to reveal…in me.” The little word en is the key. It means it operates on the inside. Paul was telling us that God, through His Holy Spirit, spoke to him so that he could speak to others.

APPLICATION

Listen closely. You have to be changed on the inside before you have anything to say on the outside. Your testimony begins inwardly. God does a work in you. He begins to reveal Himself to you. Why? So you can tell others. It’s not for you to keep to yourself. Jeremiah the prophet described it this way when he said he just couldn’t keep God’s message inside. “Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire.”

What has God revealed in you? I can’t speak for you. Only you know that. But one thing is for sure – you won’t hear what God is revealing unless you are looking for it and listening for Him. I’m reading a book right now by Henry and Richard Blackaby entitled, “Hearing God’s Voice.” Now, don’t get spooked by the title. It’s not a mystical teaching. They literally look at how God spoke through the Old and New Testament to His saints. And they also talk about how God speaks to us today.

Are you listening? Do you want God to reveal His message to you? You see, if He does that, then He expects you to share it. Can you do that? Can you share God’s revelations to you? Sure, you can. He will do it through you. Just trust Him. He has something to say and wants to use you.

O Father, use me as Your mouthpiece to a lost world.

P.S. You can always know it is God speaking because if it is, it will be confirmed by His Word.

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Abiding, Bible, Boundaries, Calling, Devil, God's Will, Markers, Property, Scripture

BOUNDARY MARKERS

GALATIANS 1:15

“But when He who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace was pleased”

When I bought my first house in Florida in 1997, one thing I was given was a site plan for my house and property. There were clear boundary markers that showed where my property ended. At my second house, I had to search until I found those boundary stakes which were hidden by a lot of lush, tropical plants. My properties were both “set apart” by those makers. They established that property as mine. It belonged to me.

The word Paul uses in today’s verse for “set apart” is the Greek word, aphorizo. Using the same definition for my property boundaries, apply that here. That’s what the word means. God had set Paul apart. He had marked Paul as His possession. God had essentially driven the boundary stake in the ground declaring Paul was His and would always be.

APPLICATION

The devil owns us all until we give our lives to Jesus. He has us right where he wants us – in his stomping grounds. But when we surrender to Jesus, God claims those grounds. Every scare inch of you belongs to Him. 2 Corinthians 6:16-17 tell us, “16 Or what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, ‘I WILL DWELL AMONG THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. 17 Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,’ says the Lord. ‘AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.’”

Paul is quoting from Isaiah 3:11. The message is clear. Be separate from the world. Drive down some distinct boundaries. Don’t blur the lines. You know, even though we have to live in this world, we don’t have to live like the world. If you are a believer, you belong to Jesus. Live like it. Stay set apart.

Thank You, Lord, for driving down those boundary markers in my heart so that I know that I belong to You.

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Accountability, Bible, Boasting, Calling, Correction, Fellowship, Glorify, Gospel, Scripture

NOT MY WORDS

GALATIANS 1:11

“For I would have you know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel which was preached by me is not of human invention.”

Have you ever had to deliver a message to someone from someone else that you knew had the potential to upset that person? How do you start that message? I have a message for you from ________. Now, understand that these are their words, not mine. Am I right? Of course, I am. We want to make sure they know that we are just the messenger.

In verse 11 today, Paul is telling the Galatians something similar. He is telling them that the message that he preached to them didn’t come from him or any other person. Where did it come from? It came from God! The phrase, “not of human invention,” is literally “is not according to man” in the Greek. Paul didn’t get it from Peter or James or any other person. The message, the gospel message is straight from God.

APPLICATION

This is why it is so important for us to be very careful when we handle the Word. I recall Paul’s word in 2 Timothy 2:15. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” In 2 Corinthians 2:17, Paul further explains the need to handle the Word correctly. “For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.”

Handling God’s message to mankind is a weighty job. Far too many people mishandle it. They take what is the truth and make it their own truth. They add to or take away from it. This is what Paul was battling in the Galatian churches. The Judaizers would come in and require these new believers to adapt what they had learned and add certain requirements that had nothing to do with the original message of the Gospel.

Today, we risk the same thing when we require people to jump through our hoops in order to achieve the righteousness of Christ. The Gospel is simple. Christ intended it that way. Don’t complicate it.

Thank You, Lord, for keeping the message of salvation simple of all mankind.

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Allegiance, Bible, Calling, Commands, Decisions, Following, God's Will, Messages, Scripture

GOD’S MESSENGER

MALACHI 2:7

“‘For the lips of a priest should maintain knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of armies.’”

I surrendered to full-time ministry at seventeen-years-old. Shortly after my salvation I heard God’s call on my life. I have to say that I didn’t really understand what that meant. Here I was a teenager who has given his life to serve the Lord wherever He may lead. Through all these years (I’m in my 45th year of service) I have never doubted His calling. It hasn’t always been easy, but I have always been one of His messengers.

In part two of my memory passage (Malachi 2:6-7), the Lord reminds the priest of two other responsibilities – that his lips should preserve knowledge and that people should come to them for instruction. Why? Because they are His messengers, sent according to His direction to lead the people of Israel. That was a weighty role and one not taken lightly.

APPLICATION

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” The Greek word for “ambassadors” there means a trusted and respected ambassador who is authorized to speak as God’s emissary. So, we are given this responsibility as believers in Christ.

Therein lies the rub. Did you see what that word meant? It said an ambassador is to be a “trusted and respected” person. That’s where so many of us fall short. We don’t live our lives worthy of this calling. We don’t live trusted and respected lives. We don’t represent our God as we should with our lives, so our messages fall short.

I try to make sure my life is reflective of the Gospel every day. Do I always succeed? To be honest – no. Some days I fall short. I am not as Christlike as I should be. But I know my talk is only as affective as my walk. The same is true of you. Be God’s messenger. Be worthy of His calling.

I am honored to be Your messenger, Lord. Help me walk worthy of that calling.

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Abiding, Bible, Calling, Commands, Following, Justice, Peace, Scripture

THE ROLE OF PRIESTS

MALACHI 2:6

“‘True instruction was in his mouth and injustice was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and justice, and he turned many back from wrongdoing.’”

When I read today’s verse, I said, “Hey, I know that verse.” Malachi 2:6-7 is one of the passages we memorize as leaders with our ministry, Every Man A Warrior. In fact, this passage was one of the very ones my boss drilled me on over and over. I have pondered this passage many times, so I am thrilled to share my thoughts with you.

The Lord is still speaking in today’s verse. He is reminding the priests of their roles. They were to have true instruction in their mouth. Nothing false should come forth. They were to ensure no words of injustice should fall from their lips. They were to walk in peace and justice, and most importantly, turn many from their sins.

APPLICATION

Did you know that these duties apply to every believer? Wait a minute, Carl. We aren’t priests. Oh no? God calls you that. You are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Take a look at those expectations I just listed for the priests. Which of those would not apply to you? Speaking truth? Walking in peace and justice? Turning others from sin?

We all have the responsibility to do these things. God has given us an incredible opportunity in each of these. When someone comes to you for advice, where do you turn? There is only one true source – His Word. Point them there. When asked your opinion on a matter, make sure you are speaking justly according to His Word. Getting along with others in your daily walk is critical. And by all means, share Jesus with the lost.

We are truly God’s priests today. We have a holy calling to uphold. What a privilege it is to be given these opportunities. Allow the Lord to use you this week. Do your best to fulfill your duties as His priest in the world today.

You have given me a holy calling, Lord. I take it up freely.

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Accountability, Bible, Calling, Commands, God's Will, Holiness, Integrity, Judgment, Scripture

YOUR TURN

MALACHI 2:1

“‘And now, this commandment is for you, the priests.’”

Hearing the words that it is now your turn can be either delightful or terrifying. When the dentist says, “Okay, Mr. Willis, it’s your turn” I am a little terrified. I don’t like to go to the dentist. That’s nothing personal against the dentist. I just don’t like people in my mouth with power tools. And that whirring sound – now that is truly terrifying.

So, as we begin chapter two of Malachi, God is giving the priest a heads up. He says, “And now, it’s your turn, priests.” Actually, He says He has a commandment for them. We will see in the coming days what that is. (Hint, hint – it’s not good). Now, what is a commandment? Here, the better word would be “decree.” Listen up, priests.

APPLICATION

What is the Lord saying to us in this verse? Do you want to know what I found for me? God is calling me to attention. He is telling me to listen up, to pay attention, to do what He says. I know I am not a priest in the Old Testament sense of the word, but I  am a priest according to His word.

I Peter 2:9-10 calls us that. “9 But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.”

Are you listening, priests? Are you obeying all He has commanded? Are you leading well? Each of those is an important question that we must answer ourselves. If you are a believer, God has called you into His priesthood. Priests lead others to worship. Will you do that?

Father, I am blown away by your mercy. You have chosen me to be Your priest. Use me, Lord.

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Abundance, Bible, Calling, Counting, Friends, God's Will, Gospel, Judgment, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

A LITTLE MATH

ZECHARIAH 13:8

“‘And it will come about in all the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘that two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it.’”

I used to be pretty good at math. I kind of naturally got the concepts. So, when we were taught fractions, I understood it.  Fast forward to adulthood. Who would have ever thought I would use those numbers again? But they come up all the time. Just about every day there is something to measure or weigh or divide. Thanks Mrs. Barry, for all those things you poured into my head.

The Lord did not need to be taught math concepts. He is the Creator of all things. He uses numbers in describing the judgment that would befall Israel. Scholars disagree whether this prophecy shared by Zechariah applied to Israel’s fall under Rome or a judgment yet to come. Either way, it had to be hard to hear that only one third would remain.

APPLICATION

We find similar measurements in other parts of the Bible. Look in 2 Samuel 8:2. “And He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and a full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.”

How about in Ezekiel 5:12? “A third of you will die by plague or perish by famine among you, a third will fall by the sword around you, and a third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.” God has always measured judgment exactly.

Romans 11:5 tells us, “In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.” God is always looking out for the remnant, those who will choose to follow Him. Unfortunately, the mass of people in this world will not. It is our job as believers to try to share with as many of them as we can.

While we are doing math, count the number of lost friends you have. How many are there? Now, how many of them are you going to share Jesus with this week? This year? Start counting the number of people you see come to Christ this year because of your friendship. God is counting every soul. We should too.

Father, help me be a better enumerator of souls that are won into your kingdom that are part of my circle of friends.

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Belief, Bible, Calling, Courage, Deliverance, Fear, God's Will, Scripture, Trust

DEEP WATER

ZECHARIAH 10:11

“And they will pass through the sea of distress and He will strike the waves in the sea, so that all the depths of the Nile will dry up; and the pride of Assyria will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will depart.”

I was recently at a hotel where they had this beautiful pool. Actually, they had two pools, one shallow and one deep. At the end of that deep pool was a diving tower with three levels. The top level had to be at least twenty feet high. Did that stop the kids from climbing up and jumping off? Not a bit. That deep water below was not scary at all. Why was that? Because they knew there was someone watching out for them – their parents. They would not hesitate to jump in to rescue them if their children were in danger.

Why am I talking about pools? Today’s verse refers to the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea and the Jordan River on dry ground. Listen to what Isaiah says in 43:2. “When you walk through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. And shall smite the waves in the sea.” These waters are a symbol of the afflictions they would face, but God would bring them through. He is always standing by watching over His children.

APPLICATION

I have faced afflictions in my life where I felt I was underwater. I was drowning in self-pity, worry and doubt. I did not see a way out. Have you experienced that? But here I am, years later, and God is still using me. I don’t understand how He does it, but He rescues me each and every time. He knows my need way before I know it.

We should not be afraid of deep waters, of challenges that lie ahead. If God is calling you into the waters, He has a life vest just your size. In fact, He has tailormade it just for you. It’s not a used, worn out vest. Are you in over your head? Call out for Him right now.

Sometimes the Lord asks me to just dip my toe in that water. Other times He tells me to jump headfirst. I may have to wade or swim. But one thing I know – He is right there with me. The Lord “will strike the waves in the sea” at just the right time. He has been preparing me for these waters. I shall not be afraid.

Father God, lead me to the water’s edge and let me hear Your voice when to proceed.

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Access, Allegiance, Bible, Calling, Children, Dependence, Faithfulness, Obedience, Promises, Scripture

WHISTLE

ZECHARIAH 10:8

“I will whistle for them and gather them together, for I have redeemed them; and they will be as numerous as they were before.”

My dad was a great whistler. I did not inherit that trait. My wife makes fun of me every time I try to whistle. I would love to be able to whistle. It would come in handy from time to time to call a dog or maybe even a child. But I did not get than gene, lol.

In today’s verse, God just whistles and His children come. This same Hebrew word is used when God called the quail for His children and the bees to drive out their enemy. It is only used twelve times in the Old Testament. That might make a great word study for you sometime. The point is though, the people had to be somewhat attentive to the whistle of God to respond. I am sure His whistle was quite unique.

APPLICATION

I have never heard God whistle, but I have heard Him call my name. When I was sixteen, He called me to salvation. A few months later, I knew He called me to full time ministry. All through my life, at critical points, God has called me. Let’s just say He whistled, and I responded. How about you? Have you heard that unique whistle or call by God?

John 1:12 says, “To all who did receive Him, to all who believe in His name, He gave the right to be called children of God.” To receive and believe, you have to hear His whistle, His call. When we respond to that, we receive that promise – to be called His kids. I am God’s kid. He’s my Father. When He calls, I am supposed to come, just like any child should. When He whistles, I should listen for His direction.

Are you going to be listening for God’s whistle? When He calls, are you going to obey? It is pretty simple. He calls, we come. He whistles, we turn our attention to Him to see what’s next. When I played football in Junior High and High School, the coaches all had whistles they would blow to get our attention. We had better respond or there were consequences (extra laps, etc). There are dire consequences if we do not respond to God’s whistle. Listen up!

I am listening, O Lord, to hear Your whistle, Your call.

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