Posted on 01/30/2009 8:43:43 PM PST by WhatNot
Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed."
Whenever God calls us into a consecrated life, it is made up of four distinct stages. Christ often compared this process to building a house. First, we must prepare to build by laying a foundation. That foundation is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Any foundation other than Christ will not stand.
Second, as we enter a walk of faith with God, He allows each of us to experience trials, testings, miracles, and challenges in life that are designed to provide "faith experiences" that demonstrate tangible evidences of His work in our life: Moses' burning-bush experience, Peter's walk on the water, Joshua's parting of the Jordan River. These experiences built the faith of these people. The depth and width of our calling is directly proportional to the faith experiences He allows in each of our lives. If God plans an international ministry with you, chances are you will experience a higher degree of faith experiences compared to another. The reason is, you will need to look on these to ensure your calling and provide testimony to His work in your life.
The third stage deals with motives. "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord" (Prov. 16:2). What is the motive behind my actions? Is it only financial accumulation? Is it to gain control? Is it to create independence? The primary motive must be God's leading you to take such an action-it must be obedience. These other factors must be by-products of the decision.
Finally, we are prepared to take action. Here we must ask, "Do we have the skill, quality, and ability to enter into this activity?" So often we have not trained ourselves adequately to be successful in our endeavor. You would never want someone working on your teeth who had not been trained and certified as a dentist.
Before you begin your next project, ask yourself these four questions. What is the foundation this project is based on? What experiences has God demonstrated in my life that indicate His involvement? What is my motive for entering this activity? Do I have the skill, quality, and ability to accomplish the task? Answering these questions will tell you whether God will bless your activity.
i’m working on it - i have a couple of ideas in my head about where I should be living within the next year(need to move out of where I am) and i hope this can be accomplished!
Seeking God's guidance is a theme found throughout the book.
With God all things are possible! Just do the daily footwork and leave the results up to Him, you’ll get there. It may not be in your time, but it will be right on time.
Praise God! that’s a great theme for a book to have. We can never get enough of His wisdom and guidance.
i don’t have a problem with God’’s timing - it’s the place! :) thanks for the boost
The Prayer Of Jabez comes to mind....
bump
Very good post!
Father,
I ask that you bless these children of Yours mightily, on this the Lord’s day. For Yours, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, our heavenly Father, is the kingdom, and You are exalted as head above all. Lord, we know that You are great—greater than all gods. You do whatever pleases You in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. Yet although You are sovereign and do what You please, You are righteous in all Your ways. You are loving toward all You have made. In Jesus name, Amen
Amen.
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