2022.11.13 SUNDAY SERMON NOTES: What is Our/Your Calling?
William Akehurst, HSWC
A former pastor of mine was quoted to say that one of the greatest callings on an individual's life, is being called as a “servant of GOD”. Another pastor friend added that the greatest thing is to be called a “Child of GOD”.
The following thoughts came through both the Written and Rhema WORD as I pondered these things in my heart and listened for that “still small voice”.
From the Wilderness Experience...What is Your Calling?
The world places value on significance and achievements in life that are temporary and can collapse at any time. But GOD calls us to a higher standard that is both Spiritual and Eternal.
We are called…by FATHER GOD.
We are called "Children of GOD". 1 John 3:1-2. 1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
We are called to be “Faithful Servants and Stewards”. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
We are called to “Freedom and to Serve others with Love”. Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
There is an ANOINTING that comes from FATHER GOD by the POWER of the BLOOD of JESUS, and the PRESENCE of HOLY SPIRIT in us. And we are to walk IN IT each day.
Psalms 23:5b-6 …You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.
This is a Gift and Calling given by FATHER GOD, so…
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
Called by the GOOD NEWS of JESUS, called to glorify…
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (14,17)
14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ….
to 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
Created to accomplish HIS calling
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
We are provided for, lacking nothing, as GOD is faithful to keep you to accomplish HIS calling on you.
1 Corinthians 1:6-9
6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
We are to be alive as HIS CHURCH, building upon the foundation of JESUS.
A Living, Spiritual House, Holy Priesthood, Spiritual Sacrifice, Chosen, Royal, Holy, Special, Praising HIM who called you out.
1 Peter 2:5, 9
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
And we will be Sifted, Tried and Proved.
1 Peter 2:19-21
19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
Remember, whether good or bad, bitter or sweet…
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
GOD uses our experiences in life to show Himself TO us. And by that experience, HE forms in us, our testimony. And with that Testimony, we are called to help others who may be going through that same experience we had, and point the way to FATHER GOD.
Therefore, FATHER GOD has chosen you, called you, to serve others with HIS LOVE.
Conclusion:
I gleaned the following from a devotional post on the internet and believe it speaks in conjunction with the message.
<<< Your Calling is Going to Crush You…
If you are called to mend to the brokenhearted, you are going to wrestle with a broken heart.
If you are called to heal God’s little ones, you are going to experience your own share of trauma.
If you are called to prophesy, you’re going to struggle with self-control of the tongue.
If you are called to lay hands, you’re going to deal with spiritually-rooted disease.
If you’re called to preach and teach the gospel, you WILL be sifted for the wisdom that anoints your message.
If you are called to empower, your self-esteem will be attacked- your successes hard fought.
Your calling will come with spiritual warfare and a sifting - BOTH are necessary for your mantle to be authentic, humble and powerful.
Your crushing won’t be easy because your assignment is not easy - and you can’t minister POWERFULLY what you haven’t walked out. (Read that sentence again.)
When you’re feeling the weight of it coming down on you, RUN to THE FATHER who longs to be your comfort. Let HIM whisper your true identity over you while resting under the shadow of HIS wings. Position yourself against HIS heartbeat. Let HIM renew your strength and set your eyes forward.
No olives, no oil. No grapes, no wine.
Your oil is not cheap my friend.
Author: Hannah Williamson. Source: Internet >>>
We are called to Stand Fast regardless of our circumstance, because we can KNOW what the future holds, and to WHOM we belong…
Philippians 3:13 - 4:1
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
Isaiah 43:1
But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
Let this message remind you…
The LORD has called you. Therefore, you have the GREATEST CALLING on your Life.
Answer and Heed that Call!
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!
BA
