“And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit’s mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; and those He called, He also justified; and those He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8:27-30 HCSB.
I retired, as it were, from vocational ministry in 2017 having accepted God’s call into His service in 1967. For 50 years His call for going where He pointed was easy to do. These years following Him have been no different although my work for His glory certainly changed. Serving Him as He designed His purpose should be received by every Follower of the Christ. As God knew me from the beginning of time to answer His call for salvation and then to His service for His glory covered by His Spirit. Yes, “I retired,” but His call upon my life in Christ has not ended.
“It is clear that you are Christ’s letter, produced by us, not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God—not on stone tablets but on tablets that are hearts of flesh. We have this kind of confidence toward God through Christ. It is not that we are competent in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God. He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit produces life.” 2 Corinthians 3:3-6.
From the moment of being born-again, His newness of life, and conformity to His likeness is incredible. When He calls us to serve, He also equips us with Gifts of the Spirit.
“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts:” Romans 12:3-6(a).
Paul challenges every Believer to understand and to function in the Gift God has given, and this we must do. We are not called into His service without His equipping.
Jesus is Lord.
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