THE UPWARD CALL

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Php 3:14

Are you where you need to be in your walk with our Lord? When was the last time you did a self check? A look in your own rear-view-mirror to see if what changes God made in you, on the day that He was invited to come in to you, yet remain to this day. Remember? You asked Him to save you. To place His Holy Spirit into your body. The changes He made, are they still in force? Have other changes taken place over the years? As you get older, do you find yourself thinking more and more about the prize that awaits?

I was a "late bloomer" having avoided the Lord's call for many years. In my younger days I recall reading or perhaps I heard someone relate what Jesus said to a wealthy man who had expressed great interest in the kingdom of God; Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." {Mat 19:21}.

Now, wealth has never been a part of my life, so that portion of what Jesus said was of no import to me. What prevented me from saying YES to the Lord's invitation was the fear of losing control. Control over ME! Then I joined the Army.

Halfway through basic training I began to re-think this whole control attitude thing that was causing me grief with the Drill Sergeant!! Unbeknownst to me, God ordained that honor, allowing me to serve my country in an army uniform for 23 years. He rewarded me with a wife and two children. All of this and more even before I ever uttered the words, Come into me O Lord Jesus! Running from the Lord will not succeed. He will just wait until you are tired, or, you draw your last earthly breath and end up never seeing His Glory. How sad is that?

At 64 years of age, I answered His call and was overwhelmed when Jesus came into me and into my bride Linda at the same time!! An immediate change came over us, and the changes continue to this day. All our fears are gone! After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great." {Gen 15:1}

One of the first things we were blessed to learn is that we did not have to go searching for that elusive "What does God want us to do?"

The Holy Spirit revealed that God already gave Linda and I all we need to serve Him. He delivered those talents, characteristics, personality traits to us while we were yet in our mother's wombs. This gift at the Creator's hand is all we need to serve Him. These pre-birth gifts is the Lord's blueprint and road map that God will tap when He calls us to serve him. Here is the secret; Serving God is simply using those gifts He gave us before we were created, and use them to bring glory to Him. What ever you are good at, what ever area you excel, what ever you love to do with your mind, hands, talents, use those to His glory. After all, He gave you the tools because, in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. {2Ti 4:8}

Final thoughts; Being a true Christian, a devoted follower of Jesus is not easy. This is especially true in this world where so many temptations and vulgarity are constantly considered NORMAL to those who may perish. Be strong; Rom 8:18  For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Linda and I are now in the autumn of our audition time on this earth. Thanks and Praise to our Lord Jesus for calling us, loving us, and giving us the opportunity to audition for the Eternity that waits just beyond that not to distant horizon. Our faith gives us confidence that we will both hear those precious words spoken from on high as recorded in Matthew 25:21, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'

HAVE YOU READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY?

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