Stay within your calling.

"And they withstood Uzziah the king, and said unto him, It appertaineth not unto thee, Uzziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but to the priests the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou hast trespassed; neither shall it be for thine honour from the Lord God.

 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer in his hand to burn incense: and while he was wroth with the priests, the leprosy even rose up in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, from beside the incense altar.

And Azariah the chief priest, and all the priests, looked upon him, and, behold, he was leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out from thence; yea, himself hasted also to go out, because the Lord had smitten him."

                                     (2 Chronicles 26:18-20)

                        The word for today is find your calling and stay in it. We, all, have a calling and assignment in our lives. As we study 2 Chronicles 26:18-20, we see an example of entering into the wrong calling. King Uzziah was a great king who was used of God in a mighty way. His calling was to be a King and use his leadership skills to bless Israel but something happened along the way. He, got sidetracked. I, personally, believe that he, probably, observed the Aaronic priesthood and their ways of worship. 

                             This, most likely, fascinated him. He, probably, felt like he should bring the censer to burn incense unto the Lord. His intentions might have been good but he forgot that this privilege was given to the descendents of Aaron, who were called to the priesthood. After a while, he took upon himself the duties of the priesthood. The priests, observing this, stood in his way. They tried to prevent the King from making the greatest mistake of his life.  Seeing this, pride rose up in King Uzziah's heart and he become angry. Suddenly, something happened---leprosy started to form in his forehead. 

                            How does that applies to us? Brethren, if you feel a calling for ministry, do not, just, jump in and do it. Our feelings can trick us much like King Uzziah. Our soul (Mind, will and emotions) need to fall in line with the word. (Heb 4:12) Hebrews 4:12 clearly tells us that God's word is like a sword and it separates soul and spirit. In other words, it is the final authority. 

                                 Next, confirm your calling with the church leadership. Finding a good church and Pastor is important because it keeps us from error. The word says that in the multitude of counsellors, there is safety. Do not take it upon yourself to start a ministry without taking the time to wait and confirming your calling. Take heed of what happened to King Uzziah. 

                                 Another way to confirm your calling is through the gifts that God has given you. Whether it be natural,spiritual or both, you have been endowed with special gifts,talents and skills to fulfill your calling. Once you enter into your calling and domain, you cannot help but excel.  Some people are like a fish out of water. They think because they have a desire to sing, they should sing in the choir but upon hearing them, it is plain that they do not have the gift to sing. Where he leads, he provides. 

                            God wants us to offer the best that we have in us to him. So, in this day, if you do not know your calling and assignment, find out. If you do know your calling but you feel led to enter another field of ministry, take heed. Talk to God about it and avoid a costly mistake. 

Bible reference provided by www.biblegateway.com

Going the extra mile!

                                                 Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you." (Phil 1:23-24)

                        Are you willing to go the extra mile for the Lord? We go the extra mile for friends, family and even in our jobs, but are you willing to go the extra mile for Jesus? The Apostle Paul had to make a decision. While he was in prison suffering for Jesus, he was faced with a choice. A choice that had major implications and would impact future generations. 
                       The Apostle Paul wanted to go home and be with the Lord. He, probably, spent his days daydreaming about heaven. Imagine being chained in a dungeon and having rats as his companions. Imagine spending cold or hot nights in that dungeon. You could understand why he had a desire to depart. 
             In the midst of his circumstances, he decided to sacrifice his own desire to be in heaven and remain on earth for a while longer. Why? Not because of himself, but because of the love he had for his fellow brethren. Thank God, he chose the latter because we would not have had the rest of the epistles. Did you know that you can extend your life by faith? You don't have to settle for que sera, sera.
             Imagine the power to tell death---Not now, I have a job to fulfill. Yes, the Apostle Paul could have rested on his laurels. He could have said--I did what I needed to do, but no, he chose to go the extra mile! Why? The love of God constrained him to do it. Friends, that is why it is important that you understand the importance of fulfilling your calling. Each one of us has a calling. In fact, some of you may be willing to go the extra mile when you find out what you are called for. 
      Take the ministry of helps. The ministry of helps is one in which you clean the church, mop the floors and, at times, work in the kitchen serving food. It is not a job in which you are noticed, but God sees what you are doing. I have, personally, seen the brethren spend long hours into the night, making sure the church needs are met. These people are special. They are the ones who, after a church concert, are cleaning up and making sure things are in order.
        If you are faithful in the little things, the Lord will promote you. Philip was a deacon who was later promoted to evangelist. (1) The Lord used Philip in a great way and he'll do the same with you, if you are willing to go the extra mile. Are you willing to go the extra mile and spend more time in prayer for your Pastor? Are you willing to put a muzzle in your mouth and stop criticizing the Pastor? Pastors are human and make mistakes. It is so easy to criticize the Pastor, but try doing his/her job for a week or so and you will see that its hard work!
            So, friend, ask God to show you how you can go the extra mile. Let the love of Christ build up in you so that going the extra mile won't be a burden but be a joy. Remember as you give of yourself and your time, your labor of love won't be in vain. Who knows? Your actions could impact history and future generations to come. God bless. 

Prayer---Father, Thank you for speaking to me. Forgive me if I have been selfish. Help me to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge. Help me to grow in grace and perfect my love walk. Show me what is my calling and place in the body, so I can better serve you. In doing so, help me to go the extra mile and glorify you. In Jesus Name---AMEN! 

Scriptures: (1) Acts 6:5, Acts 8
Scriptures provided by www.biblegateway.com