God Know's Our Hearts

So many people want to serve Jesus for whatever reason, but it is only the "called" and not the hired who should be leading in our churches today. Serving in the ministry is not a "job" but a lifelong, heart-led calling that involves a commitment to go wherever and do whatever Jesus says to do. Callings are different, but true callings are more than just choosing a vocation. They involve a decision to give up what we want to follow what God wants, and sometimes that takes us places we did not plan on.

Acts 1 shows what was done to replace Judas Iscariot after he died. The following verses show the process. Acts 1:21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Men and women who don't take their calling seriously stand the chance of leaving their positions in serving because they treat it like a job. They are posers, and the deep, prayerful calling on their heart has been watered down with the thought that they just have a religious job. This type of mistake is a slam against the anointed and makes the calling way less than God intended it to be. Only God knows the hearts of those who are posers and those who are real. Only God! 1 Kings 8:39, then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart.

If you are looking to follow Jesus with a full-time call, be sure to spend much time in prayer and much time talking to those who are truly called before you make this commitment. You are not making a commitment to a vocation, but to a life. A life that follows Jesus wherever He calls you to go. I know, because I have been following that call for over 45 years myself. It hasn't been easy, but lives have been changed, and God has used "even me" for His purposes.

My wife knows exactly how tough and rewarding it can be because she has been through it all with me as a helpmate. Paul said it was better for a called person to never get married because of the rigors of this life commitment. 1 Corinthians 7:7 But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. In my case, my wife followed that call with me. Even though family cannot understand, they also have to experience this call in a way they don't like. But it is still The Call. The sacrifices are real and not easily understood, but the changed lives are worth it. I am called, and not just in a religious job. It is my life, and it became the life of Matthias when he replaced Judas among the apostles.

Today's Message,

David Warren