Vision for Life - Forward #2

Today, we will look at the bells that should be and can be ringing when finding our place in serving the Lord and moving forward in our faith.

Bell #1 -Step forward in your personal walk by a commitment to share what Christ has done for you. Your story and your conversion are powerful, and God will use both to win others to Jesus.  Why?  This is the story of your personal faith in Jesus.

Bell #2 – Step forward in studying God’s word.  When you have pure truth as your guide and that truth is living in you, you cannot go wrong.  Scripture is alive and has fruit.  Isaiah 55:¹¹ It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Here is where many believers do not move forward as they should. They are not led to study God's Word, and before long, they are running on their own impressions of living their faith walk dwindles because only God's Word is capable of giving a perfect way to go. Statistics show that over 80% of a Christians’ Bible knowledge is secondhand information, and they get it from pastors' messages, Bible study classes, and even TV preachers or commentaries. God wants to speak to your heart and mind, and we must not deny Him showing us the mysteries of His Word. It is more than just reading massive amounts of scripture, but knowing and studying what every word means to you.

Bell #3 – Step forward in your life commitment.  James tells us to be doers of the word and not just hearers.  James 1:²² But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. ²³ For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. ²⁴ You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. ²⁵ But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

Bell #4 – Step Forward in Faith.  As Jesus said in Luke 14 we must “consider the cost”.  When this commitment begins to cause us to think differently about how we serve our Lord, we remember the initial commitment we made to follow the vision God has set before us, and this gives us the power to keep our hand to the plow.  Luke wrote this in John 9: ⁵⁷ As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” ⁵⁸ But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” ⁵⁹ He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” ⁶⁰ But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” ⁶¹ Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” ⁶² But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

            Jesus has the power to keep us on task, and the Holy Spirit is present and accounted for when you need a Word from God, when on this path of obedience.  Paul compels all of us to stay to the task and not faint in 1 Corinthians 15:^58. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.  A passionate, born-again believer is a servant who moves forward at a very quick and focused pace because that person is driven.  They realize what Paul said to the believers in Ephesus is so true. Ephesians 5: ¹⁶ Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

We need to be on point when it comes to moving, and when God says move, we must move.  That attitude comes from a source of total obedience and respect for the one calling us to obedience.  Neil Marten, a member of the British Parliament, was once giving a group of his constituents a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. During the course of the visit, the group happened to meet Lord Havisham, then lord chancellor, wearing all the regalia of his office. Havisham recognized Marten among the group and cried, "Neil!" Not daring to question or disobey the "command," the entire band of visitors promptly fell to their knees! 

Are you ready to move forward? If so, consider the cost of a total life commitment to the cause of Christ.  Realize that the Holy Spirit is the one who calls us and enables us to live this sold-out life of vision and purpose.  All disciples are called, but it is important to know where that calling will be served out, and if you move forward, God will answer every question over a period of time.  God is calling, but are you listening and responding? The Joshua 24 scripture still applies as you make your decision.  If you want to follow Jesus, then you must move forward. Joshua 24: ²² “You are a witness to your own decision,” Joshua said. “You have chosen to serve the Lord.”

Move forward in Jesus' name.....Ring the Bell!!!

The Pilgrimage Continues,

David Warren