What God Called You to Be

Acts: 19:11-13

Paul was called to a unique ministry. His very presence made people expect miracles and cloths he had touched were taken to those who were sick or had evil spirits and they were healed. How wonderfully God used this man!

We look at this today and some think that because Paul was that way, they can be, too. They want to be like Paul, and indeed God might have called them to heal people and do other miracles through them, but God didn't call anyone but Paul to be Paul.

He called you to be you. What He has for you is right for you.

If you want to be a part of the kingdom of God, then "take up your cross" - accept the role God has given you and don't try to carry someone else's.

Not Just Theory

Many of the things our teachers and preachers have told us have been, for the church in the USA especially, theoretical. We know them in our heads and we quote them and we do believe them... but not for real. We have not been tested so we don't really know.

I was reading the Gospel of John, chapter 12 and came to these verses:

Nevertheless, even among the rulers, many believed on Him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess Him lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43, NKJV

In this age, we are drawing near the end of things, if not the world itself, then nations. Critical changes in nations are beginning to happen with godless men and women forcing their way into our cultures and systems.  There seems to be no room for common politeness or good manners as people curse each other, scream and lie and carry on like demons themselves.

I don't have to tell you all of this, but the point is that there will very likely be a time in your life time and possibly very soon now, that you will have to decide. Do you love the praise of men more than the praise of God? For real, I mean.

If you are in a meeting and you know you should speak up but you know that no one will believe you when you speak of God, will you speak anyway? If you're having a fun, comfortable get together with your family but the talk has turned to subjects Christians don't agree with, will you speak up, or keep silent?

Things to think about. The curtains are beginning to come down and we must hold out until the end.

Embrace the life you have.

Embrace the life you have. There is none other.


In Phillipians 4:11 and 12, Paul says:

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

This seems easy to understand with our heads, but not so much with our hearts. Are we truly content with what we have, in whatever state we are? I, for one, have always been discontent in a way. Always striving for something more, something better, something different. How about you?

Embracing the lives we have brings us joy and strength. We are embracing what God has for us. Is there anything better than that?

What God can do

Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.

And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?


Indeed, how do we not understand?

Quoting scripture

Just because someone quotes scripture doesn't mean they are right.

Let me prove that. Read Matthew Chapter 4. Do you see that? The devil quoted scripture to Jesus. The problem was that Jesus knew the scripture better than the devil and gave better than He got.

We need to know and understand the Bible so we're not drawn in with the misuse of it. It happens; sometimes on purpose but sometimes it happens from ignorance. Even preachers will misuse parts of it, but it's up to us to know and discern the truth.

Don't Blame God

Don't hold God responsible for something you're not willing to give Him control of.

He's not telling

One person says the rapture will occur before the Great Tribulation; another says it won't be until the end and yet another says it will be in the middle, and they all have scriptures to "prove" it..

Regardless of what you believe, the fact is that no one knows. If we did, we would eventually be in agreement. No matter what your position, there are plenty of other verses that seem to mean the opposite.

Why is that?

You know, Jesus' death and resurrection was a fantastic coup. Satan thought he had God on that one but he played right into His hands.

If God is that smart (and we know He is!) do you think He is going to blow it by telling everyone His plan? If a General tells everyone just how he is going to attack the enemy, is that wise? Of course not

I have a feeling that what is coming will be the most wonderful, most awesome coup every accomplished. It's like an enormous and very complicated game of chess, but we know Who wins and He is not telling us how