God sometimes called people with no prior training

Psalm 40:8 I delight to do Your will, my God; Your instruction resides within me." (HCSB)



Proverbs 20:5 Counsel in a man's heart is deep water; but a man of understanding draws it up. (HCSB)

God sometimes called people with no prior training, out of the blue, it seems. God called Joshua, not Aaron, or anyone else to lead the Israelites we would expect after Moses dies. We did not see much of Joshua demonstrating leadership, or anything, but like when he call David, he, God, knew his heart. The Lord saw the deep still waters of his soul, and it was drawn out of Joshua. Why? Because he delighted in the will of God and knew, even if no one else knew, God’s instruction resides within him and he shall succeed by following. How many times have God prompted us to act, do, say, and/or go, we do not. Our faith wavers, our mind begin to focus on the logical deductive reason that makes sense to us, in our mind, not realizing God does not think like us, and sees today, yesterday and tomorrow in one vision. Forgetting God knows who we are, what we are capable of doing before he calls us. See, too many time we are ready but we are not always willing because it is not want we desire to do, or would like to do; stretches us. Then, we wonder, why have I not live in abundance, growth does not appear in my walk, and I am not where I know I suppose to be. Well, when we refuse God’s call, we can because our free will, we do not get the extras that come with it. Joshua listened, and obeyed, followed the instruction given. So once Joshua began to draw on what was him, rest in the instruction residing within him, God did the following, God provided Joshua with instructions on how to be a leader for the people, and what he need to do to received..Joshua 1:6-9 -"Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance. Above all, be strong and very courageous to carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (HCSB). Now, how many want Joshua’s like favor, in modern times that befits your life and experience? I suggest most desire to have all what God gave Joshua, but we are not all willing to obey, delight in the will of God, nor draw on the deep understanding in our heart for God’s use. We desire only to impress our few friends, laud ourselves over others in our self-glorified praise, yet remain in the same circumstance and condition of nowhere growth. Yet, let a person, man, who is Oprahifed touch, Trumpitfic ability, speak into our life. Then we are all over it, and cannot do it fast enough, even though we know they are fallible and imperfect. So, we deny the infallible for the fallible, right!? When the infallible get their ability from the Father; they drawn from the deep still waters within, and follow the instructions to move. Who do we think put them there?....God!?! then why don’t we obey Him? Delight in His instructions because all roads lead to triumph, victory, abundance, and blessings. Although, what you get may be what you desire, you will have more peace and smoother stay in this world, because you are in the lane you were supposed to be in, not trying to fit where you do not belong. God calls people without prior, or the appropriated training we assumed needed…because He knows what is there within us. The question is do we have the trust and faith to draw on it?

Wavering faith is counterproductive

James 1:6-8 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (NASB).

Wavering faith is counterproductive. It shows to us and others there are deficiencies present, here, in this place. What do I mean? Well, wavering means we are not sold on either side of an issue; we cannot play Switzerland, even they had to choose. We are not sure of what we are doing, or seeing; we are just not convinced. See, when you are convince of something, we do not waver, doubt or second-guess ourself about the issue, we know, what we knew and move forward on this legitimacy It is the equivalent to driving drunk; you cannot stay in your lane and are a danger to anyone near your vehicle because of the weaving, and drifting in the other lanes without indication or notification. Each endeavor we try to undertake, does not matter what it is, we approach with trepidation, as you stand on a faith that is foundationless. As our aptitude is formed by our attitude in life, we never achieve our own greatest because we do not ‘get it’. Because even if everyone else sees how great you are, until you believe it, we waver. We see it depicted in our lives…trying to be everyone’s friends, instead of loving them with the godly love and moving on…we try to make everyone happy and like us, impossible task (Christ was not liked by all, why should we be)...we will not accept no, or say no to anyone, even when we know, we will not do what is asked (Christ illustrated over and over again, you have to choose)….we try to be invisible and not be notice to not be challenged or stretched..We never want to choose between anything and/or anyone, we desire to have it all, but life is nothing like that. Because the fundamental elements of God’s basic math requires an approach that is foreign as it is illogical of our elementary understanding of things…In God logic we must subtract to add…we must divide to multiply…and we must give up, to have the abundant life. Therefore, the wavering keeps us in the undecided category where there is no lost, but definitely no gain…we all desire the gain, and no one likes to an indecisive person…neither does God…it is counterproductive… For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord…

The Revelations of Being Called

Acts 9:13-17 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake." So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (NASB)
Being called by God, we must first be clear; anyone can be called by God. God is the only one who decides on the necessary credentials, not man, as we see in these verses. God only calls us when we are ready. When we are able to be truly used by God is the moment in time that we are not only ready, but also willing and open to Him word. Knowing it is the greatest blessing and the most difficult, awesome challenging opportunity for us to live. Once the gravity of this settles in our soul, like it did for Ananias, we can do as he did; be obedient even when it seems preposterous or arduous. He, Ananias, became obedient to the request, faithful to the task at hand, focus on the Father, and submitted unrelentingly to the trust in God would provide for His will to be fulfilled. And slowly but surely, realization set in there will be no popularity contest gold star winner’s badge for taking on this task, and your actions will not be validated by the majority opinion. The person being used, called by God will no longer just reproduce, mimick, or mirror what you see, but actually produce what you proclaim. Because you live it from the essence, the core of your soul, being…it shows…and it is priceless…As God shows you there is no more than one path to Him and His glory, and a person past behavior does not exempt them from being used by God. Actually, it was preparation for the call because God knows everything…thus, as it the mystical sect of Judaism, we too have righteous men in the Christian faith, who do extraordinary mercy display acts, and they are not random…they were just called being called

Intimacy

Yes, intimacy, the closeness and the ability to shed inhibition, just be true you...We are willing to do this with people, who are imperfect, be apart of an organization, and we desire it. Yet, when it comes to God, our relationship with Him, we are hesitate, fearful, standoffish, uneasy with it. However, we want the benefits of His love without the passion, obedience, and openness of our person to him, completely. We give just enough until it hurts a little bit, bruises, scrape the surface, graze over some sensitive areas, then stop. Having faith and letting God direct, lead you, show you, and be compass for the way...Our story is more than our war story, testimony, epiphany moment to be shared at a later date with a select few, a certain group, a particular organization. I am not saying it does not bless in those setting, but let me ask this question - how many times have you been some where and a stranger clarified your vision, focus, faith with his/her story? Who was that?
When you have true intimacy, it resonates and changes, have individuals marinating on the story years later. Every time it is heard, it is a teachable moment for all ages, generations, races, and no matter their situation. A point of impact where nothing is orchestrated, it just happens. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus brings with him, Peter, James and John...these three were the closes to Jesus..But let me redirect you here, Peter, James and John slept through the heralding anguish anxiety Jesus endured, it was not fitful, restless,  or uncomfortable. It was as if they knew without knowing, that a change was coming and no matter what, they would be protected. Jesus praying more earnestly with each hour approaching and blood dropping rather than sweat from his physical body, but they are not move. Jesus comes back 3x -"Could you not stay with me one hour?, I can see them now, huh? eyes and heads unbalanced as they went back to sleep each time. Ever been that comfortable, safe, secure, in a metaphorical wilderness of unfamiliarity but so sure that you did this, and you were not tired? That close to someone, without knowing, how you know that everything is going to be alright because now you cannot comprehend the struggle you will face, just know the outcome and you are at peace...Jesus did not falter, his passion, fervor, focus, as a result to the intimate relationship with the Father and them - Love

True intimacy is love where words cannot define it, measures that cannot quantify it, and time only reinforce it. As expressions, actions, illuminate it and feelings overwhelmed as warm tears roll down your check. Having these are rare but being open to the will of the Lord allows you to do the right thing, even when the wrong way is the easy way, a beautiful mind is born, and saving yourself and others intimacy is  possible....these things make some shout, scream, yell, dance, because yes, virginia there really is a Jesus who lived, died, rose, and ascended......

One person matters

Eze. 22:30 - I searched for a man among them who would repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land so that I might not destroy it, but I found no one (HCSB)

One person matters. Sometimes we think, one person is not enough to make a difference for a circumstance, situations, or condition. However, in the verse above it only requires one person to stand in the gap that would prevent destruction to a land; WOW!~. If one stands up, and begin to understand, it only takes the one to do, to see change, then we will be convince more that we, the individual, matter. Too many times we will not begin to do, or are afraid to do because we are alone. We seem to forget, we serve a God who will, shall, and always provide, when we walk according to his will. See, we are quick to see the song, recite the verse, or teach the lesson about the many individuals who found their voice and strength to stand; one person. We see it in biblical times and modern times from Abram to Rahab to Elihu to the Deborah to Samson to David to Oprah to JFK and MLK to Mother Theresa to Gates to Obama. These people, whether you like them are not, were catalyst for change beyond themselves, and I am sure you know individuals in your community, family, work, or amongst our friends. However, we were all made, fashion uniquely, distinctively for a purpose that only we can do. God did not mode you in love, polished you in grace, refine you in mercy, for us to think we do not matter, or cannot make a difference. Because you see, you could be the one who speaks into the one who make the next majestic discovery, or the one that stops someone from giving up on them self. It is not about how great or small, it is all significant to God; what you do to the least of them, you do unto me. And God created you for such a time as this for a reason. Your birth, it is not happenstance, or hazard, whether in or out of wedlock, in want or opulence, an intact family or a hodge-podge because of life circumstances, or ability challenged or not, or you were loved or hated as child, you were put here for a purpose only you can do. See, you matter, and it not a fluke or random that you do what you do, when you set your face to God; God if it is you can bid me to walk on the water…Yea of little faith why doubt…. The questions is when are you, we going to stop the fear of the unknown and the unwillingness to let go of the control from hindering the true you, the authentic person to be. Remember you are covered by grace, you are lifted by the redeeming love, and your name is on the lips of the Sovereign one. God knows you need Him because you need to go in peace, and cannot do without his touch…One person matters…..

Are we flexible and willing

Luke 9:47-50; 59-60 - But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great." John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you...And He (Jesus) said to another, "Follow Me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father." But He said to him, "Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God." (NASB)

Are you we flexible and willing as Christians? Have we become so stuffy with our ‘thou shall not’ and ‘that is not biblical,’ we have lost the sight of the truth - Jesus went out with the people. Yeah?! We ask God so much, and become like petulant children when we do not receive in the time we desire, or get what we think, we should, or if the chastisement of another is not what we like. So, when we see others doing what we are doing, and it is a little different, we decide to question the validity, rather than try to see what we can learn, and how we can grow from exchanging of ideas. Or better yet, we decide they are too young and not ready, and should be ignored, until we decide they are ready. Not consulting God, not once. What we do, is asked Him to bless our actions, not to direct our path, thus, we just start doing because we know, what is best for all. Then questions God – What happen? How arrogant we have become in our well endowed exegetical skills, we have lost the real focus of Jesus’ ministry – relational evangelism grounded in unconditional and redeeming love. It was never meant to be an exclusive, member’s only club for the select group of faith believer, but rather it is for all of mankind. See it is not about us, or for a selfish intent to ingratiate ourselves with the ‘good people’; it is about Him. Only with this fundamental foundation of awareness and recognition, can we become more flexible and willing to submit to God, so that when He calls our name and it not as expected, we go.

However, when we are called, we usually are never quite ready to do what is asked at that moment. We want to fix some things, change some stuff, and make arrangements. We act as if we do not serve an all-seeing God, all-knowing God, and all-powerful, and does not need to put on hold. We forget he call all of his disciples in the middle of their madness, and Saul, on his way to destruction. So, why are we telling Him to wait? If God calls you, He has already made the provision, we just have to trust in the one, we say, we trust; to begin to apply the truth we know. Not worry about what you did, or did not do, or even what you are in the middle of doing. He asked for you, just as you are. This should be enough to make you shout all over the building, and dance the dance of praise uninhibited; once you realize He loves you enough and saw your future that He taps in your present to get you started. See, He chose you, in spite of you, all that is asked is willingness and flexibility. Are you willing? Are you flexible? Are you open? To a God that makes the illogical, logical, the impossible, possible; and the out of order, become the perfect order. The question is your faith such that it allows you to become flexible and willing to serve.

Living a life of distinction

Jer. 1:4-5 ‘Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." (NASB)


Living a life of distinction is not a mere idea, or fleeting thought, or happenstance occurrence. It happens before we are born, but we must be willing to submit to the greatest in us and the Most High God above us. However, if we do not recognize it for what it is, others can see it and use it for their good, or evil. Yet, when we decide to answer the call within us, to live the authentic ‘you’, and know that you, the person matters, life changes for us. Even if it is not popular, know it is the well-crafted gift in explanation or description. And at the same time, it is not, because we are fashioned by the Father’s love in the womb, at conception, and the moment we own it, we become it. We become for that thing a beacon of light drawing others to you.

Living a life of distinction does not mean there shall be not frustrations, struggles, or pains in this life, only that you will know with a incredible certainty ‘this too shall pass’. Living your life is so much different because although you are nervous or wondering if you shall be well received, when you walk in the moment. In that moment, it can only be described as being in the zone. Your distinctiveness draws your enemies to give accolades for your actions, accomplishments, and achieves. Strangers are intrigued and those who know you are in awe. As they look back at what you use to be, the vapor of what was, and the wonder standing before them now, is the real mccoy. The only thing that can explain it is the God-factor. Living a life with distinction allows others to see manifest favor of God in HD.