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Called into the Ministry? - 11/18/2008 12:14:53 PM
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all.consuming.fire
Posts: 176
Joined: 11/12/2008
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I wanted to start this thread becasue I want to hear some of your stories and how you knew God was calling you into ministry. Did something specific happen? Did you read a book and the Holy Spirit talk to you? Did you always know you were meant to be in ministry? I would love to hear how it all came about.
The reason I am writing this is because somewhere in the back of my mind, I feel led to go into ministry but am not certain about it. Its not like God has TOLD me YOU NEED TO BE IN MINISTRY. I dont want to lead myself, and I dont want to be in it if I am not called. That would not be good. I know it has to be the Holy Spirit that calls people and anoints them to do the work. Lately I have been getting passionate about it. I used to do it for like 5 years or so. From 16-21. ( I am 27 right now). It was really great and I enjoyed being used by God that way. I really want that again, but am not sure if I qualify. I have not been the best of Christians the past 7 years. I've been through the ringer to put it bluntly. Fallen on my face so many times, but each time He picks me up. I attened a church but no doors really opened for me during this time. I was also not as passionate about it as I am now. Now seems different for some reason. I am currently looking for a church since I just moved.
I guess I just want to be used by God again, but that is not up to me. I dont decide when I am ready for that. Only He does. I know this. I just wonder if I have gone through some of the things I did because I am to help minister to others about them later on. Thats what my old paster told me a long time ago when the multitude of troubles started in my life. He spoke into my life and told me I was called into ministry. Well its been 7 years and nothing yet. I guess what I am saying is that I am open and willing to be used even though I am broken and my life is not perfect. I want to help those who are suffering. I have prayed for an open door if its HIs will. Any advice? Thanks =)
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RE: Called into the Ministry? - 11/19/2008 1:40:17 AM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 823
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
Status: online
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quote:
I want to hear some of your stories and how you knew God was calling you into ministry. Did something specific happen?
"Tom, you say you want to be a missionary to XXX. I have been watching your life, though, and I don't see the gifts and graces that go with that vocation. Missionaries need to have a natural charisma that draws people to them -- and you don't."[1] This was a rough paradigm shift, though, after my glory days as a Jesus Freak, who came to Christ in the context of revival, and found it natural to lead (literally) hundreds of young people to Christ through personal evangelism. Then, it quit happening!
Still, those were some of the most blessed words I ever heard, from one of the best pastors I've ever sat under. These words set me free from a fantasy I'd been obsessed with, and set me free to discover my true vocation (professional writer), to have children and raise them, to pursue further education.
This admonition also happened around the time when I embraced a more Biblical eschatology, one that made every honest calling precious in the sight of the Lord. God's Kingdom is forwarded by the 90% of our income we invest in our families and future, as well as by the 10% going into the formal, visible ministry.
Having, and home-schooling, four children has been one of the most important things I've done with my life.[2] They are aware of my shortcomings, and know that sometimes "Honor thy father" means "humor thy father." But my adult children respect their parents, and rejoice to serve our God. The younger two (10 and 12) participate in a family outreach God has recently given us to grad students from XXX.
And, at age 57, I have completed my course work, and am gearing up to do a dissertation that will, God willing, increase my influence for Him over the next 30 years or so.
[1] Learning about the spectrum of autism disorders, including Asperger's Syndrome, has been a liberating relief. I'm not ethically deficient, just wired differently.
[2] Actually, my wife had them. We had to stop at 4, since they all came by C-section. Still, keeping her at home for the critical periods of their lives required a sequence of miracles.
_____________________________
Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: Called into the Ministry? - 11/20/2008 1:04:13 PM
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InHisService9901
Posts: 36
Joined: 11/15/2008
Status: offline
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God bless you sister .. I am a female servant of the Lord,61 and counting..
My experience with my calling from the Lord was this
It was a Sunday Nite June 6th 1999
I was sitting in church , the service had just ended and we were about to go into our once a month business meeting .
The Lord spoke my name and said
I want you to go up and have Preacher Treadaway pray for you and anoint u for my service
u want believe what I said
im amazed that the Lord didnt strike me down
I said Lord we are in a business meeting
can u believe someone would say such as this to the Lord?
And He was calling this idiot?
I sat there after I had spoken this and the Lord said NOTHING
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING
For one week I sought the Lord in prayer praying in this manner
Lord if you will tell me, let me hear those words again if you still want me I will obey .
like I said I prayed all week and the Lord was SILENT
By saturday nite I was desperate to hear the Lord say those words again and pleaded that He would
well it was getting late around midnite and He still had not spoken
maybe He didnt want me anymore
I cant describe how I felt
I finally fell asleep and at 5 am I woke up
and the Lord begin to speak in that still small voice
told me what to wear, and even suggested that I not wear heels that day because when u take off your shoes , you may be unsteady on your feet..Thats how I knew I ws to remove my shoes that I would be standing on Holy Ground ..Why?
Because when He calls He anoints..He is right there to give u that anointing...amen He is..
That morning I obeyed the Lord, stood up in a Baptist church and told my Pastor what the Lord told me to do
He called for the elders of the church and my Pastor anointed me with oil and him and the elders prayed for me
I cannot tell u how different things have been since that day
before that day I couldnt even half way teach , let alone preach
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be a preacher of the Gospel one day
NEVER
it never entered my mind
about a year and a half later the Lord gave me the Ministry of online Evangelism..
And when He did that He began to teach me
I would see a scripture that would pertain to the work of Evangelism and instantly know it and where it was found..even scriptures in the old testament the Lord began to plant in me
I didnt have to look them up all I need do is see them that first time and instantly know them.
God does not call anyone without preparing them for the task He is calling them to do.
The Lord has been my constant teacher and guide
My sermons are from Him...not me
and I recall that scripture in ex 4 where it says
the Lord said unto His servant Go
and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say
and all i can say to that is AMENNNNNNNNNN AND THANK YOU JESUS
Because He does just that...
If you feel led of God to Preach His Word then obey it acting upon faith that it is His will
brother if u are not in the will of God your heart will indeed condemn you
there are many doors that open up but we sometimes dont see that as a door to do the work of the Lord
Brother may I ask you, what do u feel the Lord is calling u to do
do u feel called to preach? If so do u feel your calling is Apostle, Prophet,Evangelist,Pastor
Whatever u are feeling led to do of the lord then u need to begin to act on it...it may not be in a church to begin with..He may choose to teach u online, or thru various Ministries of sorts, or thru your own neighborhood
I dont know but i sure would like to know your calling..
God bless and dont be discouraged
Evang.dare
< Message edited by InHisService9901 -- 11/20/2008 1:10:53 PM >
_____________________________
In Christ' Service
Evangelist Smith
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ
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RE: Called into the Ministry? - 11/25/2008 11:13:55 AM
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all.consuming.fire
Posts: 176
Joined: 11/12/2008
Status: offline
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Thank you both for your responses.
ImHisService...your story was really great and really encouraging. I do feel led into the ministry, I just dont know where and for what purpose. I think healing would come to mind. I remember when an old Pastor of mine prophesied that I was going to have a healing ministry. Well I have gone through some hard things these past few years, so I know God would be able to use that in my work for Him. The reason I feel passionate about serving Him is becasue I can see myself doing it each day and not get bored of it like a regular job. How can we get bored with God when He is so fascinating and so creative? I definitely think that we need to walk in the anointing in order to fullfill our purpose and calling. We can not do it on our own strength but rather must press through to Him. I am really inspired by your response and how He spoke so clearly to your heart. I guess that is what I want Him to do for me if in fact thats what I am to do with my life.
Thank you again for your thoughfullness.
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