Warriors Arise: October 15, 2020
John 21:15-18 (NKJV) So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.
Deep down inside, Peter had to conquer the guilt and shame he was confronted with when he denied being a disciple of Jesus before he could fully embrace the calling God had placed upon his life. How many times does God ask us to do something and we think of all the reasons we are disqualified from doing so?
I can't tell them about Jesus, I don't know enough of the Bible.
I can't pray for healing, I don't know if God will hear me.
I can't teach a Sunday school class, they may ask me something I don't know how to answer.
I can't serve in the church, I don't like people.
I can't serve in missions, I have to have my niceties.
I can't serve in the nursery, I've already done that.
I can't help with Vacation Bible School, I don't like kids.
I can't tithe, I can barely pay my bills.
I can't send a card to encourage someone, I don't have the time.
I can't be on the worship team, I don't like people looking at me.
I can't teach a new member's class, I am not sure if I want to be a member.
I can't be a member, I would have to serve somewhere in the church.
I can't serve on a committee, I don't like working with others.
Out of all those "I can'ts" how many have your used? How many don't really matter. What matters is what was behind the reason? Let's be honest so that we can love God. Behind the reason is our own selfishness. These really are not "I can'ts" they are "I won'ts". Otherwise, Philipeans 3:14 is a lie. Most of us have quoted this verse numerous times. But if you only apply it to one giant you face and not another then do you really believe the verse or you are just unwilling to tell yourself to get in line with what God has called you to do?
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
God did not call us to be perfect He called us to be His children. He knows children come with all kinds of attitudes and issues. He knows we need to be trained by His love and strengthened by His power to grow into the calling He has placed upon our lives.
Philippians 3:12-15 (NKJV) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
Paul, just like Peter, was not sinless. They each had to forget the things which are behind and reach forward to those things which are ahead. Forget the sin from years ago, from yesterday by repenting to the Lord, declaring your love for the Lord, and forgiving yourself. Now, lift your head and look to the Lord, He has things in front of you to do. Reach forward, press toward the goal, surrender your talents and abilities to expand God's kingdom here on earth.
Many times we allow our I can'ts rule our life, when we need to have a greater "yes." Paul had a greater yes.
Philippians 3:14 (NKJV) I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
You and I not only have a calling on our lives but we have the upward call of God in Christ Jesus upon our lives. Take some time to think about the different things God has called you to do? How many of them did you do? What is the call of God on your life right now? Are you ready to ask God for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus? God hasn't said you are done. He is waiting for you to ask for what is next.
Saturday night after our family Bible time, I went over with everyone in the room what I expected for the next day. We were hosting our 7th Barnyard Olympics. I wasn't sure who else would be available to set up for the event so I needed to share my expectations. "When I assign you to do something I need you to do what I have asked then come find me. I may not be in the place I gave your instructions but that doesn't mean I do not need your help in the next thing to do. If I am not where we last spoke come find me." We were set up for the Barnyard Olympics nearly an hour early! It was GREAT! Each one did what they were asked, found me again and then did the next thing they were assigned. It was wonderful! We also had other helpers and they did the same thing. I was a little astonished how it all came together with time to spare. We were ready when the youth arrived.
God would like the same from us. He would like to be able to assign us to do something, when we get done we return and ask what is the next thing He wants us to do. He is orchestrating more than a Barnyard Olympics. He is expanding His Kingdom here on earth through us. He needs us to be a part of His plan, that none should perish. It takes people within the church using their talents to expand His kingdom.
Father, I need a greater yes. I ask for You to teach me how to forgive myself. I ask for Your love to pour out upon my life. I need Your love to touch every part of me. I want to love You more than I love myself. I want to love You more than anything in this world. I do not want anyone or anything to be an idle in my life. I want to love You by serving others with my talents. I want my love for You to be my greater yes. I pray for Your people to return to You. I pray for revival to come upon our land. I pray for consuming fire to come and burn away the chaff. I pray for lies to be revealed and the truth to be known. I pray for the ugliness of our hearts to be revealed and the purity of Yours to be displayed. I ask for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy
My hope is for Believers in Jesus Christ to join together each day to pray, to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth against the coronavirus, riots, and lies. The prayers will be listed each day as Warriors Arise. I will put a date with it so we can keep them straight. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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