I want to challenge you: God has called you! We don’t all have to be preachers, but the fact is that we are saved to live for God. I want to emphasise that God called me, I did not choose to serve God. Jesus said in His own words, ‘You did not choose me, I chose you.’ He called us in order that we might serve Him, and I believe that He called every single born-again believer to serve Him. And once you are called into service you will need the Holy Spirit’s fire and power, because you cannot make it on your own!
Stand firm in the Lord
We have lowly bodies, subject to weakness, sickness, hunger, thirst, and temptation – of course we do! Who is not subject to temptation? But when we receive our heavenly body, it will be a resurrection body – absolutely free of all these limitations! “Therefore,” Paul continues in Phil 4:1, “my brethren whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, STAND FAST in the Lord!” This question of ‘standing fast’ is a reminder that despite our weaknesses, we must remain true to our faith.
Living Sacrifice - Holy and Pleasing unto God
God so impressed Romans 12:1 on me when I was a teenager: ‘I beseech you to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.’ God is talking about normal service, nothing exceptional – for every believer – the norm. Today the churches are talking about being normal, taking care of yourself, not working too hard… But the challenge is ‘reasonable service’ – giving your whole life as a ‘living sacrifice’! Everything! God didn’t call me to be an ‘evangelist’ or a ‘preacher’ – He said He wanted ALL of me!



