When did God set you apart?

I began reading in Jeremiah again this morning. I was reminded of the process God used in the life of Jeremiah. In chapter 1:5 we find out that it was before he was even conceived in his mother's womb. God told Jeremiah that before He formed Jeremiah in his mother's womb, God knew him and set him apart to be a prophet to the nations. This choice had absolutely nothing to do with a choice by Jeremiah. In fact, as we read further, we find Jeremiah giving excuses why he is not the one God should use.

Surely we have never been in those shoes. I am convinced the call of God on our lives to be involved missionally came at the same time it came for Jeremiah. It was before we were formed in our mother's womb. Perhaps we have wrestled with the official calling as well. But take note, the setting apart by God was done before we ever made a choice of anything in life. Wow!

The Apostle Paul said it this way in Eph. 2:10, "We are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which He before ordained that we should walk in them." That is a verse I cannot get away from. God had things for me to do before I ever made my first choice in life. The same is true for you. Your calling may not be the same as mine, but you have a calling just the same.

Don't waste your life. Find out what God's choice is for you and run after it with all your heart. The adventure will be wonderful. You will not regret it.

Having said that, I remind us that Jeremiah did not have a pleasant 40+ years as a prophet to the nations. Still, it was his calling. The thing that brings joy to our hearts is knowing that we were in the place God wanted us to be, doing the things God wanted us to do. Then one day we will hear Him say, "Well done thou good and faithful servant..."

Have a great day!

Missions is no respector of persons

Wow! I can't believe it has been over a month since I last came to this site. I never dreamed how busy life would be as I began "Calling out the Called" for missional living. I am amazed at how many churches and individuals are so hungry for authentic missional living. I have heard some of the greatest stories and met some of the most awesome individuals.

One such person (which shall remain nameless) approached retirement at age 65 by asking God if He had anyone anywhere in the world that He wanted her to tell them about Him. She said He told her yes. So she said she told Him that if He would provide for her to go, she would continue to go and tell.

She is now 85 years active in service for Jesus. She took her first international mission trip at age 65. Now at 85 she looks back on her experiences of a dozen (that is right) international mission trips and around 8 state side mission trips. Her last international trip was in December to Guinea West Africa where she road in a dug out canoe on the ocean and up a river to an unengaged people. When she arrived on the island she was greeted very warmly. The first morning there, she arose to find the men of the village sitting around her porch waiting to hear why she was there. They wanted to hear the story of Jesus. They could listen to her, because she was old. They respect age. So she took out her evangecube and told them the story.

Missions is for everyone! Age is not a factor. Missions is for you as well. Keep living for Him.