PRESSING ON TOWARD THE GOAL - God’s direction can sometimes make us uncomfortable but I encourage you to be faithful to what he has called you to. You will experience different seasons so be faithful in every season. You can have a powerful, joyous breakthrough in your life when you repent of your disobedience and obey the voice of the Lord! Say to God, “Whatever you have for me, even if is not exactly what I choose, I will fulfill your calling. You choose and I will follow.” - “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - Jonah would have had a lot less trouble if he had obeyed the first time God spoke to him. He was clearly gifted and chosen, yet he fled from God’s very presence, cutting off communion with him. It must be noted, though, that as Jonah fled, he heard the voice of the Holy Spirit ringing in his ears every step of the way. And when he repented and humbled himself, the Lord began speaking to him again: “Arise, go to Ninevah, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” God’s direction can sometimes make us uncomfortable but be faithful to what he has called you to. You will experience different seasons so be faithful in every season. When Jonah obeyed God’s call, there were wonderful results. Ninevah experienced a massive revival — an amazing awakening.

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I press on toward the goal

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God’s direction can sometimes make us uncomfortable but I encourage you to be faithful to what he has called you to. You will experience different seasons so be faithful in every season. 

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You can have a powerful, joyous breakthrough in your life when you repent of your disobedience and obey the voice of the Lord! Say to God, “Whatever you have for me, even if is not exactly what I choose, I will fulfill your calling. You choose and I will follow.”

Devotional Thoughts

By Gary Wilkerson

 

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:13-14

 

Jonah would have had a lot less trouble if he had obeyed the first time God spoke to him.

He was clearly gifted and chosen, yet he fled from God’s very presence, cutting off communion with him.

It must be noted, though, that as Jonah fled, he heard the voice of the Holy Spirit ringing in his ears every step of the way.

And when he repented and humbled himself, the Lord began speaking to him again: “Arise, go to Ninevah, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you” (Jonah 3:2).

God’s direction can sometimes make us uncomfortable but I encourage you to be faithful to what he has called you to.

You will experience different seasons so be faithful in every season.

Say to God, “Whatever you have for me, even if is not exactly what I choose, I will fulfill your calling. You choose and I will follow.”

When Jonah obeyed God’s call, there were wonderful results.

Ninevah experienced a massive revival — an amazing awakening.

And, likewise, you can have a powerful, joyous breakthrough in your life when you repent of your disobedience and obey the voice of the Lord!

Gary Wilkerson is the President of World Challenge, an international mission organization that was founded by his father, David Wilkerson. He is also the Founding Pastor of The Springs Church, which he launched in 2009 with a handful of people. He has traveled nationally and internationally at conferences and conducted mission ventures such as church planting, starting orphanages, clinics, feeding programs among the poorest of the poor and the most unreached people of the earth. Gary and his wife Kelly have four children and live in Colorado Springs, CO.
Gary Wilkerson has served more than 40 years in ministry and is currently the president of World Challenge. He has written three books, travels to encourage pastors worldwide and hosts a podcast to address the tough questions that trip up many believers. 

After ministering at pastors' conferences with his father around the world, Gary began pastors' conferences with the desire to encourage pastors to encourage and strengthen them. He invites other trusted pastors, such as Pastor Carter Conlon of Times Square Church, Pastor Claude Houde of Nouvelle Vie and Pastor Jim Cymbala of Brooklyn Tabernacle to help encourage pastors and leaders around the globe. Gary, along with World Challenge, partners with local churches to organize these conferences to effectively reach local church leaders. 

In 2009, Gary Wilkerson planted a church in Colorado Springs. As exemplified by his various ministry associations, Gary has always had the heart and calling of a shepherd. This church has been the fulfillment of something God placed on his heart years ago. God’s commission to this church is that believers would be the hands and feet of Christ to the lost and hurting in this city. You can find more information about The Springs Church on their website.

https://worldchallenge.org/verse/philippians-313-14-0

THE GIFTS AND CALLINGS OF GOD - Most people think that the term calling only relates to being called to public ministry. But the fact is that God calls people to all kinds of tasks, careers and jobs. Just because someone doesn’t stand in a pulpit with a microphone and a Bible does not mean they are not called by God. One of the biggest questions you may have is how you can know what God’s purpose for you is. And one of the biggest clues that indicate the answer is to find out what kind of gifts you have. What has God called you to do? What are you gifted to do? Whatever it is, it has great value, because God’s call is irrevocable. He won’t change His mind about you. He has gifted you and called you to do something that brings Him glory and helps you find fulfillment that you could not have doing anything else. Find and fulfill God’s calling on your life. Nothing in this world is more satisfying. - “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” - God does not change His mind on a whim, or depending on which way the zephyrs of public opinion are blowing that day. He will not change regarding His commitment to you or His purpose for your life. He created you to fulfill a divine assignment. People may try to refuse their assignment, but it will not change the reality of what God has called them to do. When the term calling is brought up, most people think that it only relates to being called to public ministry. But the fact is that God calls people to all kinds of tasks, careers and jobs.

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The Gifts and Callings of God

Find and fulfill God’s calling on your life. Nothing in this world is more satisfying.

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Most people think that the term calling only relates to being called to public ministry. But the fact is that God calls people to all kinds of tasks, careers and jobs. 

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Just because someone doesn’t stand in a pulpit with a microphone and a Bible does not mean they are not called by God. One of the biggest questions you may have is how you can know what God’s purpose for you is. And one of the biggest clues that indicate the answer is to find out what kind of gifts you have. 

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What has God called you to do? What are you gifted to do? Whatever it is, it has great value, because God’s call is irrevocable. He won’t change His mind about you. He has gifted you and called you to do something that brings Him glory and helps you find fulfillment that you could not have doing anything else. 

Rod Parsley

 

“For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” - Romans 11:29

 

God does not change His mind on a whim, or depending on which way the zephyrs of public opinion are blowing that day.

He will not change regarding His commitment to you or His purpose for your life.

He created you to fulfill a divine assignment.

People may try to refuse their assignment, as Moses did, or run from it, as Jonah did, but it will not change the reality of what God has called them to do.

When the term calling is brought up, most people think that it only relates to being called to public ministry.

But the fact is that God calls people to all kinds of tasks, careers and jobs.

Just because someone doesn’t stand in a pulpit with a microphone and a Bible does not mean they are not called by God.

One of the biggest questions you may have is how you can know what God’s purpose for you is.

And one of the biggest clues that indicate the answer is to find out what kind of gifts you have.

I’m not just talking about spiritual gifts, although they are certainly involved — I’m talking about the things that motivate you, excite you and give you satisfaction.

My father and others in my family spent a lot of time involved in carpentry and other skills that involved home building.

They could frame a wall, build a set of stairs, fashion a railing, install flooring or do just about anything else the carpentry trade required.

They had to learn and practice the necessary skills, but it was easy for them, because they were called to it.

It is a pleasure to watch a master tradesman at their craft, because they do things that would baffle other people, and make it look easy.

They have gifts that allow them to fulfill their calling.

What has God called you to do?

Don’t say “God hasn’t called me to do anything,” because God has created every one of us with divine purpose.

What are you gifted to do?

Perhaps you are naturally a teacher — and believe me, that is a calling.

You might be gifted to provide care for people who are sick or who are differently able than others.

Maybe your gift and calling is to work with numbers as an auditor, an accountant or a tax consultant.

You might find fulfillment driving a big truck across the country, delivering things that people need to the places where they have access to them.

You might be good at styling hair, or making garments, or fixing other people’s plumbing.

Whatever it is, it has great value, because God’s call is irrevocable. He won’t change His mind about you.

He has gifted you and called you to do something that brings Him glory and helps you find fulfillment that you could not have doing anything else.

My prayer is that you will find and fulfill God’s calling on your life. Nothing in this world is more satisfying.

I praise You, Lord Jesus. You have redeemed my life from the pit and have set me on the solid ground.

You are my hope and my Redeemer.

How I praise Your name.

Amen.

Further Reading

Romans 11:29

Acts 17:26

Ephesians 5:21

Genesis 1:27

Breakthrough with Rod Parsley

Weekly and daily broadcasts of dynamic preaching which focus on the authority of the Gospel and the power of God to transform lives!

The Breakthrough with Rod Parsley broadcast is taking sound biblical doctrine and the Gospel of Jesus Christ "to all people," reaching over 200 nations, on multiple satellites that provide a signal to virtually the entire globe. More than 680 million households receive Breakthrough on a global basis seven days a week, 365 days a year. Included are more than 100 million households in the United States alone, presented through multiple networks and airtimes.

Breakthrough is the worldwide soul-winning media ministry of Rod Parsley, advancing the kingdom of God around the world through the eye of the camera. Multiplied tens of thousands are being challenged to become redemptive agents of change for kingdom advancement in their communities and homes.

With practical teaching helping to grow strong Christians, Breakthrough with Rod Parsley makes a significant impact by boldly proclaiming the authority of Jesus Christ to save, heal and transform. Breakthrough with Rod Parsley is committed to reaching this generation with relevant truth to meet the challenges of the real world.

https://www.rodparsley.com/dailydevotion

 

LOOK BEYOND THE BLESSING - We seek the Lord for His blessings, prosperity, and success. But true discipleship is focusing not on the blessings of the Lord, but on the Lord of the blessings! We can rejoice in our blessings, but let's not dwell on them! Let's set our eyes on the Lord and the calling He has for us. When He sees that we have pure and willing hearts, He will be faithful to use us to accomplish His glorious plan - “Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people.” Yeshua (Jesus) told His disciples to go into the deep waters and let down their nets for fish. When they did, their nets were filled up with fish to the point of breaking. Being fishermen and businessmen, they may have been tempted to start doing business. I mean, think how much they could make! But God had a different purpose. The disciples' occupation as fishermen was just a vehicle for God to demonstrate His great power and love. He wasn't blessing them with fish so that they would get excited about fishing -- He was blessing them with fish so that they could get their eyes off their fishing and on to the greater call He had for them! Thankfully, they left the fishing business and went off with the Lord to do great and mighty things. Too many of us are wrapped up in fish. We seek the Lord for His blessings, prosperity, and success. But true discipleship is focusing not on the blessings of the Lord, but on the Lord of the blessings!

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Look beyond the blessing!

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We seek the Lord for His blessings, prosperity, and success. But true discipleship is focusing not on the blessings of the Lord, but on the Lord of the blessings! 

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We can rejoice in our blessings, but let's not dwell on them! Let's set our eyes on the Lord and the calling He has for us. When He sees that we have pure and willing hearts, He will be faithful to use us to accomplish His glorious plan!

Worthy Ministries

 

“Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people.” - Psalm 3:8

 

Yeshua (Jesus) told His disciples to go into the deep waters and let down their nets for fish.

When they did, their nets were filled up with fish to the point of breaking.

Being fishermen and businessmen, they may have been tempted to start doing business. I mean, think how much they could make!

But God had a different purpose. The disciples' occupation as fishermen was just a vehicle for God to demonstrate His great power and love.

He wasn't blessing them with fish so that they would get excited about fishing -- He was blessing them with fish so that they could get their eyes off their fishing and on to the greater call He had for them!

Thankfully, they left the fishing business and went off with the Lord to do great and mighty things.

Too many of us are wrapped up in fish.

We seek the Lord for His blessings, prosperity, and success.

But true discipleship is focusing not on the blessings of the Lord, but on the Lord of the blessings!

We can rejoice in our blessings, but let's not dwell on them!

Let's set our eyes on the Lord and the calling He has for us.

When He sees that we have pure and willing hearts, He will be faithful to use us to accomplish His glorious plan!

Worthy Ministries is a Christian organization based in the United States and Israel with a global outreach to more than 120 countries on a daily basis.

Though we are an internet ministry, we are also significantly involved in the land of Israel.

Each week, Worthy Ministries delivers thousands of daily devotionals and news briefs across the globe. This past year alone, we have sent out more than 5.2 million news briefs and inspirational devotionals. We have received thousands of encouraging responses from appreciative subscribers. And many millions have utilized our sites and services, including Worthy News, Worthy Chat, Worthy Devotions, and Worthy Christian Forums.

https://www.worthydevotions.com/christian-devotional/look-beyond-the-blessing

You might also like:

 

There Shall Be Showers of Blessing

D. W. Whittle

CLICK HERE . . . to view complete playlist . . . 

https://puricarechronicles.blogspot.com/2019/08/showers-of-blessing-d-w-whittle-there.html

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Luke 5:1-11 - English Standard Version

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

“5 On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, ² and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 

^“3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 

^“4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ 

^“5 And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’

^“6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. ⁷ They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. 

^“And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’

^“9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.

^“And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’^[a] 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

a.     Luke 5:10 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+5%3A1-11&version=ESV