Today's devotional from Pastor Clay: Fulfilling the Call of God - Romans 15:32

October 31, 2014 View this email in your browser Fulfilling the call of God - Romans 15:32 "...that I may come to you with joy by the will of God" Romans 15:32 "The will of God" - That small phrase is to me one of the most powerful truths of our Christian walk: It defines someone who has been chosen by God, given a specific mission, prepared and equipped for that mission, and sent out on that mission. We would all agree that Paul had a great call on his life... But I believe it's a mistake to look at Paul as a man with a great call on his life, yet see ourselves as only "regular Christians." I wonder, should we even say that someone "has a great call," as if that person's call is somehow more important to God than what another Christian might be called to do? How do we even measure a great call? A big church? Having several books in print? A well-known web site? If those are the criteria, then most of the prophets in the bible wouldn't qualify. I believe when we consider ourselves to be small-time players in God's plan, we're putting a lid on what God may want to accomplish in and through us.  It seems to me that the bible clearly teaches that each of us are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14), that we have been specifically called by God (2 Tim 1:9), that He gives each of us the same Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9), that He desires to work in and through us (Phil 2:13), and that He has already set in place His works for us to accomplish (Eph 2:10), and by the way that's not an exhaustive list!  That tells me that each of us has a great call on our life, and an important part to play in God's plan. Each one of us are mission critical to fulfilling God's call here on this earth, and specially in our city. I don't think God is looking for a few good men that will fulfill big calls; I believe He is looking for all of us as His children, and His church, to say "yes" to fulfilling the call of God in each of our lives, whatever that call might be. People like Moses, David, Ruth, Deborah, Nehemiah, and Paul, who were all regular people that said "YES" to God's plan for their life. The question isn't "do I have a big call or a small call," it's "will I say yes to God, whatever the call?" And I often find the we won't know the call until we're willing to say yes; God doesn't work through those who offer Him "conditional service." I believe the most powerful prayer a Christian can pray is "Lord, show me what to do, and I'll do it." I promise you, if you begin asking God, He'll answer that prayer, and you may be surpized, as your call may be greater than you think. "Lord, help me to fulfill your call for my life, show me what to do, and I'll do it." Pastor Clay   Enjoy this devotional?  Share it with someone! Share Tweet Forward Connect Facebook Twitter Instagram Subscribe by email Copyright © 2014 Calvary Chapel of Wilmington, All rights reserved. You're receiving this email because you subscribed through our website or my blog. You can click the "Manage Subscriptions" link to manage your email preferences.   Calvary Chapel of Wilmington 2831 Carolina Beach Rd Wilmington, NC 28412 Add us to your address book 910-791-1858 | www.calvaryofwilmington.org   unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Today's Devotional from Pastor Clay: Funding the Mission - Romans 15:24

October 30, 2014 View this email in your browser Funding the Mission - Romans 15:24 When Paul wrote his letter to the church at Rome, his intention was to visit Rome on his way to Spain, as he wrote: "For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you…" Romans 15:24 But his visit wasn't only to spend time with the saints there; He was also counting on them to assist him in his mission to preach the gospel in Spain. What I find interesting is that Paul didn't spend any time trying to "sell the vision" of why they should help him get to Spain. It was an automatic that they would help him.  I think in some ways there's been a disconnect in the church between the "staff professionals" and the congregation when it comes to funding the mission of the church. Church members have become skeptics when it comes to providing financial support to the mission of the church: The church leaders have to "sell" the project, convince everyone that it's a "true need" (as defined by that particular person). This is widely recognized, as I get solicitations every week from companies that exist for the sole purpose of "assisting" churches in getting their people to give more generously. In my mind it comes down to priorities, and trust. Think of it this way: If I were to decide to remodel my home, I would sit down with a contractor that I trust, we'd outline what my goals are, then we'd put together a plan to accomplish the work. Then, I fund the mission 100%. See, I know that if I don't give the contractor all of the money for the project, then I'm going to end up with an unfinished project. If I decide half-way through that I'm tired of paying, I'm going to end up with an unfinished project. Funding the mission is required in order to complete the mission. Come to think of it, we exercise this same diligence in every other area of our lives: Repairing the car, planning a vacation, going hunting or fishing, we make sure we have the finances and the resources available to accomplish our mission. And so it should be in the church, as our mission is infinitely more important than remodeling a home, buying a car, or going on a trip. The mission of the church changes the lives of people for all of eternity; We're tasked with leading people out of darkness and a one-way ticket to hell, and instead putting them on the path to a life of victory, and an eternity in heaven.  What mission could be more important to fund? "Lord, help me to be purposeful in my financial giving to the mission of the church. Help me to see it from an eternal perspective." Pastor Clay   Enjoy this devotional?  Share it with someone! Share Tweet Forward Connect Facebook Twitter Instagram Subscribe by email Copyright © 2014 Calvary Chapel of Wilmington, All rights reserved. You're receiving this email because you subscribed through our website or my blog. You can click the "Manage Subscriptions" link to manage your email preferences.   Calvary Chapel of Wilmington 2831 Carolina Beach Rd Wilmington, NC 28412 Add us to your address book 910-791-1858 | www.calvaryofwilmington.org   unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Today's Devotional from Pastor Clay: Find your place on the team - Romans 15:24

October 29, 2014 View this email in your browser Finding your place on the team - Romans 15:24 "For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you." Romans 15:24 The Apostle Paul had plans to stop in Rome with the expectation that the church there would assist him with his mission of traveling to Spain to preach the gospel. Paul saw it as an automatic; The church has a mission, and we all have a part to play in winning the mission. Right now the World Series is in a tie, with the Giants and the Royals going into game 6 with three games each. Game 6 s going be a test as to which team is serious about winning the series. But as most baseball fans know, it isn't just the players that bring the win. From the coaches that develop the players skills, assessing who needs to play and when, the trainers that build strength and endurance, the dietitians who monitor caloric intake, the equipment specialists… there are literally hundreds of people that make important contributions to the team that brings home the World Series trophy.  But consider what would happen if that team of hundreds of people that are part of the SF Giants organization decided to be spectators? "I think I'll just go sit in the stands and watch the games…" I'll tell you what would happen, the Giants would flame out of the series.  God has given us, the church, a mission; To win people to Christ, and then help them grow in their faith.  And just like a winning baseball team, the church needs everyone on our team to be ready, willing, and available for action. If the members of the church decide that they're just going to sit in the chair and watch, the mission is going to break down.  Pastor Wes, myself, the elders, the team leaders, we cannot win this city for Christ unless we work together as a team, every member doing his/her part, every team member finding their position, fulfilling the will of God in their individual lives.  And it's not just a duty; Christians that serve, GROW. Every Christian I know that is growing in their faith, walking in power and joy, and enjoying life-giving relationships, are Christians that SERVE. They've found their place on the team, and their making a difference. Want to find your place on our team? Fill out our online Volunteer form (HERE), or stop by Guest Services after the service on Sunday.  "Lord, help me to find my place on the team at my church, to have my eyes set on the goal of winning our city for Christ." Pastor Clay   Enjoy this devotional?  Share it with someone! Share Tweet Forward Connect Facebook Twitter Instagram Subscribe by email Copyright © 2014 Calvary Chapel of Wilmington, All rights reserved. You're receiving this email because you subscribed through our website or my blog. You can click the "Manage Subscriptions" link to manage your email preferences.   Calvary Chapel of Wilmington 2831 Carolina Beach Rd Wilmington, NC 28412 Add us to your address book 910-791-1858 | www.calvaryofwilmington.org   unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences