Named by God - Embracing your Future

“It is only when we have surrendered ourselves to God that he can plant a vision inside us.” As we begin to grow in our relationship with the Lord, we will begin to mature spiritually. “Maturity is about a choice – a commitment.” We become mature through everyday discipleship, “the process of becoming like Christ.” Daily acting as a sponge and soaking up all that the Lord has for you that day will consistency increase your maturity in the spiritual realm.

Part of growing up spiritually is that you feel “unexplainable urge to serve.” Jesus was the ultimate example of a servant, and he was God! How much more can we serve others when we are just His creation? “Jesus had an attitude – an entire lifestyle – of service that he calls us to imitate.”

“Nowhere is scripture are we told that we are given gifts to bring glory to ourselves, to meet a personal need, or to make ourselves feel better.” Wherever God calls you to serve, on stage or backstage, do it with all you have inside. But many times people who have fallen into sin are convinced that God could never use them. “To deny repentant sinners access to church ministry would be denying that the blood of Jesus Christ is enough to cover all sins.” No matter how hard you’ve fallen, there are always people that you can minister to: because you are always “serving for an audience of one.”

“God has wired us to live on the edge – to be driven to know him more deeply and to be addicted to bringing people to him….I see being radical as purposely living outside the box of religion and culture.” Christianity is about thinking outside the box to reach others for your amazing out-of-the-box God. “Too often people see religion as a set of rules or a confining box intended to control people. True religion, however, has nothing to with denomination, worship style, legalism, or how many times you show up at church each week…. True religion involves a complete transformation of the way we think, act, talk, and serve.” And because of that, we don’t have to do anything to gain favor with the Lord.

“Go after Him today, my friend, and don’t look back! Pursue him as the greatest love of your life. With each day you embark on this sincere quest for him, your past will seem more distant, your purpose for today will be clearer, and your mission for the future will be more exciting. The next time you doubt your worth or wonder if your life has meaning, know that God has redeemed you – your past, present, and future are covered with his blood. You, loved one, have been named by God.
You will be given a new name by the Lord’s own mouth – Isaiah 62:2”