A Message from the Pastor

Here is a brief discussion about the issues of character and the gifts and calling of God being irrevocable.

I think each of us at various times know that our gifts and calling took us far beyond where our character could sustain us. Have you not wondered how so much of God could flow through us during moments when we were less than who He created us to be. The gifts and calling are irrevocable! HE will, at times, choose to use us for others despite ourselves. Does this not explain how so many good men we know and have known could continue in ministry when their lives were a total train wreck? If God is willing to use a donkey, well...you get my drift. The gifts and calling of God sometimes have taken us beyond where our character could sustain us.

The road to having the kind of character that all of us desire is a road less traveled. Nevertheless it is a vital part of developing the kind of character that causes us to always give the glory to God. Building character and maturity through the events of life create in us a greater capacity for the very gifts and calling God has bestowed upon us. By God’s grace we have all been called and have a purpose. By this same grace the Holy Spirit imparts gifts to us. It is so easy to get a big head and forget that it has all come from God. It wasn’t by our works or goodness. It is only by His grace.

But God has left the character building process in our hands. It is our task to mature and grow in Him. Of course this is done once again WITH God and not just on our own. But if we just wander through life and never develop this part, that is we remain in an immature state, then we are preparing our lives for a great fall. Godly character enables us to always recognize the source, God. It also keeps us from glorying in ourselves.

Romans 5:3 "....we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (CONFIDENCE). And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us."

As trials and tribulations come our way and as we embrace the never ending love of God through these events, character is formed.

I am not suggesting we embrace suffering. I am suggesting we embrace God in the midst of it. Thus brokenness becomes a great virtue of character. And we know that God exalts the humble and resists the proud.

The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. He doesn’t take them back just because we mess up. But just imagine an army of disciples that understand these principles and don’t abuse the goodness of God. A group that doesn’t follow the desires of their flesh. But they embrace the forgiveness and goodness of God wholeheartedly and continually go after Him. What could happen through a group of people that enlarged their capacity to receive from God and minister to the world around them? How much more powerful would God move through them and show the world His love?

Don’t settle for the gifts and calling on your life. Those are free. God can and has used very foolish things. Let’s be careful and not fall into the deception of thinking everything is ok because God has not removed His anointing from you. Remember it’s not over until it is over!

Pastor Richard