But it is strange how every day we make what seems a little insignificant decision at the time or take a little turn that changes the course of our lives.”
–Ron Schwab (Old Dogs)
“In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.”
“In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.”
–Titus 2:7 (NKJV)
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Are you ready? I’ll make it more clear, are you ready for the Lord to call upon you? “The need is the call.” (Bill Wilson), so have you seen a need? Are you answering the call?
I want to point to probably the most famous verse in the Book of Esther for a moment.
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
–Esther 4:14 (NKJV)
People have asked if I was a Calvinist or an Arminian. I usually reply I’m both Calvinist and Arminian or neither Calvinist or Arminian. The other day I read an article by Ken Ham who agreed with me, or maybe I agreed with him. Let me point out something from this verse. “Come to the kingdom for such a time as this…” is where we see Calvinism. There was a point in Esther’s life where she was designated to be the “called one.” (Calvinism if you like). However, she had to make a decision, she had free-will in regard to the situation (Arminian). My purpose today is not to discuss Calvinism versus Arminianism, but to show that God had placed Esther in a role where she could be a deliverer.
Look at the words from Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…I ordained you a prophet to the nations… For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 1:5; 29:11, NKJV) Jeremiah, called to be a prophet while in the womb. God had plans for Jeremiah, however, Jeremiah did not have to go God’s way. He could have refused.
Man will have the Gospel presented to them, then it is up to man to do something with it. What will you do with the message? What will you do with the call of God? He is beckoning, will you accept? The situation is right. Now, I ask how did the situation occur? Was it just happenstance? “As it has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this service, I’ll hope that my undertaking is designed to answer some good purpose… I’ll rely, therefore, confidently on Providence, which has preserved and been bountiful to me.” (George W. Bush) Was it for this hour that George W. Bush was our President? He was a party-guy until he had an encounter with Christ. That encounter was not happenstance, but a time of choosing. Now, the hour was upon us with 9/11 — happenstance or the decisions made in the eons of time. Can we just say it just so happened, or can we point to the sovereignty of God?
It is vital for everyone, but especially those of the household of faith that they prepare themselves. What happens if God has chosen you for some particular assignment such as Esther’s, but you were not prepared to take it on? What happens if you refuse the call, the mantle that has fallen on you? Elisha followed Elijah watching him, working with him. Joshua spent hours with Moses ready to take on the call of God when it came time. Both men could have refused when time came. I think of a Lieutenant Colonel who had diligently prepared himself in his training and education. The call came forth and he was promoted of scores of others to full general to become the Commander of Allied Forces in Europe against Fascism–Dwight D. Eisenhower. The world situation would certainly be different if he had not accepted the call and prepared himself along the way.
Paul admonished Timothy, “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, Amplified) He also told him to “Guard what was committed to your trust…” (1 Timothy 6:20, NKJV) You are at a place in life; it may not be a profound place, but a place where you have been placed: school, job, social circle (including social media), church. They have been placed in your trust–make the decision to heed the call and come into the place realizing that this one hour will never come again. This hour, this opportunity is yours to use for the kingdom of God.
———————————–
Are you ready? I’ll make it more clear, are you ready for the Lord to call upon you? “The need is the call.” (Bill Wilson), so have you seen a need? Are you answering the call?
I want to point to probably the most famous verse in the Book of Esther for a moment.
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
–Esther 4:14 (NKJV)
People have asked if I was a Calvinist or an Arminian. I usually reply I’m both Calvinist and Arminian or neither Calvinist or Arminian. The other day I read an article by Ken Ham who agreed with me, or maybe I agreed with him. Let me point out something from this verse. “Come to the kingdom for such a time as this…” is where we see Calvinism. There was a point in Esther’s life where she was designated to be the “called one.” (Calvinism if you like). However, she had to make a decision, she had free-will in regard to the situation (Arminian). My purpose today is not to discuss Calvinism versus Arminianism, but to show that God had placed Esther in a role where she could be a deliverer.
Look at the words from Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…I ordained you a prophet to the nations… For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 1:5; 29:11, NKJV) Jeremiah, called to be a prophet while in the womb. God had plans for Jeremiah, however, Jeremiah did not have to go God’s way. He could have refused.
Man will have the Gospel presented to them, then it is up to man to do something with it. What will you do with the message? What will you do with the call of God? He is beckoning, will you accept? The situation is right. Now, I ask how did the situation occur? Was it just happenstance? “As it has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this service, I’ll hope that my undertaking is designed to answer some good purpose… I’ll rely, therefore, confidently on Providence, which has preserved and been bountiful to me.” (George W. Bush) Was it for this hour that George W. Bush was our President? He was a party-guy until he had an encounter with Christ. That encounter was not happenstance, but a time of choosing. Now, the hour was upon us with 9/11 — happenstance or the decisions made in the eons of time. Can we just say it just so happened, or can we point to the sovereignty of God?
It is vital for everyone, but especially those of the household of faith that they prepare themselves. What happens if God has chosen you for some particular assignment such as Esther’s, but you were not prepared to take it on? What happens if you refuse the call, the mantle that has fallen on you? Elisha followed Elijah watching him, working with him. Joshua spent hours with Moses ready to take on the call of God when it came time. Both men could have refused when time came. I think of a Lieutenant Colonel who had diligently prepared himself in his training and education. The call came forth and he was promoted of scores of others to full general to become the Commander of Allied Forces in Europe against Fascism–Dwight D. Eisenhower. The world situation would certainly be different if he had not accepted the call and prepared himself along the way.
Paul admonished Timothy, “Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, Amplified) He also told him to “Guard what was committed to your trust…” (1 Timothy 6:20, NKJV) You are at a place in life; it may not be a profound place, but a place where you have been placed: school, job, social circle (including social media), church. They have been placed in your trust–make the decision to heed the call and come into the place realizing that this one hour will never come again. This hour, this opportunity is yours to use for the kingdom of God.