Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man,
          but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who
          raised him from the dead;)

     I want to serve God. I want to do something for God but I cannot call
     myself out to be an apostle, like God called out Paul. He was an apostle because
     it was what God ordained him to do. Paul did not seek it for himself.

     Some people are called by God to do something for Him when they are busy
     doing something else. Paul was on his way to Damascus to imprison Christians
     when God called Him out. Joyce Meyers was making her bed when God told her
     what she was called out to do.

     Each one of us has been gifted and talented by God. We may not be ordained
     pastors or apostles or prophets or evangelists or teachers. But we have been given
     the power we need in order to fulfill God's purpose. God has placed each one of us
     in the Body of Christ as it has pleased Him. We each have been given the ministry
     of reconciliation. Will we use our gifts and talents to do the work of the ministry? Will
     we hide our knowledge of the word and bury our talents and gifts because of fear?

     For many years I was afraid to stick my neck out for God. I was shy,
     embarrassed, and afraid of what people would think. I was extremely self
     conscious and felt like I was under a microscope of scrutiny
     and would be found a fraud or terribly lacking or unworthy.

     But now, the more I see what Jesus Christ accomplished, and the more
     I understand who I am in Christ, the more inspired I have become to
     speak up and seek opportunities to share with others what God has called
     me to do with confidence. God will clearly make known what it is
     we each need to do for Him today. When we obey, it always yields fruit.

     For instance, just yesterday, right after a scheduled brunch with my
     Christian friend, God said, "Now go see Debi at the Harley shop."
     So I did. She was just about ready to leave and needed prayer for health.
     I got there just at the right time. She got really blessed and God gets the glory!

     God will work in you both to will and do His good pleasure too. He has
     called you. He has enabled you. He has gifted you to fulfill his purpose
     that ONLY YOU can do. Amen.           

-Carol Kenreigh