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Message 2: The Call to the life

Abstract

My life is an answer: The answer of the one loved to the one who has loved me. I can't answer someone else's call- I dare not answer another's call-but when he does call, " If anyone would come after me." the words of George MacDonald ring true,

"Instead of asking yourself whether you believe or not, ask yourself whether you have this day done one thing because he said, Do it, or once abstained because he said, Do not do it. It is simply absurd to say you believe, or even want to believe in him, if you do not do anything he tells you."

My life is the answer to his call. When I answer with my life, I make myself his disciple at once. This is why Bonhoeffer said, " only those who are obedient believe and only those who believe are obedient. That faith is only real in obedience." So when God calls a person, he invites t hem to come and die. And ironically they will never be more alive.

Please use this link to listen to the audio:
http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=3332

I am not going thru this series with a group or on a weekly basis, but devouring 3-4 messages per week. Also listening to Wisenbaker's "Seeking the Face of the Savior" series which perfectly coincides with this one. It is all about Jesus. So counter-cultural (even in some Christian circles) I have also taken Francis Frangipane's "In Christ's Image" training. Why so many? Because I am desperate to be Christlike. I can't get enough about Him. I long for MORE of Him, any way I can get it. In the last couple of years I gradually got into looking at what the latest prophecy was saying, before I would look at the Word of God. I was brought up short on this earlier this summer. I am slowly unraveling a whole ball of confusion that I gradually soaked up. It has become obvious to me how careful one must be in what they listen to. I read and read on your site before I was finally satisfied that it contains the truth of God. I am so thankful I was led to it. I spent yesterday longing and searching for God to show me the way out of confusion, and He said to my spirit, "I would not have told you to pray for my kingdom to come and my will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, if it were not possible." I feel safe praying that prayer, "Wherever You are working, that's where I want to be. I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back. I trust You, I lay down my fears, as I cannot follow You and follow fear at the same time. I choose to die to myself, take up my cross and follow You. I position myself in an open stance, where I can receive from You. I open my spirit to You."
I am setting aside large chunks of time these days to study, read, pray, and worship with meditative music. I am being healed of betrayals and hurts. Being a contemplative type of person as well as a rather disciplined person (as well as having an empty nest) makes it possible for me to set aside a season for restoration and healing from "burn-out". The only area where I really find myself shrinking back is the area of being with people even though I know God calls for community. I need healing of my fear of man and my mistrust because of woundings. Taking up the towel and basin and washing the feet even of those who would soon abandon Him, Jesus is my example. I trust for grace to be able to follow Him in this.