Made a Decsion | SermonIndex

L

lovegrace Aug 24, 2006

Hey, my name is Joshua.

Just resently ALOT of things have been going on in my life. Enrolled in 12 credit hours of college (2 of which are also on t.v.) and that has put me in MAJOR debt ontop of my little debt i had. Plus, my car broke down 3.5 hours away from my house and now it's completly broken, and a waste of money to repair. God is opening the doors for ministry ontop of the 40+ hour job I have now. And very soon I will be enrolling into a bible college as well (3 credit hours). And beyond that, I'm outta shape riding a borrowed bike for 7.5 miles to and from work everyday. Also, not having enough money to have any food in the house. (living off one medium meal a day)

Funny thing is, in spite of all of this, I have MAJOR peace. In my entire life, I've never been so UNstressful in my life. This has truly blown me away. My time with God has been struggling resently (to most people 30 mins might sound good, but God ~~[b]~~wants[/b] more time with me, but I'm not giving it to Him)

My prayer request isn't for a 'less' busy life. Because all of this is what I've asked for.

But instead, I ask for:

Strength.
Endurance
Direction
Discernment
Wisdom
and more of God to be in my life and constantly RECONIGNING that He IS there with me always.

I think we all know God is with us always, but I would like to be able to acknowledge that and live LIKE that.

Thanks for taking time to read this. Bless you.
Joshua

sermonindex Aug 24, 2006

Funny thing is, in spite of all of this, I have MAJOR peace. In my entire life, I've never been so UNstressful in my life. This has truly blown me away. My time with God has been struggling resently (to most people 30 mins might sound good, but God wants more time with me, but I'm not giving it to Him)

Joshua - BLESSINGS brother!

Thank you for this quick run down of all you're facing. I will pray the Lord solves your various practical problems in His way. It is wonderful to hear you have such a peace. Amen. Truly, there is no-where else to be, than the centre of God's will.

J

JoeA Aug 25, 2006

and more of God to be in my life and constantly RECONIGNING that He IS there with me always.
I think we all know God is with us always, but I would like to be able to acknowledge that and live LIKE that.

Amen. God bless you brother and keep you strong. I'll be praying for you.

L

lovegrace Aug 27, 2006

I just resently I had this offer to go to North Carolina (from here Florida) I will be part-time paid youth pastor, bible college paid for, and room/board paid for, plus if I need extra money, I could work at the college.

This is an 'offer of a lifetime' many people tell me. BUT, I want to make sure GOD wants me there, because He is doing alot down here. I have 2 weeks to make this decsion.

Please, pray that God SHOWS ME HIS WILL, because this is right before me.

sermonindex Aug 27, 2006

This is an 'offer of a lifetime' many people tell me. BUT, I want to make sure GOD wants me there, because He is doing alot down here. I have 2 weeks to make this decsion.

It sounds like this is the Lord's will! I would go in the open door and if it closes then you know it is not God. Be simple and take a venture of faith with this.

L

lovegrace Aug 27, 2006

Hmm, you know I've had EVERYONE say 'green light' in one form or another :-P

Thanks Greg. I'm really scared about moving, because He promised alot of stuff to me down here. I don't know....please continue praying, I'll keep you guys updated.

ALSO, I won't be moving till January, if I go.

C

crsschk Aug 27, 2006

Funny thing is, in spite of all of this, I have MAJOR peace. In my entire life, I've never been so UNstressful in my life.

It's difficult to pray for you brother, you already have everything!

~~[i]~~And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.[/i] Col 3:15

~~[i]~~But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.[/i] Mat 6:33

A very refreshing post, thanks for sharing this.
And of course, my prayers.

:-)

L

lovegrace Aug 28, 2006

Clearly God is saying to me. "Neither choice is bad, but choose one."

Everyone in my life are like "For all things work together for the good of them that love Him."

I want God's better option. If both are neutral, then, hmm, I'm really in a solid fork in the road.

8-)

sermonindex Aug 28, 2006

Hi Joshua,

By what date do you have to decide, please?

Clearly God is saying to me. "Neither choice is bad, but choose one."

I believe God has a perfect will for each one, if we will wait on His guidance for it, especially in this sort of situation.

If you go ahead with moving to NC, there will be strictures. This always comes with responsibility, and authority always comes with an element of submission to the one who gave you the authority.

Knowing you, I would have a whole lot of questions to ask the 'authority' in NC, who is offering to delegate to you, so that you are absolutely clear about the system within which you are being asked to work. This not only includes the freedoms it may offer you, but the limitations. You need to find out what those will be, and then decide if you're willing to live with them for .... how many years did you say?

Personally, I don't think it would do you any harm to go through the joys and sorrows of such an opportunity, but unless you are honestly ready to embrace the pain involved.... it will keep until you are (ready),(even though I realise this offer may not be open to you in another year.... something else will open up which will provide the same learning opportunities).

Is 'church' at the College, or do you all go out to local assemblies, according to you spiritual instinct?

L

lovegrace Aug 31, 2006

I've prayed about this alot. Asked every friend I have and waited for a couple of confirmations from the Lord.

I'm going to North Carolina. (Leaving in December, there in January)

All I had to do was say 'yes'. I'll be letting my mentor (the one who gave me the offer) know my decsion tomarrow.

But, I found out the position is NOT what I thought, it's actually a SOCIAL WORKER job, where I help people collect food stamps, find a place to live and all the basic needs. It is NOT a youth pastor position, which I was hoping for. But it's still alright, fully paid college and room and board is always good :-)

I believe the denomination of the college is baptist (hoping to go to a calvary chapel style bible college, but I guess not...) but hey, it's still Christian.

**I grew up baptist, so nothing against the baptist, i'm not just baptist.**

sermonindex Aug 31, 2006

..the position is NOT what I thought, it's actually a SOCIAL WORKER job, where I help people collect food stamps, find a place to live and all the basic needs. It is NOT a youth pastor position, which I was hoping for. But it's still alright, fully paid college and room and board is always good..

Do you have a real, deep peace about this decision - a confirmation not only of the letter of the offer, but the spirit?

L

lovegrace Sep 1, 2006

Yup!

L

lovegrace Oct 17, 2006

Wow, praise GOD!

I just read my orginal post. Haha. What a Great God we serve!

I have changed jobs, don't have to ride my bike because my uncle now takes me. (Family owned business, NO MORE TELEMARKETTING!!!) :-)

Still no car, but I'm managing pretty well.

I found out that I am NOT going to North Carolina for the bible college. (A few extra stipulations as the weeks went by, then the final verdict came and it wasn't me who they chose).

FYI, so I don't lose some of you. The NC situation was going to be full scholarship for 4 yrs. bible college, room and board for 4 yrs and a job ready. At first I heard "All I have to do is say yes". Then a week went by, "Your in the running with 3 others." Another week, "You have to have a 3.7 gpa". Two weeks, "Oh, wow, now there is 40 people." Last week, "Yea, you didn't get it, the guy who won it had a PERFECT on his SAT's and a 5.0 GPA in college."

Yea, so whatever God is in control, it was cool to think about while it lasted.

During this, I began a search for a bible college, and found one in Tampa (a couple of miles away). Very cheap, and fully accreditied. Non-denominational. I spoke to the dean of the school for an hour or so. GREAT MAN OF GOD!! Awesome!

http://www.faithchristiancollege.com/

That's the college.

Umm, now I'm asking God for a car and more money to get COMPLETELY out of debt. (I've paid most of it off but still have some more to go).

I will also be changing churches soon. So, yea, a lot of transition. Craziness.

So, here are my petitions to God right now:

- More of Him
- His teachings of the Word
- Wisdom
- Direction
- Car
- Finacial help
- His inspiration in writing a book

Love. Joshua.

sermonindex Oct 19, 2006

Hi Joshua,

This has the air of reality about it. Thank you for keeping us up to date and showing us what you're thinking of doing.

One word of caution (again), if you're thinking of changing your church to the same place you'll be going for theological training, still keep links with many outside churches and Christians.

I understand the need for a base, but one of your strengths is your willingness and ability to be completely independent under God. Not everyone is comfortable with that kind of freedom.... they need to be a flock-member. Like many others, while being a flock-member, you are also called to move between flocks. Don't lose a hold of this freedom.... throughout the time you are continuing to learn and grow in God.

L

lovegrace Oct 19, 2006

dorcas wrote:
One word of caution (again), if you're thinking of changing your church to the same place you'll be going for theological training, still keep links with many outside churches and Christians.

Never said either of that.

I'm changing churches IN GENERAL. And I'm DEFINATLY not a person to be apart of just one church but instead multiple churches.