| Be A Willing Volunteer |
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by Phil Tolbert, BLE Executive Director
You were chosen but you still have to volunteer. Jesus chose you (John 15:16). We had a choice though and that was to follow Him or not. Not only did He choose you but He also appointed you to bear fruit. He doesn't need us, but He has chosen to use us. "I know those I have chosen." John 13:18
Think about those God chose to accomplish His purpose:
Moses was used after he became a shepherd in the desert, not as a resident in the palace of the king.
Paul was chosen after he made killing Christians his life purpose. His new purpose was to bring eternal life to those who faced death without God.
Jonah was a "reluctant leader" who tried to run from God after he was chosen.
David defeated a giant with a sling shot and was last on the list of man's nominees to be King
Jesus gave up equality with God and humbled himself to have a saving relationship with each of us.
Jesus reveals He chooses us, we did not choose Him. The great news is that all we have to do is believe and receive. We need to volunteer after we have been chosen.
Once that choice has been made then we can "voluntarily" follow Christ.
Our obedience to Him is a desire not a demand. We live a life to please Him not ourselves.
We should all be "Willing Volunteers" and how we live and work should accomplish God's purpose. Glorify God. Mt. 5:16
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| In Her Own Words - A BLE Testimony |
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Featuring Anne Boyd, BLE Small Group Member
While I know a Christian is a Christian wherever he or she is, it is a great encouragement to know and meet with those of like faith who are seeking the truth. And at my work, we are very fortunate to have Godly men and women in positions of authority who decided making a Bible study available onsite was a worthy, important benefit to provide.
The first BLE study our small group completed focused on being an ambassador for Christ in the workplace. This study offered unexpected benefits and insight for me. I was raised with a strong work ethic that taught me to do my best because the company was paying me to do so. I am, however, not doing the type ofwork that makes my heart sing and my spirit light. The point was made quite often during the study that it is God who is my employer, and the details of what I am doing are not as important to the kingdom as thes pirit in which I do them.
I, like most employees on the planet, am sometimes disappointed or irritated by choices that my earthly bosses make, but I take great comfort in knowing my heavenly boss is perfect, loves me deeply, and works all things for my good. While I really would rather be doing something artistic for a living, I am now more content in the knowledge that God has something important for me to do in this place at this time.
To read more testimonies about God's work through the BLE ministry, click here. |