Stepping up IV: Call up

Message 24 January 2016 Stepping up IV # Call up

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. - Revelation 4:1

Are you yearning for an upgrade, a promotion or elevation in your walk with God? Do you feel like you have reached the limits of the current level and are hungry for more? Stepping up is a positive response to God’s call. God is calling his people to rise up in their faith. There is work to be done and the call is to  worship Him and to serve. Before he can commune at a higher level he needs for you to shift from your current level of thinking and believing to the next.  That’s how he revealed high level mysteries to John in the book of Revelation. He first called - Come up hither (Revelation 4:1).

As a church, we will not remain in same place. We are being called up for service. God is calling us to be a church with sending capacity not just sitting capacity. Responding to God’s call is embracing change. That is how growth happens. Often this calls for realignment of gifts. We are in a season of renewing of leadership and church life. God is sending a new crop of leaders. He is raising new players. He is renewing the zeal of the old players. It is time for recommitment to expectations and accountability at leadership level. It is a season to re-envision towards soul winning and discipleship. If God redeploys you instead of leaving abruptly help cover the gaps you leave behind. If unhappy about how things are going in the church let’s talk and make sure we find solutions together.

When God says come up, how do will respond?

>> God’s calling comes with a package of grace for the next level to which he is calling. His call is self-executing when embraced. When at a level for which grace has been exhausted frustration ensues. His grace suffices for his calling. Grace gives ability to do what He asks  of you. He doesn’t call the qualified but qualifies those he calls. Grace flows to the humble so humility facilitates God’s calling. When you are humble enough to align with the calling God’s power flows.

>>God’s calling appeals to your willingness and choice to say yes Lord. It is an invitation but also an order in that missing the call could be loss of all or of the best.  No under normal conditions you want to choose the very best.

>>God’s calling comes with a price tag. It will mean leaving something else to pursue it. It is a  challenge to forsake the status quo

>>God’s calling when responded to in the affirmative requires wisdom, and commitment to see it through. Promotion involves discipline and sweat, and sometimes  blood, and tears. Often they may be the need to wait patiently and not get weary of doing what is right.

>>God’s calling comes to address a need.  It is an urge to think beyond just your self. It is a call to serve.

>>God’s calling is based on your heart for him (Samuel 16:7).  He looked at deeper qualities of a heart of trust and worship.

>>God’s calling is a conscription into the army. It is a call to report for military service. There will be battles to be won. It is therefore a challenge to face fresh giants of the new level. With God victory is already there.

>>God’s calling is a higher calling (Philippians 3:13ff). . It is higher than just seeking comfort and convenience. It is a calling from above.  It is higher than any obstacle. It is higher than anything else you would do. It is a great honor from God. It is a calling that lifts higher. Paul noted that not many were of high standing when they were called but the calling lifted them higher. God’s calling is an upward calling by the most high God so you are able to see things you can’t see down below.

>>God’s calling is guaranteed by his character, his covenant and his Christ.

>>God’s calling is not placement. Placement comes with recognition and appointment. After David  killed the giant and brought victory over victory Saul became jealous of him and tried to kill him. In fear David escaped and reached his lowest at the Adullum cave about 25km from Jerusalem.  He played hide and seek with Soul in the surrounding  wilderness places until he found refuge under King Achshi of the Philistines. It wasn’t until at least 13 years that he was appointed as king.

When you hear his call and his promise God sees you are ready to begin the steps up to it. Do you hear his call in your home, business and ministry? Say Yes Lord.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

First Floor Dhando House,

66 Eloff Street Extension,

Village Deep,

 Johannesburg,

South Africa