Thought for Today

Discovering the Call

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee”
1 Timothy 4:14

Literally the meaning of righteousness would best be translated “right-wise-ness”. It is in each of us becoming in word, thought and deed all that He has purposed us to be in Christ. The gift of God to each of us lies hidden in the mystery of our own ambiguity. It will remain hidden if it is treated with neglect and indifference. The man with the one talent buried his gift within the earth of his own being. It is a sad testimony of a life that passes through time in the fog of unreality and uncertainty. His neglect had eternal implications (Matthew 25:30).

The wise of heart understand that the talent given is to be tended to with a holy diligence and singleness of heart knowing we shall one day give an account unto Him. The will of God is that His deposit increases within our hearts.

“Wherefore be ye not unwise,
but understanding what the will of the Lord is”
Ephesians 5:17

It is the unwise who know not the will and the call of God. It is in our obedience that the way becomes clear and the “mystery” of His will is solved within the riddle of our own life. He is desirous to bring clarity to our lives as we walk in the wonder of His way.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out
into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance,
obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went”
Hebrews 11:8

The mystery of His will is never solved personally apart from obedience. Abraham’s call was revealed through his obedience. He did not know where he was going, but he knew the ONE who was leading. It was in his obedience that he discovered his inheritance! It is the same for us; in obeying His call we see the unfolding of our place in Him.

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry
which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it.”
Colossians 4:17

Brian Troxel

ALWAYS ABOUNDING

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast,
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,
forasmuch as ye know that your labour
is not in vain in The Lord”
1Corinthians 15:58

As God’s people we are to be ALWAYS abounding in the work OF The Lord. This is not to be confused with work FOR The Lord; rather it is work OF The Lord. While visiting some relatives this week I noticed this scripture on a plaque in their home. It was in another version and it really struck me with great conviction. “Always abounding”! This phrase can only be applied to Disciples. This is not a part time occupation, not a scarce and rare moment in the life of a true believer. It speaks of being occupied with His Work and a fulfilling of His desires in our daily life. The “always” is based upon a faith that knows “that your labour is not in vain”. It is a deep assurance that if we walk faithful to Him, “abounding” in His Work, we shall surely reap fruit unto His Glory. Men who believe little, do little. This walk and journey of life can only be according to the faith which is at work in our hearts. We reap according to our sowing, we grow according to our doing, and our faith is exercised by the doing of His will.

Those who are “always abounding in the work of The Lord” are “steadfast” and “unmovable” in The Lord. By the handling and working of the things of our Father we remain engaged in the power of His reality. There is a subtlety in just “knowing” things about God; without the “doing”, the things of the Spirit become distant, doctrinal and mysterious. They become ethereal and rare rather than the simple flow of Him in and through our lives. Many speak of the “will of The Lord” as a hidden thing that is hard to find. Let us be reminded that Paul is speaking to His brethren in Corinth; not a select few, but the whole church there. We must put away wrong thinking and seek this life of “always abounding in the Work of the Lord”.

“Wherefore be ye not unwise,
but understanding what the will of the Lord is”
Ephesians 5:17

Brian Troxel
www.aword.info