tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.comments2014-07-05T19:00:25.797-05:00Central ThoughtsLloyd Granthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16278388235137158561noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.post-12664910241958216922014-07-05T11:35:07.860-05:002014-07-05T11:35:07.860-05:00It is amazing when we can stop and remember what T...It is amazing when we can stop and remember what The Lord has done for us. All too often we in this culture are fooled into believing we are in control of our own destiny, decisions and dealings. We cannot take a single breath of air without the provision of our Almighty God, yet we fail to recognize the simple truth that "all we need He provides". <br /><br />Another passage that helps to prepare me to bring a proper attitude and gratitude to group worship is Psalm 8. This scripture is often a prayer that is on my mind when I am in a proper heart attitude. Thank you got this important reminder.Aaron Lincolnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.post-61009730660883838082013-10-10T10:50:38.277-05:002013-10-10T10:50:38.277-05:00Kiersten,
You are asking a very good question – o...Kiersten,<br /><br />You are asking a very good question – one that I wish was easy to answer. I do not believe I can just refer to you a passage of Scripture that gives a precise answer. The issue you are raising is one that requires wisdom and discernment. Given that I thought it might be wise for me to share with you for the wisdom that has been shared with me by others.<br /><br />The first offer of wisdom is the in the form of a book. If you are wondering about full time ministry in terms of missions I would suggest that you try and read David Sills’ book The Missionary Call. I have been told this book is very helpful in discerning God’s leading for missionaries.<br /><br />The second offer comes from words a number of older pastors shared with me as I sought to discern God’s leading. The wisdom was really briefly summarized in a short expression – If you can do something else other than ministry, go and do that. The idea behind that was probably two-fold. First, if God does not give you the freedom to do something else, then that may be part of God’s confirmation that He is leading you to ministry. Before I went to seminary I had a job that potentially could have become a career. I did feel the freedom to stay engaged in that kind of work. <br /><br />Second, every type of job is tough, and I do not want to suggest that ministry is the hardest thing any person could do, but ministry does bring with it challenges. There are times that being in ministry is very hard and other things can look attractive for a number of reasons. Having a sense of confirmation from God can serve as an anchor through those difficult times.<br /><br />Please note, there are a couple of other issues that also need to be considered. Issues of personal character and maturity are a big deal. From the qualifications given in 1 Timothy 3 for overseers and deacons, we can see that God is very concerned about character. God may be calling me to ministry, but without deepening character, I will not be qualified to serve. Also, there are times when we feel called to ministry, but because of other life situations or simply because of God’s working in my life, I may not be serving in a full time manner. Those are difficult times. I may have to take on work that does not seem to fit what I desire. Moses spend forty years watching sheep. Yet even in that time, there is work God does in us to render us more useful to God and His purposes.Lloyd Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16278388235137158561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.post-78233243578118754222013-10-06T13:24:42.298-05:002013-10-06T13:24:42.298-05:00I appreciate this article. My question, however, i...I appreciate this article. My question, however, is how one can know if they are called to full time ministry in roles other than as preacher/pastor/minister.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.post-77495353794891262132013-05-09T21:49:45.342-05:002013-05-09T21:49:45.342-05:00You have not lost your sense of humor Lloyd! Cell...You have not lost your sense of humor Lloyd! Cell phones are such irrational devices - they bring out the bizarre in people - in my observations over the years. It cracks me up.<br />How are you and yours?<br />www.osbornz.netEricosborneohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09443140314320727180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.post-78975552482239308152011-03-28T18:02:38.520-05:002011-03-28T18:02:38.520-05:00That is an eye opening perspective. Had the oppor...That is an eye opening perspective. Had the opportunity to attend the Ironman Conference with a few men from Central and a lot of the same was expressed. As parents we must be living our lives each day as if we are in the very presence of the Lord. We need to realize that our everyday actions directly impact our children and future generations... legacy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.post-9688750389451734072010-12-15T14:22:43.901-06:002010-12-15T14:22:43.901-06:00Haha...you are not alone...Breanna also went throu...Haha...you are not alone...Breanna also went through my closet laughing at which one to wear!Jodi Lylenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.post-79164504932202904542010-10-25T22:40:22.828-05:002010-10-25T22:40:22.828-05:00Love this! It all goes back to communicating...tal...Love this! It all goes back to communicating...talking to our loved ones about what is bothering us. The simple act of speaking to one another is in jeopardy more now than ever due to changes in technology and the busyness of life in general.Jennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13745571503032416563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-835424830820814592.post-42761365416125949482010-10-25T09:11:12.827-05:002010-10-25T09:11:12.827-05:00Can we get this guy as a speaker for Sunday Mornin...Can we get this guy as a speaker for Sunday Mornings? He's GREAT!Mike Henrynoreply@blogger.com