Shelled

From guest blogger Chip North.

I was reminded this morning in my quiet time of something that's been on my heart.

Uncle Mike made this statement to me regarding our time of worship on Sunday, "You have really come out of your shell".

I thought wow, I did not realize I had been operating from inside a shell. As I thought about this I realized that prior to accepting the assignment for the first book study from Daniel a year or so ago I had been "in my shell". It was safe in there, comfortable, no one really

expected much from me there, I was "in control". Oh there were some other things in there with me I did not mention, fear of failure, past hurts, insecurity, disappointment in other believers especially church leaders and the regret of my own sin(s).

Well I submit to you my brothers that there was someone or something else that was in control. I was not trusting in the One that called me to repentance and cleansed me for a purpose. Eric nailed it last night when he talked about being saved to help others into the kingdom, not just warm a pew. I am paraphrasing but that is what I heard. This was the same thing we heard at our Local Church Conference last week, we need to be looking outward not inward. This is the same as the Great Commission, Go therefore and make disciples.......

I was created to worship Him! I was created with the exact mix of gifts and talents that God needed for me to complete the work that He wanted me to do. I have been in hog heaven outside the shell! I still have my doubts about my abilities and my own insecurities but I am more than willing to serve Him even if I make a fool of myself for my King. After all He died for me! He died for you!

So I pray for all of us that we apply Proverbs 3:5-6 to our walk today. If you are in a shell of your own. "Put down the books" to quote brother Tony. Cling to God like the robe we talked about last night

(Jeremiah 13:1-11), He has a good plan for your life! He wants to use US to bring others into His kingdom because He loves everyone. He has created us with the exact mix of gifts and talents to complete the work He has for us. He has a purpose in His mind. Trust Him to speak to you, listen for that still small voice. Show up for work brothers!


Serving with you,
Chip