Jesus Qualifies You!
Three years ago (2008), my mom said a pretty powerful statement that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. I was just beginning as the new senior pastor at CrossCurrent. I was overwhelmed, nervous, a bit anxious, freaked out and yet so excited at the enormous potential and the possibilities that lied ahead for us at CC. I was sharing with her all that I was feeling and she just said this statement that stuck. She said “God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called”. That statement alone helped me tremendously as I moved forward as pastor. Over the past several years, this is what God has settled in my heart- maybe this can help you in your journey:
* Jesus makes the difference- When God calls you and I to specific tasks, we do not have to take it, force it or even prove ourselves— we just need to be with Jesus! He will give the words, skills and courage to do what He is asking you to do. Acts 4:13
* Follow Jesus- People will have all kinds of opinions, thoughts and feelings. If you don’t believe me, go sit in the stands at a PH high school football game and listen to the crowd when the coach calls a play they don’t like. There are some people who are very well meaning and there are some who are not. They are filled with an agenda, selfish ambitions and control issues, they just have a need to spread negativity. Remove them off your bus. Ultimately, we need to hear what the Lord saying?
* It’s real easy to be tuned in to the voices of people more than the voice of Jesus. The fear of man is a snare and it can pull you into deep pit! I share this from experience. Michael, the former pastor of CC once told me that “You can’t truly lead people to freedom until you are free from the pull(words) of people” How true that is! All people who are used by God greatly need to be free from the highs of man’s praises and lows of mans criticisms. Ultimately, what is the Lord saying to you/me?
* Schooling can suck and rock at the same time! I have never been to bible school, but I can tell you that HSU(Holy Spirit University) is the toughest and most rewarding school you will ever be part of. The late night study times, the exams, pop quizzes, the people you are in school with, and even the unexplained assignments you didn’t think you signed up for- all this works together to make us into what He has designed and called us to. You never graduate His school. You can quit, drop out, complain, hate it, love it, even re-enroll, but you never never graduate. You just keep moving to new levels.
I want to live my life like the guys in Acts- maybe not the sharpest tool in the shed or having the most knowledge- but I do want to know Jesus and I much rather people say “but they have been with Jesus” than “wow, is he smart! lol”. He can and will use anyone with a “Yes” in their heart toward Him… and will make you look so smart as well. It’s the best of both worlds.
Love ya and can’t wait to see how He uses you for great things-
Pastor Mark
