Call

   “So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation],” Ephesians 4:1

   “for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],” 

2 Timothy 1:9

   “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call]. Romans 11:29
   
The first verse [Ephesians] encourages believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called”. Paul’s instructions to Timothy’ is a bit more specific. And in Romans we learn that there is never a ‘mistaken’ call. 

Just as God doesn’t make junk He also doesn’t make mistakes. When you think about it… He doesn’t change His mind either - it’s just that timing sometimes dictates the completion because of His great love and compassion - but He does know the end from the beginning simultaneously, while we humans tend toward an immediacy.

*QUESTIONS:
    Do you agree with Paul’s definition in Ephesians?                            
    Do you check your own life against this standard: a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]?                                                   
[slight rabbit trail: how do you “express gratitude”? Is it only 
words?]

    How do you react to what Paul says to Timothy? Delivered… saved… called - all with a holy calling - we know Who is doing the calling (l’m beginning to wonder if we are listening correctly… 
The Word tells us that we will know His voice but never forget that satan likes to disguise himself as an angel of light and the Word tells us to test the spirits and also gives us how we can test.                                
                      
Calling ALWAYS involves place and position. You may be in the right place but are you in a position where you can be a blessing and also be blessed? Example and questions:
    Do we, individually and corporately see a talent or skill in another person and only think of them in that light? Example: Joe is terrific with mechanical problems but is never asked to be a co-teacher with the class of 5th through 7th graders.                         
    Do we say ‘no’ for others before discovering their gifts and callings and not just their skills? Perhaps, regardless of the need, we should know our fellow congregants and what they enjoy doing first? 

I would argue that we all have a variety of ‘callings’ in and on our lives. One of those callings is to the church we attend. Somehow I don’t think we’re called there because of the people who attend, nor do I think it’s because of the Pastor… and yet those 2 areas are very important - for some reason we place more emphasis on that than what we feel led to be, do, in the church.

Another aspect about being called to a church is that we aren’t called to be a pew sitter. Pew sitting is not a calling unless you are called as an intercessor for that congregation, that Pastor, for the service. So the question becomes… did the Lord call you to the church you are attending? If not then He will direct you to where you need to be if you ask Him. Wherever you are called, He will also provide opportunities for you to serve but allows us to accept or decline, though we miss a blessing when we say no.

One source says, 

   

   “… Christian calling must be pursued as an expression of our faith in God,” I’d add that for any Christian pursuing meaning in their life, that it is indispensable. For me, there is such joy and confidence when I know that I am doing and saying precisely what/how the Lord is leading me. 

Actually, everything you are involved with in your life is a calling of sorts. Big question …are you continuing to grow in all the calls? Another example: look at your job… how did you get there? If you don’t feel that you are living a meaningful work life, then you should ask - are you supposed to stay; and why and if you are supposed to go - then where? You will be answered. Whichever the answer - what should you be doing to be in the place you should be?
*This is another way of looking at yourself by looking at the calls on your life. 
Have you ever viewed yourself this way?

Though not exhaustive, here are some Scriptures on 'call':
2Peter 1:10 / 1Corinthians  7:17 / Ephesians 4:4 - 1:18 / 1Corinthians 1:26, S1 - 1:9 / 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 - 2:14 / Romans 8:30 / 
 

 

Relationship

 Back in 2014 I wrote this blog. It's a subject that is never static and always growing or it atrophies. The following is that post but with revisions based on growing understandings.

Relationship

  Who is your God? How do you see Him? Is He far off or close at hand? Is He a judge ready to convict you every time you do something wrong? Is He a loving Father that does chastise us when we do wrong but is also there to comfort us? What is your experience?

  One of the early lessons I learned was that God was dynamic and not static. That He desires relationship but that it is our decision as to what kind of relationship we enter into with Him. This leads to - what kind of God do you need? First and foremost, God is. Period. He changes not according to His words (Malachi 3:6). And yet we see Him stay His hand of judgment when Moses prays for the people, that He would. However personally I believe that this is not the same thing. When it comes to Who He is as He has spoken in scripture, when it comes to the standards He function by, when it is the essential - these don't change. 

 Another (incredibly important) point is that the Lord never gives us a date for the completion of His decisions. Example: remember Nineveh? Jonah got quite irritated that 'the Lord changed His mind' - He didn't. He just knew the end from the beginning. In this case Nineveh repented and the Lord stayed His hand but years later they forgot and that which was stated - occurred.  Our understanding and perception may grow but the essence doesn't change. Another terrific lesson is that it proves He listens to us.

  Back to the question - what is your relationship? Are you growing in this? I remember when I 'encountered' this question - who/what/when/why was my relationship? In the time of the Exodus, Moses was considered a friend of God. They walked and talked together. The people had seen, first-hand, what God could do and how He cared for them. What did the people do? Exodus 20:19 - "Then they said to Moses, 'You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.'" And so it was Moses and not the people with Moses that had the relationship.

  1Peter 2:9 - once again God came to His people, seeking a much closer relationship: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..." Peter is speaking to the people who have believed on and accepted Jesus as Lord. This is our promise, our right - NOW. Again... what kind of relationship do you want with your Lord and God? 

  Are you, we acting on how the Lord tells us HE sees us? Are we a chosen generation? If so, what are we doing with His choice? Are we acting as a royal priesthood, holy nation, special people... are WE proclaiming the praises of our God? Remember He never tells us something we can't do. He's also ready to help us act on what together, in relationship, we can accomplish. 

  Relationship encompasses so much of who we are, how we grow, what we do with our learnings. It involves our whole being and How we do the who, grow, actions. Remember it was always God who came to man to create a covenant - it never has been the opposite. I believe the Father, the Triune God, has always wanted relationship - why do you think the devil has tried so hard to interfere in this? 

  But don't just take my word for it. Scripture shows us beginning in Genesis all the way through Revelation that His love for us was the foundation for relationship.

For a deeper dive see: https://www.openbible.info/topics/relationship_with_god 

I believe that from the moment God chose to create man, and create us in His image that He desired a relationship with us. Look at all He did with Adam before the fall.