God’s Plan and Purpose (Part-5)

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Plan your mission. Happy reading!)

We have been talking about God’s Plan and Purpose for quite some time now. And today I would conclude it with the fifth purpose that God has in store for each one of us. As we see His wondrous plan, and understand His purpose- in us, for us and through us, we must align our lives more and more to fulfil those things that are revealed to us. We can go after it with a passion for God and His purposes.

The fifth purpose that I want to share today is found in Matt. 28:18-20.

And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Yes, this is the Great Commission; Not only did Jesus invite all saying, “Come to Me” (John 7:37) but He also said GO FOR ME! We have been created for a MISSION. And that mission is to represent our Lord Jesus on this earth; GO for Him. Jesus wants us to be His spokesperson, His ambassadors, reconciling the people of this world to Him. This is a great privilege given to us; it is not given to the angels and other heavenly creatures, but to ALL BELIEVERS.

Our going out for Him is not based on assumption, or presumption, but is based on this great commission; we are SENT out by Jesus into the nations of the world and with His authority we GO.

John 20:21 says “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And our mission statement is reconciliation- reconciliation between God and man. Jesus came from heaven to do the reconciliation between God and the sinful man, by paying the price of sin-even death on the cross; and we are called to reconcile God and man by preaching the remission of sins (salvation) in the name of Jesus, appealing to those who would listen. 1 Cor 5:20 goes like this: Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

Mission with Words

For He {God the Father} made Him {Jesus} who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor. 5:21). This is our preaching, this is the word of reconciliation. Many people cannot see or hear from God directly, but they can see us and hear us speak the word of reconciliation. Beloved, lo He is with you always; and therefore you must fulfil your MISSION. Romans 10:14 says: How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Mission with Compassion

We are in these interesting times, living a fast-paced and busy lifestyle. I know each one of us have our own schedules, agenda- a plan that we would want to fulfil, for that day. And in our rushing about, we tend to ignore the people in need around us, and do our ‘own thing’. 

My mind goes back to the parable of Jesus about the Good Samaritan: Here was a man wounded by robbers and almost dying right on the road. Yet, there was the Levite and the Priest who pass him by on the other side. Maybe they too had their schedules and agenda, and were busy fulfilling them. But then, there was the Samaritan, who had compassion on the wounded traveller. Of course, the Samaritan too had schedules (who doesn’t!), and that is why he told the inn-keeper that he will make further payments on his return. 

Now, what is important in mission is compassion. That is why we say PASSION FOR GOD and COMPASSION FOR PEOPLE. It is good to have passion for God; but to fulfil the great commission we also need great compassion for His people. The Pharisees got it all wrong, when they thought that all they were doing and did was to fulfil God’s law. Jesus chides them in Matt. 9:13 saying: “But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy {compassion} and not sacrifice…”

You are going to miss out on one of God’s purposes, if you do not “go and learn” compassion. If our believing in Jesus is true, then God’s love has already been poured out into our hearts. Paul says in 2 Cor. 5:14 “For the love of Christ compels [controls] us…”

Mission with Essence

We, as believers, ought to be under His influence- and Christ’s love should control us. Jesus is the light of this world (John 8:12). But Jesus also said to His disciples on that day, in the Sermon on the Mount: You are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). We are called to be the visible influence to those around us in darkness. Matt. 5:13 says that we are also the salt of the earth; and it is the invisible influence that we leave in others.

The Bible also talks about believers being the fragrance of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15). These spiritual qualities of having (salt) the essence, showing (light) the essence and spreading (fragrance) the essence-of Christ in us, must mark the life of every believer.

Mission with Due Diligence

Peter encourages us: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. (1 Peter 3:15)

Paul says: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… (Romans 1:16)

Jesus said: I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:4)

If you are a youth, time and health are in your favour; and the mission can take wings as you move about. For in old age, though your spirit will be willing, the flesh may become weak. We, in India, have freedom now to preach the gospel- it is still day here; and so we can work the works of Jesus, who sent us on this great commission. There may come a night time, even before Jesus’ return, when no one can work.

Mission with Discipline and Goal

Paul says: Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. (1 Cor. 9:26)

If you do not have the discipline within you, your fighting would be vain- just beating the air. If you do not have a goal, your race is bound to end sooner than later. That is why it is important to find your purpose in God.

Think about your close relatives and friends; people who have not heard of the remission of sins in Christ Jesus and who have not been reconciled to God. We, as His disciples, have been commissioned just to be His mouth-piece. In this commission we are in, we must move with compassion, and work with diligence, and aim for the crown of completion. God is with us; He has given us authority, for we are His ambassadors. He will make all the arrangements for our stay and travel here- Surely He will make a way.

Let me quickly recap on the FIVE purposes of God for each one of us:

1. We have been created FOR HIM, and for His pleasure. Therefore our lives must revolve around Him, just as the planets revolve around the sun. Our primary purpose here is to a God-centric life.
2. We are created to BECOME LIKE JESUS. We are being changed from sinful human race, and are being renewed and transformed day by day to conform to the image of Christ Jesus. Every person, and every situation and every trial in our lives are driving us toward this purpose for which we were created.
3. We have been created FOR HIS FAMILY of God’s children. We are not alone; we are called for fellowship with one another in the body of Christ. Love for God is demonstrated by our love for one another. We ARE family because of Jesus.
4. We have been created FOR SERVICE. We have been ‘shaped’ to serve God with all that we have. And that includes our spiritual gifts, our heart’s passion, our abilities and talents, our personality and every painful and joyful experience.
5. We are created FOR a MISSION of reconciliation of those lost to our one God in Christ. Having a passion for God and a compassion for the people, will help us go the full way in fulfilling God’s mission in our sphere of influence. Being His mouth-piece, we must work with diligence and aim for completion.

Many of God’s children accomplished and fulfilled their purpose in their generation. But let me read to you what Jesus said in John 17: “I have glorified You on the earth, I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.” (John 17:4).

Have a balnced view on ALL of God's purposes (and not just one or two; even some churches are guilty of concentrating on one or two of God's purposes). May God give us a revelation of His purposes for our lives, and may we live a purpose driven life and finish our work here on earth. And finally, we want to hear these words from our Master: Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of the Lord. Amen.

God’s Plan and Purpose (Part-4)

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Plan to serve purposefully. God Bless!)

• We have been created primarily FOR HIM. Therefore our lives must revolve around Him. 
• It is part of His plan to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ.
• We are part of His family and part of His body; His plan for us includes others in the body of Christ.

Acts 13:36 says:“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption;”

This is the purpose that I would like to explain today – serving; because this is the will of God for each one of us. We can identify with David as a shepherd boy- an ordinary young man, mostly ignored, left alone. David’s, family too was quite ordinary- he was the son of Jesse, whose sheep David tended. And while David cared for his father’s sheep, he began to grow close to God. His heart was full of praise for the God of Israel. 

And David understood that God had a specific and special plan and purpose for his own life as well. Because he writes in Psalm 139:16 “Your eyes saw my substance,being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.” What a wonderful revelation! God unfolding a plan for each day of David’s life- a plan that was formed even before David was born! And the verse in Acts 13:36 testifies that David fulfilled- accomplished, served -God’s purpose here on earth. 

That is why it is important for us to align our life-lines in accordance to the plan of God. God lifted up David- a simple shepherd boy, and placed him as head and king overall Israel. But David’s passion FOR GOD never waned- he sought after Him with all his heart and found Him. David said to himself that he will not give sleep to his eyes till he had built a temple for God’s presence. And even after knowing that Solomon would build the temple, David went about seeking and collecting the best of artisans and materials for the work of the temple. Such was his passion that David found the testimony- a man after God’s own heart. A man interested in seeking God’s purpose; a man passionate about fulfilling God’s purpose. 

Think about how and where you were, before being saved. Almost everyone will testify to this: God saw us in our lowly state and bestowed His grace upon us. Yes, He lifted us up out of the deep pit and placed us in high places; He has exalted us in the midst of people. Do you now see as David did- that God has a specific and special purpose for you? Are you interested to serve God in this your generation? 

Eph. 4:16 says: “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” 

Paul talks about the purpose of each member in the body of Christ- every joint must supply,every part must do its share; the result is effective work and edification of the whole body as it grows.



Each part of the body is different from the other; and each does its work. There are some members in the body that are hidden- like the heart, lungs and kidney; but their function is unique and important for the entire body. So is the function and calling of each member in the body of Christ. Yes, each one is different from the other. If you are married, you will find that your spouse will be quite different from yourself in so many areas. If you have children, you will find that one child is so different from the other. We ARE unique; we ARE different- accept that. But, we are called to work TOGETHER in our specified roles that God has purposed for each one of us.

Are you seeking to find out what is YOUR purpose in His body? Are you willing to serve,accomplish and fulfill YOUR purpose? Find out YOUR purpose and function. 

Personally, I have been blessed by the book Purpose Driven Life written by Rick Warren. He explains that each one of us have a specific shape, that will FIT right into the body of Christ for the function that it has to fulfill; without YOU, the body will be incomplete. And we can find our place, and do our functions, by knowing our SHAPE. 

S-H-A-P-E coined as an acronym stands for:
Spiritual gifts 
Heart 
Abilities 
Personality 
Experience

1. Spiritual gifts 

1 Cor. 12:7 and 1Cor. 12:11 remind us that each one of us has received (at least one) spiritual gift(s). For it says: But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: ... But one and the same Spirit works all these things,distributing to each one individually as He wills. 

Two principles of gift is explained above: (i) Everyone has received at least one gift; and (ii) the gift is given not according to our will, but His. Therefore, every person must use his/her gift; and since the gift is for all, no person is inferior or superior because of his gift- this is the underlying theme of this chapter Paul writes to the Corinthians. In further verses, the Bible explains that everyone who has a gift (and a member in the body of Christ) must use his/her gift. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? (1 Cor. 12:15). And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” (1 Cor. 12:21). 

We must not envy the gift of others; and we must not neglect our own gift. This happens if we feel that our gift is inferior and think that others will not notice it anyway. But the truth is that there are hidden and unnoticeable parts in our human body too,that does its function- like the heart, or lungs; and these functions are ESSENTIAL, just as all other functions by various parts of the human body; so also is a member’s role in the body of Christ. So if you use your gift of intercessory prayer, no one may notice; but it will bring someone close to Jesus and bring glory to God. 

2. Heart

Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in ourhearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

The love of God has been poured out in our hearts- therefore whatever are your interest and passion, use it to fulfill God’s purpose. We are ‘shaped’ to serve; do it with all your heart. 

A few days ago, I met a brother from Vizakapatnam; he shared with me how he had always felt in his heart to minister to the inmates of a prison. And so he goes regularly, to meet with the prisoners and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. And the brother did testify, how some had been transformed by the word of God and continued their Christian walk after their release from prison. 

What is in your heart today? Maybe some of you would have a passion for children or teenagers,or maybe orphans or slum-dwellers? Let your light shine from your heart, that it may bring glory to God. 

3. Ability 

Do not be enamored by only the spiritual gifts; God has also entrusted us with talents and abilities. 1 Cor. 12:28 says: And God has appointed these in the church:first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 

If you read theparable of the talents, you find the master giving the servants talents- to each according to his ability. So go ahead and use your abilities “in the church”, whether helps or administration. This is God’s purpose that we love one another and serve one another in the body of Christ. There is not one person who has it all [1 Cor. 12:29] and there is not one person who has none [parable of talents]. We need one another for edification and spiritual growth; this is God’s wondrous plan for our lives. 

4. Personality 

If you look at Psalm 139:16 again, notice the words “You formed me...”. God’s plan and purpose is included in the shape of your personality. And there are a wide variety of personalities- just look around you! Some are adventurous and impulsive; like Peter-the disciple of Jesus, they would want to get started right away... full of action. And we all know how God used Peter, even after his denial of Christ... and after the Pentecost, it was Peter who first stood up to preach- and 3000 souls were added that day! And we know of John, another of Jesus' disciple- who had a deep love for Jesus; different from Peter. Yet, God used him for declaring the end-times in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Timothy, another apostle- was meek and timid, and had to be constantly encouraged to DO more... and God used him, too. 

What about you? In spite of your struggles with your own personality, you can channel your thoughts to serve Jesus Christ. As you begin to take your fledgling steps, it is God who will use your personality to bring Him glory; and you must thereby fulfill your purpose in your generation. 

5. Experience

2 Cor. 1:4 is an excellent reference to our ‘questioning’ attitude to our own experiences. Blessed be the God... who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

Beloved, if you have not gone through pain, how can you relieve the pain of others? If you havenot gone through financial difficulties and found the answer in Jehovah-Jireh (God, our Provider), how will you counsel others in their financial need? We see, not just our bank balances, but we bank on what others do not see- the promises of God. And God shall supply all our needs... this is the cheque we encash at the throne of God.



Every person,every situation and every place that you have passed before, have in some way become your experiences; and if you have found comfort in Him through all your experience of tribulation and pain, then you are ready to comfort others who may go through similar painful circumstances in their own lives.

Romans 12:1,2 calls us for ‘proving’ what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God in our lives. Think about your spiritual gifts- how are you called to use them?And what about your passion, your abilities and talents- what are you waiting for? This life here on earth, and within the church where you are members in the body of Christ, that is the place to start your functions; SHAPE your vision and SERVE God; and thereby FULFIL your purpose here on earth and in this generation.

We- both small and great, have a sure reward in heaven for the SERVICE that we do. (Rev.11:18). May the God of peace grant you insight and clarity as to your calling and ministry for others, and grant you grace as you step forward to do your service to Him. Amen.

God’s Plan and Purpose (Part-2)

(Message byPastor Philip Joseph. Come be a part of His plan!)

Col. 1:16

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

This is a wonderful purpose for our lives- we were created FOR HIM. And every moment that we think about this verse, whatever be our circumstances and whatever our situation, we can re-orient and realign our lives to fulfil this purpose- we were created for Him!

I remember when I was young and the times when I used to wonder about God’s purpose for my life.I used to read the Scriptures and try to find out ‘What on earth am I herefor?’ And 20 years ago, these wonderful TWO words spoke to my heart- “FOR HIM”and I found rest in my soul. Wonderful words of life- For Him.

We may be involved in so many activities- our work at the office, home, schooling, taking care of our children, our spouse; but we must be careful not to miss out on this great purpose of God for OUR lives- For Him!

FOR HIM
In the beginning,when God created Adam and Eve, they were given some assignments too to DO- but it was not everything. They looked forward to the time when they could commune with God Himself; and in the cool of the day He would call them and Adam and Eve could hear Him. And in Col. 1:16 there is the answer- the man and woman were basically created for God.

For His Glory
We too can work from day till night and involve in many activities; but do not miss out on the purpose that we were basically created for Him. God has created mankind primarily for Himself; not to live for ourselves, not for others, not for some spiritual works even. Isaiah 43:7 says: Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him. The chief purpose of man is to glorify God in and through his life. God wants us to be God-centred people; not self-centred, and not even others centred. All of our other activities must be centred on God.

For His Worship
Jesus spoke tothe woman at the well in John 4:23 saying: But the hour is coming, and now is,when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for theFather is seeking such to worship Him.
Imagine the Father seeking for true worshippers- who worship in spirit and truth. We were primarily created to be true worshippers first; even more than being diligent workers. When we come before God, our being is subject to the most intimate communion possible with God- in true worship.

We are made of spirit, soul and body- and we can truly worship Him submitting our bodies as a living sacrifice; we dance before Him, we lift our hands, we kneel before Him,we bow down and worship Him, knowing He is our God, and we are the sheep of His hand (This is only the body realm). We can sing with our understanding and being stirred up- use our God given emotions to express our love for Him in worship (the soul realm). But our aim must be to go further and please the Father who is seeking those who worship Him in the spirit realm. This is the place where we commune with our God- one on One.

Worship must become an important and integral part of our life. In the Bible, we have glimpses of heaven- prophets seeing visions and describing the ‘atmosphere’ in heaven, especially in books of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Revelation. And what we hear them speak is an ‘atmosphere’ of Worship- angels singing ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ and the four living creatures and the elders casting down their golden crowns before God and involved in worship. And in the Book of Revelation, we find the redeemed of the Lamb- those who are washed in His blood and made clean, worship the Lamb who sits on the throne.

True Worship
Now, imagine here on earth, are you looking for your purpose wondering what on earth are you here for? Now you know the answer: Worship God in spirit and truth. Otherwise, we will be only some religious people babbling something with our mouth, doing some lip-service and singing some ‘nice’ lies. Isaiah 29:13 says: Therefore theLORD said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me…”

TO HIM
Romans 12:1 is a familiar verse for most of us. But at the start of the verse, Paul writes to the Romans “Therefore…”. This should prompt us to look into the last part of chapter 11 and see why Paul is saying therefore. (You know that in the original text of the Bible, there were no demarcations for numbering verses and chapters. These were later added on for our convenience). And so we find in Romans 11:36 this verse: For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Present To Him
To Him are all things- therefore, we ought to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him (Romans 12:1, 2). This calls us to a life of surrender. We have come here not just to thank Him for what He has done for us; but also to surrender our lives to Him. Imagine Paul- the learned, wise and young man must have lived with his dreams of being someone, maybe someone religious; but Paul forsook all in that dramatic turn on the road to Damascus as he cried out: Lord, what do you want me to do? He confesses in Phil. 1:21“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Pleasing To Him

Paul learnt it the ‘hard’ way- it was hard for him to kick against thorns. Here and now we have an opportunity to learn and live a life pleasing to Jesus Christ. We live to Him, setting aside all our personal ambitions, plans and dreams. “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.” [2Cor. 5:9]

How about you- do you seek to please Him? Next time you are in some place, think about whether it is pleasing to Him. Or if you are involved in some activity, forget about friends and peers, and think about whether it is pleasing to Him. Step back! We can give up on certain friendships and give up on certain ‘fun’ activities for the sake of pleasing Him. In every circumstance of life, this should be our overriding ambition-to please Him.

Jesus while He walked on this earth some 2000 years ago, had the same ambition Himself- to please His Father. In John 8:29 Jesus testifies “And He who sent Me is with Me.The Father has not left Me alone, for I ALWAYS do those things that please Him.” Even before Jesus started His ministry, on the shores of the river where John baptised Him, they all heard a voice from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” [Matt. 3:17]

God is with us,too; He has not left us alone. Is God well pleased with you? Know that man was created for His good pleasure.

Praise To Him

James 4:8 says:Draw near to God and He will draw near to you... There is a certainty about this verse that compels us to look at ourselves, if we ‘feel’ being far away from Him. He will certainly draw near to us, if we are willing to draw near to Him! In all our days, we can have a close walk with Him. Take time to be holy and speak often with the Lord. Pray without ceasing and rejoice in thanksgiving for all that He has done for you.

In Genesis 5, we come across a long list of individuals; it is recorded that they lived,married, had children, and died after living for such and such duration. But then in verse 24, we come across this man Enoch- who walked with God. It was such a close walk, that God took him… he did not even face death here on earth.

We can start our walk with Him today- step-by-step and step in step following our Lord Jesus…“that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory”-Eph. 1:12

The book of Ephesians is a wonderfully organized book of 6 chapters. The first 3 chapters talk about the- Position of The Christian, and the next 3 chapters- The Practice (or Performance) of The Christian; that in all these that we live the verse of Eph. 1:12 to the praise of His glory. For His glory we were created,and to the praise of His glory, we must live.

It is good to hope in God; but I pray today that you will graduate to glory in God. For Him,through Him and To Him, is what we are here for! Therefore, let your lives give Him glory, bring Him glory, and proclaim His glory; In Jesus name, Amen.

God Has A Plan For You

(Message by Pastor Joseph, Founder and Chairman, New Life Fellowship. Reproduced from notes...better be there than look here; but yes, as best as I can. Happy reading!)

We’re thankful to God for His faithfulness in our lives-from generation to generation! David made this observation: I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendents begging bread. (Psalm 37:25). If we walk in His principles, we are bound to be blessed with a future and a hope. God, the Holy Spirit is with us, leading us to God the Son-Jesus Christ that God the Father might be glorified.

All right! My subject for today is that God has a plan for you. Yes…each one of us has a plan; God is the Planner. Look at Jeremiah 29:7, And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

God has a plan for you, whether you belong to this city, or you have come here as a migrant; whether Mumbai or Navi Mumbai. Remember, Jeremiah is writing to the captives that they had a responsibility – to pray for the city’s peace! It is the same now, PRAY for peace of the city where you are right now, for in its peace, you will have peace. It is like water – if you want water, you ask the Lord, water for the city. When the city has water, you will have water too!

It’s a privilege that we can pray to God the Father! See, there are only three nations – a Gentile nation, a Jewish nation and a Holy nation. We, who belong to the Holy nation, have this privilege-we can call out to God. Jesus says in John 16:24, “Until now, you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full”. That is why it is written: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and ALL THESE THINGS- the practical life requirements of food, clothing and shelter, will be added unto you (Matt 6:33). Do not worry over them, for worrying belongs to the Gentile nation…

You can pray and sing 'change me'; but do you know the secret to success? Success is everyday and every moment making a choice to live for Him and not live for your-self. God is not going to change you until you change yourself! Hallelujah!


Change is by your own choice, by the decisions you make every day and every moment. And God is interested to see change in His people before there is change in the city. God’s plan is found in Jer. 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s thoughts are not our thoughts…it is much higher; And God says here, Look, My child, I’m thinking about you to give you a future and a hope.

Since God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, we must learn not to lean on our own understanding! In all our ways we are going to acknowledge Him! We understand He is the author of our blessed hope and a bright future!

Now, how do you FIT-in to God’s plan? When you DO fit in to His plan, there are so many promises found in the old and new covenant that is faith-marked for your benefit. But if you don’t FIT in, then there is no future and no hope. You may as well look up to fate and sing “What will be, will be…the future is not ours to see…” You find such people everywhere; submerged in problems and more problems…whenever you meet them, they tell you it is a hopeless problem. I can well understand these situations…for I too was at the end of myself when God met me; Yes, God meets you when you are at the END of your SELF…

Recently I was chatting with an IT engineer and asked him whether he was interested in the IPL matches going on. He said he was more interested in chess and this made me quip that in chess, once the game is over the king and the pawn go to the same box. Now, do you know your destination? Life is a journey and you need direction going towards your destination! Otherwise you may as well book a burial spot and wait to die – whether king or pawn will make no difference. You see, God’s plan is not going to change – you can receive it or reject it!

Romans 11:33 says “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” And v36 that says, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Therefore, not democracy, not autocracy, but theocracy is the way of the Holy nation. We are subject to the Kingdom authority, where our Father is the King. There are four ways in which we can fit in to God’s plan for us.

1. Constantly be RELATED TO THE KING

Our relation to the King is through Jesus Christ and by His Spirit. Romans 12:1 show us some practical ways of constantly maintaining our relation with the King. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

We are called to be a ‘living’ sacrifice’. You know in the old covenant, the sacrifices comprised of animals that were ‘dead’. But now, we are to unconditionally surrender our bodies as a ‘living’ sacrifice…which means we no longer live for our selves. We reckon that once Jesus was put on the cross, our desires too were put on the cross; once Jesus died, we too died to our sinful nature; once Jesus was buried, we too were buried and once He rose again, we too have risen to a new life. Therefore present your bodies…to fit into God’s plan.

2. Constantly be RENEWED IN YOUR MIND

Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this word, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” There is a world system and a spiritual system. We are called to resist and not allow ourselves to be conformed to the world system, but rather embrace the transformation. We did once belong to the natural but now are born-again to the spiritual… See, being born-again implies spiritual babies. And if you don’t grow up, you are still carnal and are likely being conformed to the world system; but it's growing up that leads to transformation.

Now, transformation is vividly visualized in the growth, from a crawling caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. If we are not willing to renew our mind, we can live all our lives as a caterpillar and die as a caterpillar. On the other hand, transformation leads to three proofs; the good, the acceptable and the perfect will of God. This can be imagined as the fruit or harvest of 30-fold, 60-fold and 100 fold respectively. When we change, our priorities change…and JOY is the result of putting Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last.

3. RECOGNISE YOUR CALLING and


4. RELEASE YOUR GIFT

Romans 12: 3-7 says, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophecy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”

The first thing we understand is there is GRACE given to us; GRACE – God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense… and a MEASURE of FAITH that we may think of ourselves not highly, not lowly - but soberly. Grace and a measure of faith is the potent combination of your calling! It’s time to recognize your calling… there are problems in the body of Christ, because a ‘hand’ wants to be an ‘eye’ and the ‘foot’ wants to be the ‘mouth’… and there are members who want to be functionally the BE ALL and DO ALL part. But, success is not of being ‘Jack of all trades-master of none’. Instead, you can choose to be the master in just one function…

And about releasing the gifts, each one of us is called to be useful in the body of Christ. There is none who are ‘spare-part’ here… Yes, some members are visible in their functions and some are not; but all are useful. I remember a brother who sounded dejected saying that he was the ‘kidney’ in his church; that nobody sees him, but he does the work of cleaning… I assured him that the purification function of 'kidney' was essential anyway, and he should be cheerful to use his gifts.

Also, it is for you to develop the gifts that you have received by using them…then you will fit into God’s plan for your life and have a future and a hope. Otherwise, you will be back in the carnal side of the coin sooner than later… Over the years, I have seen members dance & sing in the church and then get offended and go on a BREAK, backsliding to the carnal nature…I’ve met people who I’ve counseled 40 years back and still reporting similar kind of problems, problems and more problems… Problems from the womb to the tomb!

Yes, the kingdom of God has its set of problems against the enemy; but we are peaceful and secure in God and in the centre of God’s will. As you continue being renewed in your mind and being transformed, as you minister to others, you will find God ministering to you…Yes, it’s true, the favor of God will be upon you and God opens the door that no one can close…

Remember these words – Relate yourself to the King, renew the mind and be transformed, recognize your calling and release the gifts in the body of Christ. We are on course for the take-off to 30-fold, 60-fold and 100-fold growth if we will prove the good, acceptable and perfect will of God in our own lives. Amen.