Words of Inspiration - Call to be more

[00:00:37] Welcome to The Bible Speaks with your host Elgin Carelock.

[00:00:42] The Bible Speaks is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ,

[00:00:49] rightly dividing the word of truth and learning how to apply it to our daily lives.

[00:00:55] You may contact Elgin at the address given at the end of the broadcast.

[00:00:59] And now here's Elgin.

[00:01:02] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus the Christ,

[00:01:08] to another edition of Words of Inspiration.

[00:01:12] And I'm excited to introduce the first episode of our new series, Be More, Do More, Have More.

[00:01:21] Today's topic is titled, Called to be more.

[00:01:25] And it's inspired by 1 Peter 4, verse 10.

[00:01:30] And reading from the New International Version, it reads,

[00:01:34] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,

[00:01:40] as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

[00:01:45] This verse reminds us that God has given each of us talents, gifts, and a purpose.

[00:01:52] But to fulfill that purpose, we must be more.

[00:01:56] Being more is not about perfection or achieving worldly success.

[00:02:01] It's about progressing in our own knowledge of God and aligning our lives with his will.

[00:02:08] So let's dive into what it means to answer this call, to be more.

[00:02:14] The first step in being more is recognizing that God has called us to growth.

[00:02:20] As believers, we're not meant to stay stagnant.

[00:02:24] Just as a plant grows toward the light, we are called to grow toward the likeness of Christ.

[00:02:30] 2 Peter 3, verse 18 says,

[00:02:34] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

[00:02:38] To him be glory, both now and forever.

[00:02:43] God doesn't expect us to have everything figured out from the start.

[00:02:47] Instead, he invites us to embark on a journey of transformation,

[00:02:53] learning more about him and his purpose for our lives each day.

[00:02:58] This growth is not just for our benefit.

[00:03:01] It's for the benefit of others and the glory of his kingdom.

[00:03:06] Being more starts with knowing God.

[00:03:10] But this isn't just about head knowledge.

[00:03:12] It's about a deep personal understanding that transform how we live.

[00:03:18] Romans 12 and 2 reminds us,

[00:03:21] Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

[00:03:24] but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

[00:03:28] Then you will be able to test and prove what God's will is.

[00:03:33] His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

[00:03:38] Progressing in the knowledge of God means spending time in his word,

[00:03:42] seeking him in prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us.

[00:03:47] It's through this relationship that we come to understand his will for our lives.

[00:03:53] When we know his will, we can make decisions that align with his purpose,

[00:03:58] bringing us closer to the person he's called us to be.

[00:04:03] 1 Peter 4 and 10 emphasizes stewardship.

[00:04:08] God has entrusted us with gifts, talents, and opportunities,

[00:04:12] and he expects us to use them wisely.

[00:04:16] Being more means growing into these responsibilities and using them to serve others.

[00:04:23] Imagine a seed that has the potential to grow into a tree.

[00:04:27] If that seed remains in a packet, it never fulfills its purpose.

[00:04:32] But when it's planted, watered, and cared for,

[00:04:36] it grows and produces fruit that nourishes others.

[00:04:40] Similarly, our spiritual growth allows us to bear fruit that blesses those around us.

[00:04:47] John 15 and 5 says,

[00:04:50] I am the vine. You are the branches.

[00:04:53] If you remain in me and I in you,

[00:04:56] you will bear much fruit.

[00:04:58] Apart from me, you can do nothing.

[00:05:02] When we remain connected to God,

[00:05:04] our growth becomes a testimony of his power and grace.

[00:05:08] So if you're wondering how to start being more,

[00:05:13] here are a few practical steps.

[00:05:17] 1 Commit to daily time with God.

[00:05:21] Set aside time each day to read the Bible and pray.

[00:05:25] Ask God to reveal more of himself and his will for your life.

[00:05:31] 2 Seek Godly wisdom.

[00:05:33] Surround yourself with mentors, teachers, and friends who encourage your growth

[00:05:38] and challenge you to deepen your faith.

[00:05:43] 3 Serve others.

[00:05:45] Look for opportunities to use your gifts to bless others,

[00:05:48] whether it's through your church, community, or workplace.

[00:05:53] Serving helps you grow in character and purpose.

[00:05:57] And finally, reflect on your journey.

[00:06:00] Take time to evaluate your growth.

[00:06:03] Are you moving closer to God's will?

[00:06:05] Are you becoming more like Christ in your thoughts, actions, and relationships?

[00:06:12] When we commit to being more, the impact is profound.

[00:06:17] Not only do we grow in our relationship with God,

[00:06:19] but we also become a source of light and encouragement to those around us.

[00:06:25] Our growth inspires others to seek God

[00:06:27] and equips us to fulfill his purpose in ways that we never imagined.

[00:06:33] Ephesians 3 and 20 reminds us,

[00:06:36] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

[00:06:42] according to his power that is at work within us.

[00:06:48] God's power enables us to grow beyond limitations,

[00:06:52] transforming us into faithful stewards of his grace.

[00:06:56] Brothers and sisters, I want to encourage you to embrace the call to be more.

[00:07:02] Growth isn't always easy, but it's worth it.

[00:07:05] Each step you take brings you closer to God's will

[00:07:08] and equips you to serve others in ways that glorify him.

[00:07:13] First Peter 4 and 10 reminds us that we are stewards of God's grace,

[00:07:19] called to use our gifts to bless others and advance his kingdom.

[00:07:24] So take the first step today.

[00:07:26] Commit to knowing God more, growing in his will,

[00:07:30] and becoming the person he created you to be.

[00:07:34] If this message has inspired you,

[00:07:37] share it with someone who needs encouragement to grow in their faith.

[00:07:41] And as you go through your week, remember,

[00:07:43] God has called you to be more,

[00:07:46] not for your own glory, but for his.

[00:07:51] I thank you for spending time with me on today.

[00:07:53] And I look forward to our conversation on tomorrow.

[00:07:57] Until then, God bless.

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[00:08:47] or by email at thebiblespeaksonline at gmail.com