As we prepare for our 14th annual conference "Wisdom" on November 1-2, we're having our own WJOF speakers share their hearts on this the 2013 theme. This week's blogpost is by WJOF Founder/ President Jodi Kozan who shares on being "Chosen":
How would we live our lives differently if we lived, spoke, walked, talked and related to God and others knowing fully that we were chosen. We sometimes forget that Jesus said in His precious Word:
How would we live our lives differently if we lived, spoke, walked, talked and related to God and others knowing fully that we were chosen. We sometimes forget that Jesus said in His precious Word:
“You did
not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear
fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father
will give you” (John 15:16 NIV).
Wow. So if the Savior of the
world says that we are chosen; who are we to argue? Yet reality teaches us that
we more often than not require a role model; someone who I would refer to as “Jesus
with skin on.” I don’t know where I’d be
without the testimony of Christ oozing from the mentors and spiritual mothers
and fathers that have graced my journey. They modeled a chosen life, one set
apart, and now I too hold that mantle for others.
Gulp!
Lord help me! Oh, it’s a high calling to be a leader!
Yet that doesn’t mean we have to be perfect, but only leaning on
the One who is. As we do, we bear fruit, spiritual fruit that lasts and that is
what draws people to Him. Not our attempt at perfection, but Christ’s perfection
living in and through us. We learn through both experience and the testimony of
others. Their weaknesses and dire dependence on the Saviour helps us to know God
can and will transform our lives.
Imagine being Paul, an
engaging prolific communicator and a Holy Spirit charged apostle of Jesus
Christ writing to the Church of Colossae from prison. Prison my friend! Can you imagine?! With confidence, conviction and a mentality
of divine destiny, he writes:
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful
brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father." (Colossians
1:1-2 NIV)
Chosen by the will of God!
We must ponder the truth that Paul’s life was radically transformed by Christ. Paul: A persecutor of Christians, filled with hatred and pride, and “the worst of all sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:16)If God’s had a chosen destiny for Paul’s life—before the creation of the world—what does that say for you and me? Look what God did with a life that was fully sold out and obedient to His will! God used Paul to radically change the world. To live as a chosen disciple is simply breathtaking, and humbling to say the least!
"God has given me {Paul} the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you." (Colossians 1:25-27) NLT)
While traveling to Israel with our ministry this year, I had the honor
of walking where Jesus walked. I felt His word pouring over me like a waterfall
of grace and truth—grasping more fully the historical context of where over 80%
of the Bible was written! I
trembled with holy amazement that Christ lives in ME. To know deeply that I was
chosen has been instrumental to my freedom. By accepting the message of
Jesus Christ, I’ve experienced the most profound secret that’s simply destined
to be proclaimed. Not just through pastors, speakers, writers, and theologians
from days gone by, but through ALL of us who know Him personally including me.
"This gives you assurance of sharing
his glory. So we tell others about
Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has
given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to
Christ. That’s why I work and struggle
so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me." (Colossians 1:27-29 NLT)
May you experience
Christ’s power within you as you trust in His call and live as a chosen
ambassador for His Kingdom!
How are you sharing “his glory” today?
Jodi is the founder and President of Women's Journey of Faith. She is passionate about their vision of Restoration and every word she speaks and writes is aimed in that direction. This years conference is "Wisdom" on November 1-2 at TCU Place Saskatoon. Excited to expand the WJOF ministry to include Tours, their partnership with Compassion, their emerging Speakers Ministry amidst other endeavours of faith including Faith Stories. You can learn more about the Journey through their website! She is pumped to enter their 14th year as a non-profit ministry to all women. Connect more with Jodi at upcoming WJOF events, through her website or other social media sites!
Twitter: @jodikozan
*Reposted from Jodi's Journey and Joanna Weaver's blog "Becoming His: Thru the Word"
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