Jesus First

Where are our priorities? Where are you in your walk with the Lord and your business? I ask this question because of an interesting conversation that I had with a friend of mine the other day. I was home all alone about to leave my house to go see a concert that was coming to a venue in my town. Before I left, my phone rang and on the other line was a person who called me to ask a very personal question. "Why isn't God blessing my ministry?" I had no idea as to how to answer this question. I mean, I'm not the Lord. I can't decide, nor is it my place, on whether ones ministry is blessed. But I can tell you what it did do to my spirit. This one question started me on a journey that I never expected. The journey consisted of some real self evaluation. It is for this reason, that I write this blog. I came to a perception that really scares me. Not only for my friends, but as well for those who are doing the same work that I do. Why is God not blessing my ministry has a few answers but the one that I feel is the strongest is you have never been called. I don't believe for a second that God calls everyone to vocational service. As a matter of fact, I think the Lord limits His calling in this area. Now it must be said that I believe God calls everyone to live for Him, and serve Him in a Christ like lifestyle, but this is completely different from a vocational calling. The Bible states in the book of Ephesians ( if you don't mind the paraphrase) He has called some as preachers, teachers, and evangelist for the work of service, to building up of the body of Christ. The problem that I see is that we have too many preachers, teachers and in this case singers doing God's work that have never been called. I'm not saying these individuals aren't talented, or better yet capable, but I am saying those are the ones that seem to always be complaining as to why they don't feel blessed, or are searching for that perfect church or singing job. In my case, I have been disobedient to the call of God in my life. He called me to sing and to serve through song, and along this journey that I am speaking of, allowed me to make my own decisions without consulting Him. Well that got me nowhere, except out of fellowship with Him. Once I surrendered to His true calling, that peace that surpasses all understanding fell on my spirit.
The Christian music industry is filled with so many artist that have never been called. I will not name names for I am not their judge. What I am is (if you allow me a little liberty from a pastor friend of mine) is a fruit inspector. The Bible also indicates that if a life bears no fruit, then it is a dead life. Although I was singing doing what I felt was right, even though God wanted more, he still chose to bless the ministry that he called me to by allowing me to see fruit. So many others can say Amen to that because they have been right there. I hated the fact that I was not in the center of His will. I may have been in the vicinity but honestly, that's not good enough. Let me finish by asking you a very personal question. Those of us who are in the Gospel ministry have to be asked this question. What will you say when you stand before God and he asked you why you claimed His name, when He had nothing to do with your business decision? Will you say I did my best? He already knows the answer to that. Will you say you called me into it? He really knows the answer to that! All I am asking you is to be honest with God. Quit worrying with what everybody else is doing. Get serious about God and quit playing silly games at the foot of the Cross. Be about the Father's business, not your own. A fantastic singer, as well as man of true integrity told me once, and it still holds true today, "God doesn't always call the equipped, but He always equips the called!" You're dreams are not as important as the awesome will of God. I love you all and look forward to seeing you on the road!

Marc Ivey