Responding To The Call

December 21, 2015 An update on Google Friend Connect In 2011, we announced the retirement of Google Friend Connect for all non-Blogger sites. We made an exception for Blogger to give readers an easy way to follow blogs using a variety of accounts. Yet over time, we’ve seen that most people sign into Friend Connect with a Google Account. So, in an effort to streamline, in the next few weeks we’ll be making some changes that will eventually require readers to have a Google Account to sign into Friend Connect and follow blogs. As part of this plan, starting the week of January 11, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. At the same time, we’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count. We encourage you to tell affected readers (perhaps via a blog post), that if they use a non-Google Account to follow your blog, they need t

Greetings. On behalf of my family and I, may God richly bless you with His peace, love, and joy this year. I pray for you to have deeper intimacy with your heavenly Father. I pray for you to live a life EMPOWERED by His Holy Spirit to do as He calls you to do. Please take time to send me an email if you currently follow this blog. My email is clint@respondingtothecall.org. Let me know how this ministry has encouraged you. I would greatly appreciate you input. Also, please share with others you may know so the same inspiration opportunity may reach more. In Him, for Him, through Him, Clint Fleming Founder

Why do you think God wants us to "experience" Him supernaturally?  I have learned, that one reason is to understand how He wants me to put my knowledge of Him to practice (James 1:21-25). Another, to learn my identity and significance in Him. Why is it that many Christians, when asked, have not experienced God in a supernatural way? I have learned that many have not made themselves available to God. Some may feel that they do not have enough knowledge. Some may lack boldness. Trust in God and His desire to use you. Let down your walls and allow God to expand your territory. Prepare your heart, " Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ " 1 Peter 1:13. As you are out and about, whether at work, out to eat, at a gas station, in the grocery store, at a stop light, walking up the steps to your apartment, in the ER, window shopping, at chur

Proper nutrition and exercise  is vital to physical, mental and spiritual stamina.  What is your source? I mean, what dietary sources do you use to provide not only your physical nutrition, but Spiritual nutrition as well. How do you exercise your faith? Christian living must include ingestion of God's word, the Bible. Studying the Bible, not just reading it, but truly digging into the word provides the knowledge to establish and sustain growth or "maturing" in Christ. Not only must I ingest or consume the word, but I  must digest it as well. Digestion of  God's word allows for the breakdown of the "nutrients" or intended lesson to provide growth, understanding. Understanding allows one to the exert the word or in other words, do it ( James 1:21,22), Living out ( exercising) God's word allows others to witness His presence on earth 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10. As I mature in my walk with Christ (sanctification), I am transformed to become more like Him.

The most valuable asset any believer has is an intimate relationship with God. Intimacy defined by "knowing" God beyond salvation. The bondservant released his right to himself. He surrendered to God completely. That positioned him to know God as LORD. He gave God complete control or sovereignty over his life. Then set out to change the world, continuing the responsibility of Christ (Matt 28:19-20, 22:37-40). Strong assets assures longevity.  Longevity assures availability. Availability assures access. Access provides opportunity. Oportunity provides implementation. Implementation accomplishes goals. Goals identify direction. Direction provides outcomes. Outcomes provide accomplishment. Accomplishments confirm purpose. Purpose identifies value. Value identifies assets. The cycle continues. Break the cycle, destroy the influence. Destroy the influence, wipe away the threat. That is Satan's plan. Trust and obey God and he will not succeed. Responding to the Call C

Have you ever planned an event where you got so caught up in the task of hosting that event that you neglected your purpose for having the event in the first place? Or maybe somebody asked you to do something and you get caught up in the process of completing what they've asked you to do that you overlook the reason why you are fulfilling the request? I remember a time when I invited some new friends over to the house to meet my family and have dinner. The evening flowed well. Time was spent in introduction, getting to know one another and then sitting down to the meal. Unfortunately, at the end of the meal, I took the dishes into the kitchen and startd cleaning dishes instead of going back to my family and guests to continue engaging them.  Not realizing I was neglecting the opportunity for fellowship. It didn't take me long to realize that I was getting caught up in the task of being a host. There is value in setting work aside. In regards to serving God, we have to reme

The Great Commission and the two great commandments reveal the desire of God to bestow upon man the same responsibility that He gave His son Jesus Christ. In order to receive such an honor, man must enter into a relationship as so intimate with God as the relationship He had with His son Jesus. The early apostles experience such intimacy. They lived their lives not only engaged with God, but so committed,  surrendered and submitted to Him they practiced God's supernatural power. A power instilled through the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Understand their walk with God was a lifestyle. Lived out every day. Today, the institutional church is divided not only corporately but individually as well. Many "Christians" are living compartmentalized lives. Their Christian association is expressed only on the major holidays or marginally on Sunday. Availability is key in a relationship. Being a Christian is not an entitlement, it is a calling ( John 15:16, 19)

Fulfillment reached by sound discipline living out a life surrendered and submitted to God. In unity with your other clasmates. Your major, the Great Comission and the two great commandnents. Your textbook, the Bible. No sororities to devide by social, cultural, or economic status. The mascot, the cross. The Ama Marter, The LORD'S prayer. The colors, cremson. The reason for loyalty, Christ's blood she'd on the cross. Enrollment, eternity. Tuition - paid in full Clint.

In the story of the bond-servant, Christ identified that just obtaining salvation does not complete the process of being transformed to a life completely surrendered and submitted to God the Father. One must release the right to oneself so that the hindrance of “self” does not inhibit the important step of the saved moving beyond just knowing Christ as savior to knowing Him as LORD. Only then can true “freedom” be experienced. Why? God has license to guide the life of the surrendered. Unfortunately, many believers never obtain the satisfaction of knowing Christ as LORD. Never experiencing the “freedom” that the release of “right to self” provides. “Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God” (1 Peter 2:16). Grace affords the believer, who repents (turns away to never repeat) from his or her sin, the “clean slate” or complete forgiveness from the penalty of disobedience of God. Like the protection a liability insurance

Hebrews 5:12-14 "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." In the profession of public safety, any new recruit is brought through an orientation process to help them become familiar to department policies and procedures and if fresh out of school, to help him or her to develop the skills they have learned in their training prior to employment. During orientation, the recruit is assigned to a Field Training Officer (F.T.O.). The F.T.O. is an individual practicing at the level of the recruit but preparing for promotion. The F.T.O. is selected by the Chief or a delegated officer because of the number of years

Christ came to reconcile us to God. He taught us how to surrender our will for the Fathers. John 8:28-29  "So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. 29“And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” Acts 20:24 "24“But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God". Paul, a former Christain hitman, exemplifies the act of true surrender.  He lived no longer for his own cause but for the cause of Christ.  If you are still seking your own will, consider  surrendering it to God and live out you commitment. Stop just going to church and be the Church.

CPR in the natural provides the opportunity to give resuscitation, or revive someone who was once dead to life. The ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) algorithm was developed to help Good Samaritan's and first responders alike to easily remember the basic components of resuscitation. A = Airway. In order for the breath of the rescuer to enter the lungs, the airway or passageway ( mouth and throat) have to be clear of obstructions. The head must be in the appropriate position to receive the breath. If not, the tongue can cause an obstruction. B= Breathing. The exhalation from an adult rescuer contains enough oxygen to restore life. C= Circulation. Pushing down on the front of the chest compresses the heart between the sternum and spinal column.  This action allows blood to circulate throughout the body delivering life providing oxygen to reach the vital organs, brain and heart. If implemented early in the witnessed death of an individual and if the body responds,

Going into burning buildings when the rats and roaches were running out were humbling experiences. Many times during my cereer as a firfighter/paramedic did I have to trust in my skills and abilities. But I knew I could fail.  Not only was I responsible for my own life but the lives of my piers and those I was sent to rescue. Search and rescue  for victims in a confined space, hotter than an oven, darker than the darkest night, full of smoke, and fighting fire is a challenge. Who else could I rely on for guidance but the Holy Spirit. As a believer then and now, I know and understand better is my trust in God than myself. Today, with a number of personal God given "rods in the fire",  I am blessed with the opportunity to surrender control and completely obey and trust in my God (Matthew 14:28,29). Many do not get that opportunity. Thank you Abba Father to have the preveledge to be identified in and through you. You challenge me to grow me. You do not enable me without re

Imagine your life without an account with Abba. Very vulnerable to theft. Satan and his demons are on the prowl looking for those who are living foolishly with their life's credit. The credit afforded by the death and resurrection of Christ. We are in a period of reckoning. Reconcile your account with God. Come to balance. Now is the time. Any other tower or means of protection will crumble. Pay off dept and "forgive your debtors". Surrender to the one who desires to manage your assets..your life and all it contains. Live according to the first great commandment, "Love thy God with all thy heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" Matthew 22:37.  What sustains your life? Your heart. Surrender all that sustains you, career, family, possessions, etc to Him. Allow Him to have complete control. Surrender your mind, do not fret. Surrender you soul. Know God as a bondslave...surrender your rights to yourself. Then serve in freedom as a bondslave to Go

Bask in the rays of our Father's light. Praise and glorify His name. His mercy and grace transcends our understanding. His desire for each of us is unfathomable. Deeper than our ability to comprehend yet allows us to experience. As you travel through the vallies, look up unto His majesty. Seeing the mountains as if they are His fingertips. Sense your presence in the palm of His hand. He is in control!!! The oceans cannot contain the depth of our Father's love. The power of the greatest waves do not measure in comparison to our Father's strength. The darkest night cannot hold back the penitrable power of His light. He knows, "I AM." Says our Father. "Do not fret, I AM WITH YOU!" It is hard to listen when our ears are plugged with the sounds of our worries. Trust is practiced when we keep our eyes on Him and not the water. Guilt has no place when stepping out. He knows our weaknesses and lifts us up. Keep focus on Him.

And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. (Matthew 14:29) Link to Britt Nicole's "Walk on the Water"  www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeTu8twnGvU In Matthew 14:22, Christ sent the disciples to the other side of the Sea of Galilee alone. He did not go with them. Matthew 14:29 depicts what happens to a believer (disciple) when he or she obeys, even when afraid. In the previous verses, one reads about the storm that came upon the disciples as they were sailing on the Sea of Galilee. Christ knew of their situation and went to them. The disciples were afraid because of the storm and when Christ showed up, they thought He was a ghost. Maybe because they were not expecting to witness Christ through this supernatural manifestation. They could not identify Him. But what happens? Christ called out to them to tell them to take courage. Do not fear. Not satisfied, Peter yelled out for Christ identify Himself. Peter asked

The only way to recognize a sinner is to know your life before Christ. The only way to forgive a sinner is to receive God's forgiveness towards you. The only way to love a sinner is to accept the love our Father God provides you through His son, Jesus Christ. God's desire for you = significance. Have you accepted your significance in God's eyes? In Christ (intimacy not acquaintance) we are given opportunity to be sanctified or become more like Christ. The power of the influence of sin diminishes as I am transformed. Transformation requires intention, knowledge, and practice (James 1:21-24). As humans, having to live in the flesh and this world, we are continuously bombarded with the temptation to sin. No matter how great or small. As a Christian, surrendered, submitted, and obtaining fulfillment in Christ, you are forgiven and empowered over sin. No longer being changed by it's influence, but changing it's influence on you. Believe me, I know. I love Pa

If you were a street, what direction would you point?  Would you be a "THROUGH WAY" a "DETOUR" or a "DEAD END"?  Would you be a "TOLL ROAD" or "PAID FOR"?  Jesus Christ came to open a direct path to "FATHER GOD" for those who chose to travel His path.  When Jesus left the disciples, He delegated the responsibility to each of them (Matt 28:19-20, 22:37-40). The Christian faith is not a fad, culture, or game.  Many people sign up, very few follow through with intentions to "follow Christ" to intimacy with God. The world offers a wide gate, an easy entrance into "self indulgent, sinful life" but Christ opened a wide gate to a narrow path (Matt 7:13-14) that leads to sanctification. Lives completely surrendered and submitted to God (bond servant). Only then can we obtain fulfillment...become more and more like Christ...mind, body, Spirit. Available to provide transformation to others, rescuing them fro

Many Christians unfortunately live compartmentalized lives...Christian on Sunday, self the rest of the week. Their faith in Christ is a part of their life but does not define their life.  Evidence of a lack of intimacy with Christ and God. I am reading another book by George Barna "Churchless".  Another jam packed book filled with qualitative and quantitative statistics identifying those who no longer associate their faith with a local church. One significant piece of information is, according to Barna Group,  young adults who are leaving the church identify that the "church" is too shallow. I quote, ["Young adults are constantly bombarded with information, images, sounds, and choices, and most are not content with a consistently ho-hum experience from church or anywhere else. For many, neither the local church as an institution nor the communal church as a relational entity is sufficiently unique or necessary to compel their involvement."  One quarte

My family and I have been busy putting our home on the market. The purpose is to complete a goal of being completely debt free. More importantly, following a lead of the Holy Spirit to prepare for His return. No, don't know the exact time and not living or responding out of an unjust fear (flesh/emotion) but righteous fear (obedience, reverence) of God's instruction. How can I be a "Kingdom Responder" if I am caught up in chaos and become a victim?  I must be available when dispatched to provide rescue. Part of this plan, as mentioned, is to downsize in cost, not necessarily size. God is asking us to step outside the common sense realm into His supernatural realm. Follow Peter's example. Isaiah 61:7, (NASB) " Instead of your shame you will have a double portion, And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore, they will possess a double portion in their land, Everlasting joy will be theirs." Here is what I receive

Psalms 91:1 "He who lives in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty".             Many people who have professed a faith in God have left the institutionalized church do to numerous reasons.  Research shows that many of them have a faith and read the Bible.  Unfortunately, those described do not believe the Bible they are reading is infallible inherent word of God.             During 9/11, there were many people, who went to local churches or some place of worship seeking God for comfort. Seeking Him with an understanding that the process will maybe give them a sense of peace. Unfortunately, many who went or did not find what they were seeking. Again feeling abandoned and probably neglected once again by God.  Maybe instilling and harboring anger against Him.  After all, God is in control right?   Why would a God who is loving allow such a tragic event?              This nation has suffered many great tragedies. One such tragedy tha

April 18, 2015 05:48 am I went to my car today to go to work only to find that my wife's van had a light on. I drove it last and did not shut the door all the way. I knew that I would have to jump the battery. So I did. Well, needless to say that threw me behind. As I got underway, I noticed my fuel gage  near empty, another "time delay" to get to the gas station.  I was on a quarter of a tank. I knew I could get to work, but had an "understanding" that I needed to surrender to the idea of getting gas now. I arrived to the gas "station" and did my thing, pumped gas in my car. Anyone who knows me has heard my story of being "available" to the LORD's work wherever I am. Much has been done at the gas station. While I was pumping, a truck pulled up and a young man, probably between the ages of 25-30 stepped out of his truck and began to get gas. As I observed him, I received a burden to talk to him. Not knowing what I would say

Psalms 84:10 "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."             For any of you who have been living as a seed planter, planting seeds for the LORD, you understand the frustrations that come with the responsibility.  Sometimes, due to the lack of response of expected growth, you just want to throw in the towel. After all, who wants to put forth all that effort for the lack of seeing a harvest.             The same is true in my own life. Growing, serving, having joyful heart and intimacy with God, then one stumble (wrong attitude or sinful act) and I am flat on my face, seemingly defeated... I can hear the Devil laughing. Then I ask myself; Who am I serving? Me? or God? Who is in control? Me? or God? Who is my enemy? Man? or Satan?             How humbling to see the Psalmist in today's verse recognize the blessing of being the door keep i

Ephesians 4             God's design for His church. A design, when practiced, propels the body toward transformation, fulfillment in Christ as He was fulfilled in His father...by His death.             You and I are the church. A body of believers designed to be surrendered and submitted to God.  We are to be working in unison, ever part, to allow fluid like movement, reflecting the image of God to the world.             Unfortunately, the church in this country has become institutionalized. A body fragmented by  man-made  denominations disrupting the flow of God. An institution reflecting mans achievements and image, not God's.             GOOD NEWS! The "great physician" is performing surgery! He is preparing the operating room, calling those who are on call for Him, returning them to assist.             Are you available? Is your pager tuned on? Are you "trained up" mind, body, and Spirit? Do you have the didactic and practical (know

Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."             Going through the motions of professing your faith in Christ publicly is not the only requirement of expressing your LOVE for God.  Much like an engagement between a man and a woman does not exclusively identify the strength of the love they have for one another. Commitment is identified when the bond is tested.             As we learned when studying about the bond servant, true "Salvation" is when the heart is changed, or one recognizes the sacrifice made by Christ so the individual can be restored to their Father in heaven...God.             This is what the  bond servant  did when he recognized the sacrifice made by his master. The master had compassion on the one "in debt", accepted responsibility, and freed the one in bondage.             Too many believers have been decei

Proverbs 15:6 "Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it."             I think of times when I have driven by that billboard on the interstate with the advertisement of the current lottery balance. My mind thought of how wonderful it would be to enjoy the conveniences of having the millions of dollars, freedom of having to work, the ability to provide "more" for my family, and of course, all the luxuries.             Then I think of the blessing Proverbs 15:6 describes. I am greatly blessed for all the "conveniences" of fearing the LORD.  No lottery could ever buy or replace the intimate relationship I have with my Father in heaven.             True joy comes from having an intimate relationship with God. True satisfaction comes in doing those things God has given you to do (James 1:21-22).                         Thank you LORD for keeping me dependent on you and for the discipline of understandi

Matthew 6:24 (NASB) "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."             I am witnessing many men, whom are strong believers, getting caught up in the "busyness" of life.  Many are being forced to work longer hours at work which may threaten their walk with Christ.             I understand that God provides "seasons" where, in order to obtain a goal, one may be have a lot of responsibilities. But, He never places another "master" in front of us to consume us entirely.  The important thing to recognize is which master are you serving and why? Yourself (for money (get rich), for job security, for identity security, for financial security (fear of losing job, or position in career), fear of control, or God.              If I am to "preserve" my relationship with God and be available to Him, I must be

Proverbs 15:16 (NASB) "16 Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it."             I think of times when I have driven by a billboard and see the advertisement of the current total for the lottery. My flesh, even for a brief moment, desires the convenience of having that money.  Thoughts rush to me such as...freedom/liberation from such things as the burden of knowing if I "have enough" to provide for my family. I have thoughts of all the luxuries I could afford.             Then my heart thanks my God, the source of my "true joy" for all the blessings He has provided. First and foremost, my intimate relationship with Him that liberates me from the stronghold of sin. True FREEDOM ! As the above verse describes, I am blessed by all the "conveniences" of fearing the LORD.  No lottery could ever buy a relationship as intimate as the LORD offers to all who "FEAR" Him.             T

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NASB) 14 "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf"             You and I are blessed with the opportunity of not just being introduced to Christ, knowing Him as savior, but more so, knowing Him as LORD. In old testament times, those who were in debt could sell themselves into slavery, serve seven years working off the debt. At the end of the seven year period, the master would release the slave, forgiving their dept, back into freedom to live their lives.  Getting saved, accepting Christ as your savior releases you from the debt/bondage of sin because He paid off the master (God) the cost of your sin through His death on the cross so that you can live in freedom and hope of eternal life. But what about your new freedom?             Back to the bond

Galatians 6:9 (NASB)  "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time, we will reap if we do not grow weary."             Are these words not reassuring?  It can be difficult at times serving the LORD. Staying committed to the commission and two great commandments and living out your faith in the midst of others can be very trying. Many do not see with your eyes, hear with your ears, or sense with your heart.             It is at that point, in the midst of your storm (weakness, fear, and frustration), Christ appears. Wait though. What does He do? He asks you to step out of your boat and walk to Him but all you see are waves.  Do not be overcome by them! Keep your focus on His face and He will hold you, lift you up out of your despair, and provide reassurance. He calms the storm calming the waters and puts you back in your boat to continue the journey with Him.              Keep moving forward when called by Christ. You must recognize Him in order to follow

           Moses was called by God to lead His people out of captivity from Egypt. God called Aaron to serve as a priest to assist Moses as a mouthpiece to witness and speak what God was giving to Moses to speak. At this time, God had commissioned Moses to tell the sons of Israel "I am that I am"(Exodus 3:13).             Aaron's Blessing: Numbers 6: 22-27, 22 "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23 "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. 27 "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them."             God called Aaron to serve Him to assist His people out of captivity. Aaron served his position diligently, with reverence and humility. Yes he made mistakes, but God knew that before He chose