"Being called to Serve"
February 2010
God called me to serve at a young age. I half heartedly answered that call. I have spent the last 20 years serving myself and doing a little work for God along the way.
(At a later time I will share the training God has already done to bring me to this point in my life.)
October 28, 2009 - I arrived at Shelby County Jail. Confused and discouraged, I laid on my bunk and read the word from the bible I requested the moment I walked in here. Three days had gone by, I was reading and God spoke to me. He told me He wanted me to go down to the table and read my bible. I was very reluctant and began to question God. (Isaiah 45:96 )Isaiah came to mind when he says, who are we as the creation to tell the creator . As I remembered this [passage, I was obedient.
At first I felt a little awkward and uncomfortable. I just sat there reading my bible. As I sat down, I noticed the clock said 3:30.
So, the next day I went down again at 3:30, and sat and read the word.
I did this for about a week.I did not know what God was doing. Maybe He was just seeing if I would do it. Well, after about a week, a couple of guys came over to the table. We spent some time sharing with each other. I am so thankful that God's word brings Christians together.
A few more days went by and a few more were added to our table. (Acts 2:47)
This time was a time for healing and understanding for me. I found the more God gave me His word to teach the more I learned.
When I left Shelby County Jail (December 16, 2009) there were two bible studies , one in the morning and one at our 3:30 time. God is really moving on these jails and prisons.
He is pouring His love on those who are crying out to Him.
I am glad to be here. I miss my wife and the ministry God began in Woodlawn. However, He had a slight detour for my wife and I. To prepare us for the ministry I will come home to, and to be the leader I need to be there.
In Woodlawn, He will be using my wife and I to serve those in a different prison cell from the one I am in. One without bars...and without hope except through Jesus Christ.
We are all called to serve Him in one way or another.He tells us that in Matthew 28:19. Go and make disciples of all the nations. This is the Great commission.
Your calling may not be teaching at a mega church , or a small group, or starting a non-profit ministry. It may be simply sharing the word with your co-worker, or with a stranger at the gas pump. It might be feeding a hungry person, or encouraging someone. Wherever He has called you or placed you, whatever your circumstances, He has called YOU to spread the word about His son Jesus Christ.
Some of us guys were talking about serving God and sharing about Jesus. One thing we all agreed on was that we are in the Lord's army. We either enlist or get drafted. Some like myself were drafted and some signed on.
When you enlist, you generally have some say about where you serve. When you are drafted you go where you are put. In either case I am glad to be in the service of the Lord, although I have my days I wrestle with Him about it.
Remember God uses the people you least likely expect. Some of us have a ton of baggage, but God doesn't care. He likes the challenge. He just loves to use the least of these to prove His points.
In closing, Being in the Lord's army and in His service is a great honor. It should not be burdensome or a heartache. We should rejoice that we get to be a part of reaching the lost.
A Prisoner for Christ
Israel Moore
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