Set Apart for the Gospel of God

Ordained by our birth, confirmed by our faith we are set apart to do great things in God’s name. Though we should well look to our leaders for insight and guidance, there is much in life we can accomplish and those who we only can  reach through our specific life circumstances. Often we look to the minister at our church to do much of the work as they are ordained and well trained in “religious matters,” the Bible is full of examples of those who were specifically designed and destined for a unique task for their lives. If we are open to God’s prompting there will be much for us to do and accomplish in God’s name. However, if we fail to pick up the torch and carry God to the furthest ends of the earth there will be many who do not hear and volumes of tasks will lie undone. However if we are open to God’s prompting, we can accomplish much in the name and admonition of the Lord.

We are Set Apart for to do wonderful and marvelous things Exodus 3:20. We are destined to be examples by are speech and in our actions Romans 3:21. We are ordained to be His Matthew 21:16. We are set apart to live in faith Matthew 17:20 . God came to save the world and to love us throughout all time. God came to call his people to himself to lead us to live a life of light by telling others the good news of Jesus Christ. By setting himself as a sacrifice offering for all, we indeed all are called by his example to do great things in his name. Being set apart to show great fruits  in our lives, living out before others the majesty of His glory and our very own divine purpose. Left to our own devices we are doomed to fail, but with faith as even as small as a mustard seed, we are able to live in his grace while being set apart for great things. As we all begin the new year let us all reflect and be open to the burdening of the Holy Spirit to be his hands and feet.

Romans 1:1 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.”

Written by author John Dillard CPA of His CPA at 770 814 9304 and visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ (a Christian CPA firm). At His CPA we march to the beat of a higher drummer where we put the “Golden Rule” to work each and every day by “Serving Him by Serving You…One Tax Return at a Time.”

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Payroll Administration, Bookkeeping.

Serving Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain.

We are All Ordained Lay Ministers

Nehemiah, a layman, lived approximately 500 B.C. and served as a cupbearer to a Babylon king as the conquered people of Israel lived there in captivity.  By studying Nehemiah’s story as it is told in the Old Testament, we are able to learn and to first-hand see that we all can accomplish great things in God’s name. Originally believing the God of the Old Testament to be harsh and judgmental, I have discovered that throughout time, that God loves his people offering grace, teaching faith, and an unyielding love. In captivity, Nehemiah was brought face-to-face with his destiny and chose to accept the task God laid out before him and for his life. In his zeal to do God’s bidding, Nehemiah stepped out in faith, to rebuild Jerusalem’s fallen city walls to protect and re-unite the people of Israel. Nehemiah could have ignored the call and not made himself available to do God’s will, but instead chose to answer his defining call to action accomplishing great things in God’s name. Nehemiah re-built the fallen city walls in just fifty-five days while overcoming all obstacles, which were set out before him. Nehemiah did not wait on his pastor or minister for confirmation as he has, as we do, a direct line to the creator of the universe. Choosing to be a servant leader, Nehemiah rose from the ranks thereby becoming a lay minister and leader.

In our frailty and left to our own devices we often will stray from the Word choosing a path, which is not ordained by our heavenly creator. By leaning solely on the Bible as God’s infallible word, we have a standard and benchmark in which to live by. In frequently going back to His word we are able to more aptly see his hand in our lives and the miracles, which occur along our way. Some years ago I began a journal to keep a written account of events in my life, the fears and troubles I face, and the many and frequent prayer requests. By doing so I was more able to look back and begin to see God’s hand more clearly than ever before. My journal covers all aspects of my life including my wife, children, work and my walk with God detailing all aspects of the highs as well as the lows. In taking time to detail my concerns, toils, and tribulations I am better able to begin to look back on these events with more clarity than ever before, allowing me to see answered prayers more clearly. We are exhorted by Jesus to ask anything knowing that if it is in accordance with God’s will that he will answer us. Though many of my prayers are not answered the way I would have preferred but with the added advantage of looking back, I am able to gain a better and unique perspective helping me to be able to illuminate God’s guiding and diving hand. Being able to see the past, present, and future God knows what is best for me and my life. Just as diamond is polished to perfection so are we refined to be more like him.

By taking Christ along with us to work we are able to be a beacon of light to an unsaved world teaching others the good news of Jesus. Be living out our faith both in word and in action with our fellow workers and clients, we are able to let our others see God in us as we seek to conform to the words of our Father, and not those of the world.

By living our life in accordance with His precepts we come closer and face to face with who he truly made us be. Our God is one of order and not happenstance. By staying keenly aware we are able to fulfill our God ordained appointments keeping those meetings he has for us along the way as we journey though life. There are those about us every day, our office associates, vendors and our customers, who are in need of our hearts, experiences, and helping hand to comfort those with whom we daily interact. Just as Nehemiah in the Old Testament was able to look after those about him, we also are called to help those about us who are in need and hurting. In our service to others we learn more about God’s love and grace growing even deeper in our own faith walk.

Leaning not on our own understanding but seeking after God’s wisdom we are more aptly able to accomplish great things in His name. By bringing God into our office lives, our love of others is able to permeate through us sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. I have learned by being bold in my faith makes it easier to be who God has always made and intendeds for me to be. Seeking after him daily, I find a father who loves me unconditionally while always seeking the best for me in my life. It was not until my daughter was born I was able to begin to get a grasp of how great his love is for his people. Though God will never violate the free will he has given us, he stands at the door of our heart gently knocking, calling out our name.

Just as a runner trains to run the race set out before him so should we train our soul and spirit. By putting on the very armor of God we will find super natural strength lifting us in our direst time of need. I have learned to lean on God during those trials seeking after him with all my might. It was on a family mission trip to Jamaica, to reach out to those less fortunate, that God revealed himself clearly bringing his promises for me and my life to the forefront. It was in the midst of this time my family came to claim Psalm 27 as our life verse to guide us along life’s way. My beautiful bride was gracious and for Christmas that year framed in calligraphy Psalm 27:1-9 where it is proudly displayed in our home. Reading these words reminds me of a creator who is aware of my fears, strengthens my spirit, making me more steadfast in his ways. Read these verses slowly over and over letting each divinely ordained word permeate your very being teaching you of his majesty, love, and commitment to all of his people.  

“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?   When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,  to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.  Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;  be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;  you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.” Psalm 27:1-9

Seek after God with all your heart. Seek his ways allowing him to guide your very steps along your journey. You heavenly father desires the very best for you and your life. Right now, today, God is drawing you ever closer to Him and his kingdom. Wherever you are, whatever is going on in your life, God cares. Call out to him and the Lion of Judah, the Great I Am will hear you. By beckoning to the great helper, the Holy Spirit, we are able to tap into the strength of the Lord, one which surpasses all understanding. And in so doing you will unleash the power of the Holy Spirit to do great things in His name and becoming a great lay minister and servant leader.

Written by Author John Dillard CPA of His CPA at 770 814 9304 and visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ (a Christian CPA firm). At His CPA we march to the beat of a higher drummer where we put the “Golden Rule” to work each and every day by “Serving Him by Serving You…One Tax Return at a Time.”

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Payroll Administration, Bookkeeping.

Serving Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

www.ChristianPost.com retains Author/CPA as Contributing Writer   

CPA Serving Atlanta GA & Beyond

We have been very blessed to be picked up as a writer for the Christian Post which averages 1.3 Million readers per month. Pray that I might speak only God’s words and that I might write only what He will have be write as we strive to Take Christianity Into the Workplace.

Our first piece is available at

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081125/taking-christianity-into-the-workplace.htm

Written by John Dillard CPA of His CPA at 770 814 9304 and visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ (a Christian CPA firm). At His CPA we march to the beat of a higher drummer where we put the “Golden Rule” to work each and every day by “Serving Him by Serving You…One Tax Return at a Time.”

We advise clients on: IRS representation, Offer in Compromise, Tax Problems, Incorporation in Georgia, Corporate and Personal Income Tax Returns, Part-time CFO, Virtual Controller, Business Planning, Payroll Administration, Bookkeeping.

Serving Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Coweta,  Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Walton, Barrow, Bartow, Carroll, Henry, Newton, Bartow, Walton, Rockdale, Barrow, Spalding, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, Fayette, Newton, Paulding, Spalding, Walton, Henry, Paulding, Douglas, Coweta, Canton, Covington, Douglasville, Druid Hills, East Point, Forest Park, Griffin, Lithonia, Mableton, McDonough, Milton, Mountain Park, Newnan, Powder Springs, Stockbridge, Union City, Villa Rica, Winder, Woodstock,  Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Marietta, East Point, Gainesville, Snellville, Buckhead, Buford, Peachtree City, Dunwoody, Kennesaw, Decatur, Conyers, Stone Mountain. Serving Atlanta GA, Gwinnett County, North Fulton County, DeKalb County, Hall County, Clayton County, Cobb County, Forsyth County, Hart County, Jefferson County, Duluth, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Milton, Norcross, Snellville, Roswell, Buford, Cumming, Grayson, Lake Hartwell, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Loganville, Lilburn, Dunwoody, Gainesville, Decatur, and Beyond. Serving Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

Nehemiah, a layman, lived approximately 500 B.C. His story is told in the Old Testament which I have spent considerable time in studying as of late in writing two books. A Voice of One, Nehemiah’s Prayer and Overcoming Life’s 911’s, Job’s Journey. In reviewing these books especially I find many things about these stories I have been previously unaware of. Originally believing the God of the Old Testament to be harsh and judgmental, I have learned the error of my understanding and a God who loved his people offering grace, teaching faith, and an unyielding love. 

In our frailty and left to our own devices we often will stray from the Word choosing a path which is not ordained by our heavenly creator. By leaning on God’s word, the Bible, we have a standard and benchmark in which to live our life by. In frequently going back to God’s word we are able to more aptly see his hand in our lives and the miracles which occur along its way. Some years ago I began to journal keeping a written account of events in my life, fears and troubles I faced, and prayer requests. By doing so I was more able to look back and begin to see God’s hand more clearly than ever before. My journal covers all aspects of my life including my wife and children and my walk with God detailing all aspects of the highs as well as the lows. In taking time to detail my concerns, toils, and tribulations I am able to begin to look back on these events with more clarity than ever before allowing me to see answered prayers more clearly. We are exhorted by Jesus to ask anything knowing if it is in accordance with God’s will that he will answer us. My prayers are sometimes not answered the way I would have preferred but with the added advantage of looking back I am able to gain perspective help me to be able to illuminate God’s hand. Being able to see the past, present, and future God knows what is best for me and my life. Just as diamond is polished to perfection so are we refined to be more like him.

By living our life in accordance with his precepts we come closer and face to face with who he truly made us be. Our God is one of order and not happenstance. In journeying through this life we are able to fulfill our God ordained appointments keeping those meetings he has for us along the way. Maybe there are those about us who are in need of our hearts, experiences, and helping hand to comfort those about us. Just as Nehemiah was able to look after those about him so are we called to help those about us who are in need and hurting. In our service to others we learn more about God’s love and grace growing deeper in our faith.

Leaning not on our own understanding but seeking after God’s wisdom we are more aptly to be able to accomplish great things in God’s name. By bringing God into our workplace our love of others is able to permeate through us sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. I have learned by being more bold in my faith it easier to be who God has always made me to be. Seeking after him daily I find father who loves me unconditionally. It was not until my daughter was born I was able to begin to get a grasp of how great his love is for his people. Though God will never violate the free will he has given us, he stands at the door of our heart gently knocking calling out our name.

Just as a runner trains to run the race set out before him so should we train our soul and spirit. By putting on the very armor of God we will find super natural strength lifting us in our direst time of need. I have learned to lean on God during those trials seeking after him with all my might. In 2003 we went on a family mission trip to Jamaica to reach out to those less fortunate. It was in the midst of this time my family came to claim Psalm 27 as our life verse to guide us along life’s way. My beautiful bride that year for Christmas framed  in calligraphy Psalm 27 where it is proudly displayed in our home. Reading these words reminds me of a creator who is aware of my fears, strengthens my spirit, while making me more steadfast in his ways. Read these verses slowly over and over letting each divinely ordained word permeate your very being teaching you of his majesty, love, and commitment to his people; you and I.

Psalm 27

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?   When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,  to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.  Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;  be merciful to me and answer me.  My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;  you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.  Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD;        be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Seek after God with all your heart. Seek his ways allowing him to guide your very steps along your journey. You heavenly father desires the very best for you and your life. Right now, today, God is drawing you ever closer to Him and his kingdom. Wherever you are, whatever is going on in your life, God cares. Call out to him and the Lion of Judah, the Great I Am will hear you. By beckoning to the great helper, the Holy Spirit, we are able to tap into the strength of the Lord, one which surpasses all understanding.

———————————————————————

This was the perfect day to begin our journey to Pueblo Pintado.  The day was bright and sunny with a few clouds dotting the sky.  Everything went fairly smoothly at the airport.  It was just the normal travel hassles – loss of some cosmetics and some shuffling of items in luggage to prevent any extra charges.  Having two hours at the airport to eat, read, work on crossword puzzles, and talk was an enjoyable break before boarding our Delta airplane for our three and a half hour flight from Atlanta to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  On our flight, we were able to gaze at blue skies and large fluffy clouds making different formations outside of our windows.  Patti was reading a book on the airplane that opened with the following quote from Albert Einstein: “There are two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”  What a neat way to start a mission trip, being reminded to see everything as though it is a miracle.  

When we arrived in Albuquerque, Tami, Madison, Andrew, Mark, Lauren, Ken, and Philip greeted us at the airport.  They had five vans waiting for us.  We loaded the vans with luggage and headed to the Golden Corral for lunch.  The rolls and the desserts won out as everyone’s favorite foods.  Then, we started on our drive to Pueblo Pintado, NM to serve the Navajo Indian community living there.  Surrounded by flat-topped mountains and beds of lava, the drive was breathtaking.  As we drove through the area where she grew up, Pam shared fond memories of family and growing up in the area.  We made a brief stop at a Wal-Mart for construction and Vacation Bible School supplies before continuing our drive to Pueblo Pintado.  When we pulled up to the cafeteria at the high school where we would be working during the week, God reminded us that He was the One Who was in control of this week.  Rays of sunshine piercing through heavy rain clouds revealed to us His magnificent glory and left us standing for a moment in reverence and awe marveling at His greatness.  

Pam and others had put together a meal of lasagna and salad, which we ate before going to see where we would be staying for a week.  Our accommodations were five duplex homes with air conditioning, kitchens, closets, and mattresses on the floor.  In one home, Robin, Dawn, Penny, Susan, and Debra were quick to pick up brooms and mops and start cleaning at 8:30 p.m. (10:30 p.m. to our bodies).  The rest of us watched with that stunned deer-in-the headlights looks in our eyes unable to do anything but get ready for bed.  We lay down to the sound of a symphony of frogs croaking outside and a large downpour of rain eager to see what God was going to do with and through our efforts of the upcoming week. My constant prayer on missions is that I not have an agenda or goal of my own and that I seek only to love and serve those in Pueblo Pintado and fellow mission trip members.

Our family just completed its third family mission trip with more already committed to on the way. Going away with your family on a mission trip is truly a life changing opportunity for all of your family dynamics. The lessons both you and your children will discover will be a defining moment you will refer to time and time again. There is nothing like being the hands and feet of our Savior. Over the next few days I will be posting a day-by-day dairy, which was done by one of our mission trip leaders. Come along and see what God might have in store for you and perhaps leading you to discover your first family mission trip.

In the Matchless Name of Jesus Christ

“Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God, that it is doomed to failure unless Christ be in it.”

Those words still resonate in American and indeed world history. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke these words forty-five years ago today changing forever the face of our country. Mr. King was not only a leader, but also a prophet who spoke words of truth into a country, which deeply needed it at the time. When he announced he “has been to the mountain top and seen the other side,” Martin Luther told to all his vision for a new America, one of which would be united more than separated. America, now more than ever before, embraces her divergent heritages focusing on what attributes that brings us together to be the United States of America.

 Dr. King led America to look beyond the color of a man’s skin focusing on his character instead as the only true determinant of a person’s worth. A Voice of One, Martin Luther King looked to speak out boldly in his convictions, caring more for those he served than that of his own life. Long believing he would suffer the ultimate sacrifice of his own life, Reverend King chose to stand tall for his beliefs. Consistently putting himself in harm’s way, he continued to speak boldly for the words laid on his heart. His speech “I have a dream” will forever echo in the halls of U.S. history leading us to be all that we can be, laying down our biases, and to look to the heart of a person and not their outside.

A Voice of One

Accomplishing God’s Special Mission for Your Life
The Second Volume of John Dillard’s Inspiration Series

You alone are uniquely positioned to achieve God’s vision for your life. A God who knows the number of the very hairs on your head has a great purpose only you can accomplish. Learn how one man, Nehemiah, made a difference in the lives of many. Seeking God’s will each and every step of the way, Nehemiah prayerfully seeks to rebuild the walls, which protect the city of Jerusalem and her people.

Nestled deep in the Bible’s Old Testament lived an ordinary man who steps out to accomplish great things in God’s name. Leaving the safety of his position as the cupbearer to the king of Babylon, Nehemiah puts himself into harm’s way exposing himself to enemies who scheme and purpose to see him fail. Overcoming each and every obstacle, Nehemiah’s destiny is to rebuild Jerusalem’s city’s walls that were essential for the nation’s very survival.

The remnant of Israel had been in exile and was beginning to return to the Promised Land only to find the land of their forefathers in disarray. Jerusalem’s city walls lay in ruin exposing her to enemies who would threaten the nation’s very existence. Following the burden God lays on his heart Nehemiah rebuilt the city’s walls in just fifty-two days. Leading the way, Nehemiah asks for assistance from those who can help him the most and prayerfully develops a team unifying them to accomplish a miraculous feat.

Prayerfully, Nehemiah sets out and quietly brings together the whole of the Jewish nation. Finding doomsayers at every turn, Nehemiah overcomes each and every obstacle and builds, brick by brick, the ramparts that will protect the city from her foes. Never deterred in his vision, Nehemiah continues developing a coalition uniting a people giving them leadership and a clear vision and ultimately rededicating the city and its people to God.

Nehemiah never falters and never sways from his mission. God has a special plan for your life and a reward at its end. We serve a God who wants only the best for you and your life. Ask and act boldly to serve and to do great things in God’s name!

“A Voice of One calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the LORD;
make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God’”
(Isaiah 40:3)

…And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. So I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man.

Martin Luther King Jr., Speech in Memphis, April 3, 1968, the day before King was assassinated
US black civil rights leader & clergyman (1929 - 1968)

We must always remember the truely great people who have gone on before us and who’s words still ring true today.