WORD OF THE WEEK - RESPONSE- CALLING SERIES - WEEK 3 -6-7-26

DEFINITION: “something said or written as a reply, or something done as a reaction.”Add to word list
SCRIPTURES:Anchor Scripture:Romans 8:30 - “Moreover whom God predestined, these God also called; whom God called, these God also justified; and whom God  justified, these God also glorified.”

1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing….

Website:  www.wow-newton.com

Website: www.wow-newton.com
Email:  osnewton@wow-newton.com

Transcript

DEFINITION: “something said or written as a reply, or something done as a reaction.”Add to word list
SCRIPTURES:Anchor Scripture:Romans 8:30 - “Moreover whom God predestined, these God also called; whom God called, these God also justified; and whom God  justified, these God also glorified.”

1 Corinthians 13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing….


Word of the Week:RESPONSE

CALLING SERIES – WEEK 3: RESPONSE

One of the clearest signs of spiritual maturity is not what we know, but how we respond—to God, to others, and to life's challenges. It is the calling of God that causes us to pay particular attention to who we are and how we respond—to God and to each other. God calls His children to respond in ways that reflect His character.
There are moments when I find myself at odds with circumstances, people, or issues that challenge my response. In my greatest moments of concern or confusion, I often ask, “Why am I here?” That question becomes most compelling in the quiet hours when God’s silence feels the loudest.
Yet even then, I am called to respond. I have no choice, because even inaction produces an outcome. So, I close my eyes, say a prayer, and ask God for guidance—guidance to respond in a way that is right for me, for my life, and for my calling.
I know I must respond and I have learned that the spirit operating within me determines the manner of that response. Before I act, I have learned to ask a deeper question:
What spirit is shaping my response?
• Am I Willingly Responsive—open, teachable, and willing to respond in a positive way? Will I respond out of obedience? Am I willing to examine who, what, and why I am obeying? Will I accept what is and desire to learn from this experience?
• Am I Reactive—overly emotional, impulsive, or defensive? Am I responding because I reject the current circumstance and want to reshape it to match my desire? Why do I assume others are against me? How am I trying to change their attitude or intent?
• Am I Passive—avoiding or delaying my response? Do I hesitate because I fear making the wrong decision? Do I lack the confidence or information to respond appropriately? Am I waiting for circumstances to change so that my response becomes a matter of convenience rather than choice?
• Am I Resistant—refusing to respond at all? Do I push back out of defiance because I dislike the circumstance or those involved? Am I unwilling to respond in a way that allows others to influence me, even if my refusal harms me?
The spirit with which I respond determines whether I move forward, stagnate, or regress as I answer my call.
My spirit dictates my attitude. My attitude dictates my altitude. How I respond is as important as why I respond.
As believers and followers of Christ, most of us would reject the idea that we could be disobedient to the will of God—but would that be a truthful response?
• How often do we choose our will over God’s will?• How often do we find ourselves in conflict with others?• How willing are we to collaborate to find common ground?• How willing are we to see another person’s point of view?• How willing are we to say, “I support your decision in this”?
When God calls us—to service, to prayer, to parenthood, to obedience—He is calling us to serve one another in love. Any response not shaped by a spirit of love is outside the will and calling of God.
A willingly responsive spirit is ultimately a loving spirit.Love listens. Love learns. Love serves. Love seeks God's will above its own. We must temper our response with the Word of God and the love of God, as taught in 1 Corinthians 13:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal…”
A response not given in love is not alignedwith the calling of God in your life.
Jesus is calling for you and for me.