What is God calling us to do locally?

Today I listened to a really good talk on goals and sacrifice at church.

Do we have a big goal that we are working towards in our lives or our church.

The first part of Romans 12 could be Paul's.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God---this is your spiritual act of worship. [2] Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

His was radical because the sacrifice would be normally carried out on alters.

Sacrifice is important. We don't like things that cost.

What is cost all about? Is it the bad before the good. The cost and the value are both connected.

The cost is part of the journey and the prize itself.

What are we being called to?

Do we have a big goal that God is calling us to?

Some of us will be in the middle of what is God is calling us to at the moment. Some of us will not yet know where God is calling us.

If we are struggling knowing where God is calling us we can think through these areas:

What are my ...

Spiritual Gifts
Hopes
Abilities
Personality
Experiences

The answers can be really illuminating in clarifying where God is leading us.

But what is holding us back from being able to do more or realising God's plans for our lives.

We may have to move out of our own comfort zone and do something new or challenging.

But the cost may seem to high.

- tiredness
- our own busy lives of ferrying kids to school etc.
- time
- money
- time with friends

We may be called to use our time, bodies or intellect.

God does not leave us to do it on our own. Through prayer and in the body of Christ we are never on our own.