Regardless of our upbringing, denomination, or influence, we’ve all been under religious leadership of some kind. We’ve sat before men and women on a stage, often hoping to hear the voice of God; when in reality, we don’t need someone else to hear His voice at all. He has called each one of us to be a kingdom of priests and wants us to walk so closely with Him that we can hear what He has to say. Yet we continue to look for fulfillment in other places. (1 Peter 2:9)

What if we treated our personal relationships the same way? Imagine having a close friend we claim to love and cherish. Instead of spending time with them, meeting for lunch, or talking on the phone, we always call their mom or dad to ask how they are doing. Everything we know about that friend, we’ve heard from someone else. Would we really have a relationship with them? Would we be able to hear what they need from us as a friend?

Think about how much time and energy you’ve invested in finding your calling, your purpose in this life. Listening to messages, reading books, seeking advice - all are good things. But none of those things matter without a personal relationship with God. He cares far less about our occupation than our availability to simply minister right where we are as He’s called us to do.

Journal: Name some places you’ve turned to for wisdom and direction instead of turning to God and making yourself available to hear His voice.

Not only are we called to minister to others, but we are also called to minister to the heart of God. We were created for that very purpose. No matter how our worship styles may differ, our focus must be the same…only on Him. Having the right priority in our worship creates godly order in our lives, and it scatters the enemy with fear. Partnered with prayer, we have no greater weapon. (Hebrews 13:15-16)

Are we taking advantage of all God has given us? As priests, we have access to His presence at any time. We can come before Him in worship and prayer without hesitation. So often we wait until we’ve tried everything else before we do. “Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort.” There is never a prayer that we pray that doesn’t end up in the presence of God, and it has the power to push worship beyond our feelings and into the supernatural. (Hebrews 4:16)

Many times we try to do things in our own power then wonder why we’re overwhelmed. It doesn’t have to be that way. Determine this week to make a change. Step into your priestly ministry as He’s called you to do. Allow Him to work in your life, and make an impact in the culture around you by being obedient to Him.

Journal: After listening to Part 2 of Prophets, Priests, & Kings, “A Kingdom of Priests,” list some ways that you can minister right where you are in your home, in your occupation, in your church, etc.

Activation: Choose two from your list to activate this week. Document them for accountability.

Prayer: God, You’ve told us in Scripture that You hear our prayers, yet so many times I try to do things on my own. Today I lay my pride and arrogance at Your feet and confess my need for You. Without You, I am nothing. Teach me to be an uninhibited, unashamed, passionate worshiper of You. Fill me with Your Spirit as I praise You with my mouth. I humble myself before You and seek Your face. Let others see You through me.