Thank you for the reminder and for your beloved servant, Dr. Charles Stanley!
Today's Devotion:
How God Calls
Read | 1 Peter 2:9-17
God’s call on our life extends beyond the moment we receive salvation. He wants to develop Christlike character in us through the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. Every believer is given this call to sanctification—God’s intention is for all Christ-followers to be set apart. His Spirit enables us to turn from our old patterns of action and attitude so we can give ourselves exclusively to the Lord. Sanctification brings about genuine freedom from self-centered desires that keep us in bondage (Titus 3:3-7).
The Lord’s call to service requires total surrender. When God revealed His glory to Isaiah, the prophet offered himself completely (Isa. 6:8); Paul submitted his whole self to Christ on the Damascus road (Acts 9:15-19); even Jesus, our ultimate example, daily surrendered to His Father’s will (John 5:19). A life of surrender says, “God, whatever, whenever, wherever, and however You want it, my answer is yes.”
A willing response to each of these divine calls prepares the believer for God’s call to accountability. Scripture tells us that every person will experience a day of judgment. For those who refused God’s invitation to salvation, it will mean wrath and eternal separation from the Lord. For God’s children, it will be a day in which our response to His call on our lives will be evaluated. Only those things done at His direction and in His way will matter when that time comes; everything else will count for nothing (Ps. 127:1-2).
Daily, God is calling to you, wanting to speak with you about important matters. Are you listening to Him and responding?
Yesterday's Devotion:
The Call of God
Read | John 3:1-15
Do you ever think of God as “up close and personal”? Instead of being distant and unapproachable, the Creator of the universe has constantly sought to come near us. In order to save us, He chose to identify with man by sending His Son Jesus to live on earth. He also made it possible for His Spirit to indwell us as our counselor and guide. The Father invites everyone to have a personal relationship with Him. And He is pleased when we follow Him closely.
If we look at His call to various people throughout Scripture’s recorded history, it’s clear that this is not a general, vague offer (Jer. 1:5). God desires that you seek Him with all your heart so that you may find Him and the future He has planned for you (29:11-13). But God’s top priority for everyone is the call to salvation—He wants us to open the door of our heart so that He can cleanse us and do a transforming work in our lives. He calls us as individuals so that we will receive His love, forgiveness, and a new identity through spiritual rebirth.
Your eternal destiny depends upon a decision to answer His call with an open heart. To say yes is to embark on the adventure of a new life full of purpose—the life with Him that you were created to live. Have you responded to this incredible call on your life? If you have, reaffirm your commitment to Him. If you haven’t yet answered His invitation, make today the day that changes everything: Receive Jesus as your personal Savior, and make Him the Lord of your life.
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Lord, I love how you speak to my spirit and how you have my best interest at heart. Help me to stay on the path that you've set out for me and helpt me to stay in the WORD of GOD so that I can live out this Christian walk, bringing glory and honor to You! Help me to encourage others and to be obedient to Your will as well as seeking wise counsel in those times of uncertainty.
Eternally yours
