While we continue to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, I believe we have a great opportunity to represent Jesus well as we respond to God’s calling with a hearty, “Here Am I”!  Over the next 4 days I will continue sharing the devotions from my “Here Am I” book to help each of us pray about our response to God as He calls us to Himself.  Through time in prayer, this devotional journal was written to help you see and respond to God’s calling as you see Him working in your “everyday” life.

Here is day twenty-eight with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God through the gospel message to Himself.

Called Through the Gospel

“He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.“
2 Thessalonians 2:14-15 (NIV)

How often do you read the Bible?  Do you view it as just a book, or as words written to you?  Why?  How good is the news that the world publishes each day?  Why?  What would happen if you looked for, and shared, good news instead of the usual fare that gets talked about in most social circles?  How does the good news of the Bible call you, and others, to a changed life?  How does being called by God through the gospel influence the way you relate to God and the way you share that gospel with others?

In a world in which everything has been brought into existence by the word of God, the power of the gospel ought to be obvious.  While some view the Bible as just a book, or a collection of old words, God says it is “the power of God which leads to salvation.”  Just as God called the elements of creation into existence by His Word, He calls each one of us to salvation through the good news of the gospel.  Words are very powerful things and can be used to lift up or tear down.  When we are confident of our calling through the gospel of Jesus, our words to others ought to be good news that shares that same gospel with them.

As you pray about being called through the gospel, ask God to help you trust Him as the true source of good news.  Pray that you would hold fast to God’s Word as the powerful force that it is.  Pray that your time spent reading the Bible would encourage you as you allow its Author to speak His words to you.  Pray that God’s calling through His gospel would fill you with light in the midst of darkness.  Pray that you would share the good news of Jesus with everyone you can.

In prayer,

Tom