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Here Am I: Called To Be Wanted
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Here Am I: Called To Be Wanted

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 3 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-nine with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God because you are wanted by Him.

Called To Be Wanted

“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.“
Mark 3:13 (NIV)

Have you ever been left out of something that you really wanted to belong to?  How did you feel?  Why?  What does knowing you are wanted do for your attitude and sense of well-being?  How about when you don’t feel wanted?  Which feeling do you have most often?  Why?  What things make you believe you are wanted?  How can you help others to know they are wanted?  Do you often think about Jesus calling you to Himself because you are wanted by Him?  How does that make you feel?  How do you share that with others?

When Jesus began His ministry on earth, He called to himself those He wanted.  While some, such as the twelve disciples, are named, it becomes apparent throughout the gospels that He called many to Himself.  In fact, He called, and continues to call, all who are thirsty to come and drink from the well that never runs dry.  In the midst of your life, whether alone or in a crowd, Jesus calls you because He wants you to be with Him.  Living as one called to be wanted by God ought to help you know your true value.  As you join with all who are wanted by God, He equips you to help others know they too are wanted.

As you pray about being wanted by God, ask Him to fill you with confidence regarding His desire for you to be with Him.  Pray about how God would have you encourage those who feel unwanted.  Pray that being wanted by God would change not only the way you view yourself, but also the way you view others.  Pray for a heart that is changed by an awareness of being wanted by God.  Pray that your changed heart would help others to know they are wanted by God, and by you.

In prayer,

Tom  

Here Am I: Called Through the Gospel
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Here Am I: Called Through the Gospel

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  

Here Am I: Called To Be Sure
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Here Am I: Called To Be Sure

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 5 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-seven with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God to be an example in the way you suffer.

Called To Be Sure

“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.“
2 Peter 1:10-11 (NIV)

Are there things you are certain about?  What?  Have you ever been sure about something only to find out later you were wrong?  Why?  How much power does doubt have in your life?  Why?  What things tend to feed your doubt?  Have you ever been sure of something only to have it not come to pass?  Why?  What does that do to your sense of certainty about other things?  How reliable do you believe God to be?  Does His faithfulness give you greater confidence in the things He has called you to?  Should it?

Living with certainty in a very uncertain world can be a rather elusive thing.  Fortunately, the certainty that you and I are called to in Christ is not based on our ability but rather on His faithfulness.  While our calling by God is sure because of His faithfulness, it is our daily walk by faith that helps to erase whatever doubts the enemy may attempt to plant in our mind.  The doubts will come and go because we have a tendency to stumble throughout our walk.  When we hold fast to God’s calling to be sure, we find that nothing can make us fall.  Living with certainty in our calling from God ought to equip us to walk by faith no matter what.

As you pray about being called to be sure, ask God to help you be fully aware of His faithfulness throughout all generations.  Pray that you would look to Him for a certainty that overcomes your doubts.  Pray for an increased faith that gives you a confidence in God’s ability to pick you up when you stumble.  Pray that the people around you would see your unfailing confidence in God even when you have doubts in yourself.  Pray that your faith would grow beyond the doubts of the world.

In prayer,

Tom  

Here Am I: Called To Suffer
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Here Am I: Called To Suffer

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 6 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-six with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God to be an example in the way you suffer.

Called To Suffer

“But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “
1 Peter 2:20-21 (NIV)

How often do you experience difficult times and think that it just shouldn’t be this way?  Why?  Have you ever learned valuable lessons in the midst of suffering?  What?  Could they have been learned without the suffering?  Why?  What does suffering as a result of poor choices teach you?  Is that different from what you learn as a result of suffering for doing right?  Explain.  How is Christ represented in your attitude when you suffer because of what someone else has said or done?  Who does your response change the most, you or them?

Suffering seems to be an unavoidable part of life and how we handle it can say a lot to a suffering world that needs to know the peace that only Jesus can bring in the midst of their hurt.  When we live with the hope that only Jesus can offer, we find the pain of suffering can be a powerful reminder of how valuable we are to Him.  It is in suffering for doing right that the world can see proof of what we believe.  Whether the pain is physical, emotional, spiritual, or some combination of all three, learning to endure with patience in the midst of suffering is only possible when our eyes are fixed on the hope that lies ahead.

As you pray about being called to suffer, ask God to fill you with a greater hope in the things yet to come.  Pray that you would make wise choices that would keep you from suffering for doing wrong.  Pray that your suffering would make you more aware of the price Jesus paid for the hope that now dwells within you.  Pray that others would know more of your love, and of God’s love, as you patiently endure suffering that comes from doing life God’s way.

In prayer,

Tom  

Here Am I: Called To Serve
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Here Am I: Called To Serve

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 7 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-five with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God to be a saint.

Called To Serve

“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.“
Mark 10:42-44 (NIV)

What does it mean to serve someone?  In what ways do others serve you?  In what ways do you serve others?  Which do you prefer?  Why?  How does attitude influence the quality of serving you, or someone else, might do?  Are there times, or people, you are more willing to serve than others?  Why?  What makes the difference?  What limits did God put on who you should serve?  What about on how you should serve?  Explain.  Does knowing God has called you to serve change your attitude about serving?  Why?

Most Christians can quote the words of Jesus when He says, “whoever wants to become great must become servant to all.”  The problem, however, is that quoting it and living it are two very different things.  How we treat others from any walk of life says a lot about how much we’ve allowed Jesus to have control of our life.  Serving others isn’t just about doing things for them; it begins with our attitude about them.  When we allow Jesus to transform our heart, we learn to willingly serve others because we genuinely care about them.  In fact, God says that it is in our serving of others that we actually serve Him.

As you pray about being called to serve, ask God to help you grow in your desire to serve all people.  Pray that you would learn to love people just as God loves them so you would want the very best for them.  Pray that you would serve with a transformed heart that helps those you serve to see Jesus.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to serve even those whose job it is to serve you.  Pray that you would find pleasure in serving God through your service to others.

In prayer,

Tom  

Here Am I: Called To Be a Saint
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Here Am I: Called To Be a Saint

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 8 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-four with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God to be a saint.

Called To Be a Saint

“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.“
Romans 1:7 (NIV)

What do you think of when you hear the word saint?  Why?  Who do you first think of when you think about a saint?  Why?  Is it a word you think of often when considering your own life?  Why?  How much of your life do you allow God to use?  Are you sure?  Is there a difference between God using a person’s actions and God having exclusive use of a person?  Explain.  How do you feel about being called by God to be a saint?  Why?  According to God, what makes a person a saint?  Explain.

While common use of the word may make sainthood appear unattainable to the average Christian, God’s calling is much broader.  In fact, He calls every believer to be a saint — a person set apart for God’s exclusive use.  In this way, being a saint isn’t dependent on our goodness or our special deeds but it is completely dependent on a full surrender to the goodness of God and a willingness to do His work.  We don’t “earn” the title of saint by our good deeds, rather we live life doing the good works God created in advance for us because we have been called by God to be a saint — and that’s what His saints do!

As you pray about being called to be a saint, ask God to help you evaluate why you do the good that you do.  Pray that you would be obedient to the things of God because He has called you to be set apart for Him, not in order to earn some special title.  Pray that you would carefully consider what things are appropriate for you to do as one fully surrendered to God.  Pray that your life would reflect Jesus to others as you give Him authority over everything you do.

In prayer,

Tom  

Here Am I: Called To Sacrifice
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Here Am I: Called To Sacrifice

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 9 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-three with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God to live a life of sacrifice.

Called To Sacrifice

“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’“
Mark 8:34 (NIV)

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to a willingness to sacrifice?  Why?  Are there things in this life you have sacrificed for in order to have (i.e. car, house, vacation, relationship, etc.)?  Why did you sacrifice?  Was it worth it?  Why?  What determines your willingness to sacrifice and the extent to which you are willing to sacrifice?  How does seeing a greater future value make you feel about giving up something that has a temporary value?  Is there anything more valuable to you than an eternity with God?

I’ve not yet met anyone who has been able to have everything they wanted at no cost to them.  Much of our life seems to be spent evaluating our priorities and determining what we’re willing to give up in order to have the things we really want.  It is in relationship with God that we begin to see the true value of things and discover that giving up temporary treasures for that which is eternal is worth it no matter the cost.  Jesus made it clear in His life and teaching that being His disciple came with a huge cost, yet denying self and dying with Christ yields an outcome that far surpasses the sacrifice of everything we have.

As you pray about being called to sacrifice, ask God to reveal to you anything which you still cling to that has become more important than Him.  Pray that you would consider giving up everything you are and everything you have as being a small sacrifice compared to the surpassing riches of His glory.  Pray for the courage to not only surrender the entirety of your life to Christ, but in that surrender to allow Him to use everything under your care for His purposes and glory.

In prayer,

Tom  

Here Am I: Called To Be a Peacemaker
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Here Am I: Called To Be a Peacemaker

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 10 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-two with an important reminder that you, and those around you, have been called by God to be a peacemaker.

Called To Be a Peacemaker

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.“
Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

Does your presence in a situation tend to increase the peace or the conflict?  Why?  How does your response to God’s call to peace influence your ability to be a peacemaker?  Are there people in your life who have been difficult for you to make peace with?  Why?  Is it always possible to be at peace with everyone?  Explain.  What does it take for you to be at peace with God?  With others?  How can you apply those things to being one who helps others to have peace with God, with you, and with one another?

When we live with the peace that only God can give, He expects us to find ways to make peace even with our enemies.  While peace is a two-sided proposition and we can’t force someone to a position of peace with us, our responsibility is to do our part as far as peace depends upon us.  It is often through the process of listening and forgiveness that we find peace with God and one another and we are able to help others know the peace that comes from God.  Living as a peacemaker among people becomes a much easier task when we first have peace with God and work at helping people find peace with Him.

As you pray about being a peacemaker, ask God to help you know exactly what it is that has brought peace into your life.  Pray that you would grow in both listening and forgiving as you make peace with the people around you.  Pray that you would have the humility necessary to be available as a peacemaker to those who are caught up in the midst of conflict.  Pray for the persistence needed to keep at it when the going gets difficult and peace seems elusive.

In prayer,

Tom