The Call of God
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
You’ve probably heard the phrase “the call of God,” but maybe you don’t know exactly what it means. Is the Lord still calling people, or was that something He did only in Bible times? Does He speak only to a specific few or to everyone? Although He may not use an audible voice, He’s still in the business of seeking followers.
Called to Salvation—Because sin has created a barrier between us and God, He first reaches out to establish a relationship with us by offering salvation through Christ.
Called to Sanctification—Once we have been reconciled to the Lord, He
then calls us to sanctification or holiness. This means that He sets us apart for His purposes. It’s not a perfect life, but one that is bent toward righteousness and obedience. Although this is an act of God that begins at the moment of salvation and continues until our physical death, it also requires a commitment from us. If we choose not to cooperate with the Lord in this process, our growth in Christlikeness will be hindered.
Called to Service—God has chosen to carry out His work in the world through those who are saved. He has determined the tasks He wants each of us to do; our job is to serve Him by accomplishing what He’s planned for us.
How are you responding to the Lord’s various calls? Remember that someday we will all stand before Him and give an account of our lives. Habitually saying no to His voice will result in loss, but those who have lived for Him instead of themselves will be richly rewarded.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Solomon oversees the temple construction, making it a work of art glorifying God.
1 Kings 6
Solomon oversees the temple construction, making it a work of art glorifying God.
INSIGHT
The temple that Solomon builds for the Lord is spectacular. The stonework is magnificent; the tapestry work is glorious; and nearly everything inside is overlaid with gold. Why such opulence? Because the temple is to be a physical representation of the beauty and glory of God. One is supposed to be able to look at the temple and be reminded of the beauty of God. It is not beauty for beauty's sake, but for the glory of the God of beauty.
PRAYER
Offer God your praise in the words of this Scripture:
Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him (Daniel 2:20-22).
Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
(1 John 1:8-9)
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith;
as it is written, "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16-17).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater wisdom for living
The needs of your immediate family
Whatever else is on your heart
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:13-14).
Solomon oversees the temple construction, making it a work of art glorifying God.
INSIGHT
The temple that Solomon builds for the Lord is spectacular. The stonework is magnificent; the tapestry work is glorious; and nearly everything inside is overlaid with gold. Why such opulence? Because the temple is to be a physical representation of the beauty and glory of God. One is supposed to be able to look at the temple and be reminded of the beauty of God. It is not beauty for beauty's sake, but for the glory of the God of beauty.
PRAYER
Offer God your praise in the words of this Scripture:
Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him (Daniel 2:20-22).
Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
(1 John 1:8-9)
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,
for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,
for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith;
as it is written, "The just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:16-17).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater wisdom for living
The needs of your immediate family
Whatever else is on your heart
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:13-14).
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Solomon forms an alliance with Hiram for help in building the temple.
1 Kings 5
Solomon forms an alliance with Hiram for help in building the temple.
INSIGHT
Known as a fair, just, and righteous man, David builds an excellent reputation with noble neighboring leaders. Hiram and David establish their friendship early in David's reign (2 Samuel 5:11), and 1 Kings 5:1 states: "Hiram had always loved David." It is perhaps David's reputation that prompts Solomon to write in Proverbs 22:1: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches." Each of us must take this Scripture to heart and dedicate ourselves to the development of a spotless reputation by being fair, just, and righteous and by being utterly true to our word.
PRAYER
Offer praise to the Lord whose reputation we share when we live for Him:
Ah, Lord God! . . . There is nothing too hard for You.
You show lovingkindness to thousands,
and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom
of their children after them-the Great, the Mighty God,
whose name is the Lord of hosts.
You are great in counsel and mighty in work,
for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men,
to give everyone according to his ways
and according to the fruit of his doings (Jeremiah 32:17-19).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression (Psalm 19:12-13).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater faithfulness with your time
The president and national leaders
Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! (Psalm 90:14).
Solomon forms an alliance with Hiram for help in building the temple.
INSIGHT
Known as a fair, just, and righteous man, David builds an excellent reputation with noble neighboring leaders. Hiram and David establish their friendship early in David's reign (2 Samuel 5:11), and 1 Kings 5:1 states: "Hiram had always loved David." It is perhaps David's reputation that prompts Solomon to write in Proverbs 22:1: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches." Each of us must take this Scripture to heart and dedicate ourselves to the development of a spotless reputation by being fair, just, and righteous and by being utterly true to our word.
PRAYER
Offer praise to the Lord whose reputation we share when we live for Him:
Ah, Lord God! . . . There is nothing too hard for You.
You show lovingkindness to thousands,
and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom
of their children after them-the Great, the Mighty God,
whose name is the Lord of hosts.
You are great in counsel and mighty in work,
for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men,
to give everyone according to his ways
and according to the fruit of his doings (Jeremiah 32:17-19).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression (Psalm 19:12-13).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater faithfulness with your time
The president and national leaders
Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! (Psalm 90:14).
Saturday, June 4, 2011
God Is Speaking to You
God Is Speaking to You
Psalm 85:8
Our concept of God determines how we relate to Him. Those who see Him as distant and impersonal may be surprised to know He “speaks” personally to everyone—even to those who deny His existence. Since He wants us to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him, He continually seeks to communicate with us. But without hearing His voice audibly, many people are unaware of Him. Even Christians can develop insensitive spiritual ears.
For those who are willing to hear, God’s voice can be discerned through a variety of sources. The most obvious one is the Bible, but He can also call to us through the spoken or written words of other believers. He even speaks through circumstances and the wonders of His creation. I think we would all be amazed if we knew how many different ways our loving heavenly Father tries to get our attention.
He calls with a quiet voice that speaks into our hearts and minds. Although His words can be directed to a crowd, He has a specific, individualized message for each person. That’s why two people can hear the same sermon or read the same verses yet come away with two different applications of the message. God doesn’t dish out generalities; He communicates specific ideas meant just for you.
Busyness is a big hindrances to receptivity. When our lives are filled with the clamor of this world, God’s quiet voice can’t be heard. Set aside time today to listen for His call, consider what He’s saying through your circumstances, and respond in gratitude because He delights to speak with you.
Extra column
Celebrating 400 years of the King James Version
This year, we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the KJV Bible—commissioned by King James I in 1604 and completed seven years later. This third-ever translation of God’s Word into English has had an immeasurable impact on American society, from our lawmaking and literature to the way we speak. We thank God for the gift of this translation as well as the work He has accomplished and continues to accomplish through it.
Psalm 85:8
Our concept of God determines how we relate to Him. Those who see Him as distant and impersonal may be surprised to know He “speaks” personally to everyone—even to those who deny His existence. Since He wants us to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him, He continually seeks to communicate with us. But without hearing His voice audibly, many people are unaware of Him. Even Christians can develop insensitive spiritual ears.
For those who are willing to hear, God’s voice can be discerned through a variety of sources. The most obvious one is the Bible, but He can also call to us through the spoken or written words of other believers. He even speaks through circumstances and the wonders of His creation. I think we would all be amazed if we knew how many different ways our loving heavenly Father tries to get our attention.
He calls with a quiet voice that speaks into our hearts and minds. Although His words can be directed to a crowd, He has a specific, individualized message for each person. That’s why two people can hear the same sermon or read the same verses yet come away with two different applications of the message. God doesn’t dish out generalities; He communicates specific ideas meant just for you.
Busyness is a big hindrances to receptivity. When our lives are filled with the clamor of this world, God’s quiet voice can’t be heard. Set aside time today to listen for His call, consider what He’s saying through your circumstances, and respond in gratitude because He delights to speak with you.
Extra column
Celebrating 400 years of the King James Version
This year, we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the KJV Bible—commissioned by King James I in 1604 and completed seven years later. This third-ever translation of God’s Word into English has had an immeasurable impact on American society, from our lawmaking and literature to the way we speak. We thank God for the gift of this translation as well as the work He has accomplished and continues to accomplish through it.
Solomon's fame spreads throughout the world.
1 Kings 4
Solomon's fame spreads throughout the world.
INSIGHT
To understand the significance of Solomon's wealth, power, and wisdom, we must go back to Deuteronomy 28, where God outlined the consequences for Israel's obedience and disobedience. During the latter part of David's reign and the early part of Solomon's reign, Israel follows the Lord in righteousness for a longer period of time than any other. The results are a greater blessing than at any other time in Israel's history. It is a glaring and tragic reality that Israel follows her kings in unrighteousness, and the curses in Deuteronomy begin to come about. The welfare of Israel is always related to her righteousness.
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord who is holy and in whose holiness we can share:
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33).
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Pray this confession as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit (Psalm 32:1-2).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:5-6).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater love for fellow Christians
Mission work in Europe and Asia
Whatever else is on your heart
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24).
Solomon's fame spreads throughout the world.
INSIGHT
To understand the significance of Solomon's wealth, power, and wisdom, we must go back to Deuteronomy 28, where God outlined the consequences for Israel's obedience and disobedience. During the latter part of David's reign and the early part of Solomon's reign, Israel follows the Lord in righteousness for a longer period of time than any other. The results are a greater blessing than at any other time in Israel's history. It is a glaring and tragic reality that Israel follows her kings in unrighteousness, and the curses in Deuteronomy begin to come about. The welfare of Israel is always related to her righteousness.
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord who is holy and in whose holiness we can share:
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! (Romans 11:33).
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Pray this confession as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit (Psalm 32:1-2).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:5-6).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater love for fellow Christians
Mission work in Europe and Asia
Whatever else is on your heart
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24).
Friday, June 3, 2011
Feasting on the Word
Feasting on the Word
1 Peter 2:2-3
Did you ever watch an infant take a feeding? Hungry little ones clutch the bottle, smack their lips, and make soft contented noises. They thoroughly enjoy their nourishment. But there comes a time when milk isn’t enough to satiate baby’s appetite anymore. That’s when a whole worldof culinary possibilities opens up.
Comparing new believers to babies, Peter said that they “long for the pure milk of the word” (v. 2). You wouldn’t feed a newborn steak and spinach, would you? Well, baby Christians must sip scriptural truths that they understand. Then, like a growing child, they shoot up as they feast on Bible passages, gradually taking in more and meatier principles and topics.
Believers are not left alone to make sense of Scripture any more than babies and young children are expected to get their own meals. The Holy Spirit, who indwells God’s followers, illuminates the Word. That is, He makes the meaning clear to those who seek to understand. Moreover, according to Ephesians 4:11-16, God has given gifted Christians to the church to act as pastors and teachers. They are charged with equipping the saints for service (v. 12). These leaders instruct, clarify, and motivate people to grow in their personal faith and to fulfill the church’s purpose of reaching the lost.
God’s Word is a feast for our heart, mind, and spirit. This is one banquet table where there is no such thing as taking too much. In fact, the advice many parents give their children at the dinner table applies to the Christian life as well: “Eat up! Scriptural food makes you grow strong.”
1 Peter 2:2-3
Did you ever watch an infant take a feeding? Hungry little ones clutch the bottle, smack their lips, and make soft contented noises. They thoroughly enjoy their nourishment. But there comes a time when milk isn’t enough to satiate baby’s appetite anymore. That’s when a whole worldof culinary possibilities opens up.
Comparing new believers to babies, Peter said that they “long for the pure milk of the word” (v. 2). You wouldn’t feed a newborn steak and spinach, would you? Well, baby Christians must sip scriptural truths that they understand. Then, like a growing child, they shoot up as they feast on Bible passages, gradually taking in more and meatier principles and topics.
Believers are not left alone to make sense of Scripture any more than babies and young children are expected to get their own meals. The Holy Spirit, who indwells God’s followers, illuminates the Word. That is, He makes the meaning clear to those who seek to understand. Moreover, according to Ephesians 4:11-16, God has given gifted Christians to the church to act as pastors and teachers. They are charged with equipping the saints for service (v. 12). These leaders instruct, clarify, and motivate people to grow in their personal faith and to fulfill the church’s purpose of reaching the lost.
God’s Word is a feast for our heart, mind, and spirit. This is one banquet table where there is no such thing as taking too much. In fact, the advice many parents give their children at the dinner table applies to the Christian life as well: “Eat up! Scriptural food makes you grow strong.”
God grants Solomon wisdom.
1 Kings 1
God grants Solomon wisdom.
INSIGHT
Solomon's heart is manifested by the purity of his prayer. He could have asked for a long life; he could have asked for riches and honor. But instead Solomon asks simply for wisdom. What an honest and unselfish prayer. Being honest with God is not as easy as we might think. We all tend to live life with masks on-behind which the real "us" hides-to make a better impression on people. How foolish! God sees behind the mask—as do most people. We can learn from Solomon. God is pleased with honest, transparent prayers.
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord for His wisdom to all generations of those who love Him:
Thus says the Lord:
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight," says the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:12-14).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pause to pray this affirmation to the all-wise Lord:
In you, O Christ, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (based on Colossians 2:3).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Greater wisdom in your daily life
Wisdom for political leaders
Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise,
be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:17).
God grants Solomon wisdom.
INSIGHT
Solomon's heart is manifested by the purity of his prayer. He could have asked for a long life; he could have asked for riches and honor. But instead Solomon asks simply for wisdom. What an honest and unselfish prayer. Being honest with God is not as easy as we might think. We all tend to live life with masks on-behind which the real "us" hides-to make a better impression on people. How foolish! God sees behind the mask—as do most people. We can learn from Solomon. God is pleased with honest, transparent prayers.
PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord for His wisdom to all generations of those who love Him:
Thus says the Lord:
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness,
judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight," says the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:12-14).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pause to pray this affirmation to the all-wise Lord:
In you, O Christ, are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (based on Colossians 2:3).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Greater wisdom in your daily life
Wisdom for political leaders
Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise,
be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:17).
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