August 28, 2021
who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
~II Timothy 1:9~
We are called. Called to do the Kingdom's work which was given to us as a precious gift. Since the beginning of time our Father planned a way to receive us as His own. He knew what we would do, the mistakes we would make and He still chose to shine His Light. We were blessed with an abundance of grace and yet we struggle to show grace to others; "But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also."
(II Corinthians 8:7)
We were given these gifts at a high cost yet we decide to continue to try to "earn our way" to God's love. We forget that God loves us all regardless. He wants us to love Him back, but He will always love us.
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (I John 4:11)
The Lord's calling to us is a holy one. One that urges us to take our focus off ourselves and to put it on all things pure. We are to remove things hindering our walk. We are to bless those we once hated. We are to ask Jesus to test us so that we may die daily and walk in holiness by the grace that was given.
Days are getting darker and very unpredictable. I know nothing is truely predicted, yet we are approaching tense times and I know a lot of us are feeling confused, uneasy or just discouraged. The holy calling needs to increase as the world attempts to defeat us. Remember, Christ already defeated the world; "Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" (I John 5:5)
We can step into routine and work as hard as we can but if we are walking in our own strength rather then submitting to God's strength, we will begin to feel these emotions listed above even more so. When we step into our holy calling with the Lord Jesus on our side, ready to be shaped each day, we will understand what it means to stand for Him and with Him no matter what comes our way. We will begin to fear nothing but who He is. We will certainly go through valleys yet God's grace will take us through it, not our own works.
We cannot claim to be for Him yet live as against Him. We need His help to be prepped for the Potters kiln. The Church was strategically grown to pull down all strongholds by the working power of Holy Spirit. If the Church is attempting to work in its own power, will or gain then the Lord surely will spit us out. We are called to be holy as He is holy; "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct."
(I Peter 1:15)
Are we conducting ourself in a holy manner? Are we honoring the Father's will? Are we going to the Lord in prayer before making decisions of our own? This determines what type of calling we believe we are truely under. "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
(II Corinthians 7:1)
The fear of men has increased in this world sadly, while the true fear of God seems to be decreasing. Let us open our eyes and ask the Lord to make us into that holy child He has created us all to be. When we do we shine the light into dark situations guiding others along the way who have been stuck without a way to see.
Prayer:
Father God, how truely gracious You are for directing my steps into this holy calling that was given by the Blood of Your own Son.
I pray that all I conduct myself in is pleasing to Your eyes and what so ever is not I ask You to convict me of this. I know the world is changing and times are tough but one thing is for sure and that is You never change. You are faithful from beginning to end and that is what I choose to focus on. Bless my brothers and sisters in their day to day lives with their families. Guide them into righteousness as well as my own. Lead us in the way of everlasting to do Kingdom"s work in a lost and broken world. I pray that the Church turns around and becomes fierce and relentless as You are. I choose to follow Your holy calling and to not look back. I receive all Your help, comfort and strength moving forward. In Jesus Name I pray this boldly. Amen.