Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- January 11, 2014
“‘Come follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Matthew 4:19–20).
Disciples of Jesus are called by the Lord to minister in their homes and in the marketplace. However, Christ does call some of His followers to vocational ministry. It is a calling that many times comes to ordinary men and women who accomplish extraordinary results. Whom does He call? Christ’s call comes to those who have a hungry heart for God.
Like Paul, you might have been suddenly smitten by a revelation of Jesus as Lord, or perhaps you were like David, who gradually went from feeding sheep what was perishable to feeding God’s people the imperishable. Wherever Christ calls, His first command is to love God and people. A calling without love is like a car without gasoline. It may be attractive on the outside, but it is not going anywhere. Thus, love large where the Lord has called you.
Furthermore, He has called you to endure hardship. “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:3). Christians are not immune to conflict; in fact, your faith invites difficulty at times. So do not seek to shelter your life from adversity, but rather position yourself in obedience to Christ’s calling. It is out of your regular routine of serving Him that you will see what He has in store next.
Make sure you minister first to your spouse and children. Do not be like the cobbler who has no shoes for his family. Your creditability for Christ is seeing your faith lived out with those who know you the best. What does it profit a man if he saves the whole world and loses his family? A calling to family first frees you to evangelize and disciple with God’s favor. His calling aligns with His commands; so service for Him is seamless.
Above all, the Lord is looking for those already engaged in His Word, growing in their character, and active in sharing their faith. His calling comes to Christians who desire the Holy Spirit to conform them into the image of Christ. Your humble imitation of Jesus comes out of your intimate walk with Him. He calls those whom He can trust. So do not look for your calling. Look for Christ, and He will reveal His calling to you.
“I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission” (Isaiah 48:15).
Prayer: What is Christ’s calling for my life? Am I steadfast in loving the Lord and people?
Related Readings: Acts 9:10; 1 Corinthians 7:17; Hebrews 5:4; Revelation 7:14
Taken from the January 11th reading in Boyd’s 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God vol. 2” … http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
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I wanted to thank you, I know God is working through you to deliver his message. The timing of your devotional topics have been amazing as God speaks to me through your devotions. I have never been touched through reading devotionals like I have the last couple of years through Wisdom Hunters.
The last 2 years have seen me through Cancer, job lose and an internal struggle with Gods calling me. Last night My wife and I sat down and were discussing me enrolling in our local pastor training and her main concern and hope was that if we did a good enough job with our 3 teen age sons. (This is short version of last 2years)
Thank you and God Bless
Dear Matt,
Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We are so thankful you are a fellow wisdom hunter. Isn’t it just amazing when God speaks to us in different ways! We just have to be open to hearing HIM and you certainly are!
It sounds as if the last couple of years have been a bit challenging for you and your family (my goodness~ cancer, job lose, etc…) but I rejoice in the fact our Heavenly Father was with you every step of the way.
Matt, He has BIG plans for you and we hope you will stay in touch and let us know what is ahead.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and now harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne