-------
"Open to a New Call" by Edith Miller
Ephesians 3:1 It is a consequence of this that I, Sha’ul, am a prisoner of the Messiah Yeshua on behalf of you Gentiles. 2 I assume that you have heard of the work God in his grace has given me to do for your benefit, 3 and that it was by a revelation that this secret plan was made known to me. I have already written about it briefly, 4 and if you read what I have written, you will grasp how I understand this secret plan concerning the Messiah. 5 In past generations it was not made known to mankind, as the Spirit is now revealing it to his emissaries and prophets, 6 that in union with the Messiah and through the Good News the Gentiles were to be joint heirs, a joint body and joint sharers with the Jews in what God has promised. 7 I became a servant of this Good News by God’s gracious gift, which he gave me through the operation of his power. 8 To me, the least important of all God’s holy people, was given this privilege of announcing to the Gentiles the Good News of the Messiah’s unfathomable riches, 9 and of letting everyone see how this secret plan is going to work out. This plan, kept hidden for ages by God, the Creator of everything, 10 is for the rulers and authorities in heaven to learn, through the existence of the Messianic Community, how many-sided God’s wisdom is. 11 This accords with God’s age-old purpose, accomplished in the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord. 12 In union with him, through his faithfulness, we have boldness and confidence when we approach God. 13 So I ask you not to be discouraged by the troubles I endure on your behalf — it is all for your glory.
-------
Paul, a scholarly Jew and strict Pharisee, zealously and devotedly searched out and persecuted Christian believers. Then one day, while traveling to Damascus, Paul unexpectedly met Jesus. Bright light and Jesus’ voice intervened. Abruptly, Paul’s passion, direction, and goals changed from persecuting to preaching.
Likewise, God’s call comes today to those who have plans, long-term goals. Folks happy in their life situations with their future all mapped out. Then with no warning, the still small voice of the Holy Spirit whispers, “Help wanted.” He calls to a new direction, seemingly not mindful what that does to the 10-year plan, or that it's not even one's primary area of expertise.
Reasons parade through the mind as to why this wouldn’t work, until the realization dawns that God uses one’s distinct background, personality, and life experience to develop a usable vessel for His new call. His almighty power, combined with one’s willingness and availability, makes it possible to say yes to the call, to go forth to carry out the surprising life change, and to joyfully communicate the mystery of God's love in a myriad of ways that further His Kingdom.-------
Hymn for Today: "Bring Them In" by Alexcenah Thomas
1. Hark! 'tis the Shepherd's voice I hear
Out in the desert dark and drear,
Calling the sheep who've gone astray
Far from the Shepherd’s fold away.
Chorus:
Bring them in, (Go out and) bring them in,
Bring them in from the fields of sin;
Bring them in, (Go out and) bring them in,
Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.
2. Who'll go and help this Shepherd kind,
Help Him the wandering ones to find?
Who'll bring the lost ones to the fold,
Where they'll be sheltered from the cold?
Chorus:
Bring them in, (Go out and) bring them in,
Bring them in from the fields of sin;
Bring them in, (Go out and) bring them in,
Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.
3. Out in the desert hear their cry,
Out on the mountains wild and high;
Hark! 'tis the Master speaks to thee, "Go find My sheep wher'er they be.
Chorus:
Bring them in, (Go out and) bring them in,
Bring them in from the fields of sin;
Bring them in, (Go out and) bring them in,
Bring the wandering ones to Jesus.
-------
Thought for Today: 2 Thessalonians 1:11 With this in view, we always pray for you that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill by his power every good purpose of yours and every action stemming from your trust.-------
Please Pray: For the development of Christian leaders in Switzerland.
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment