Just gonna’ take a moment to reflect on a week’s worth of devotional thoughts. Nothing special, but I thought they were worth re-sharing…

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

“God cannot deliver me while my interest is merely in my own character.” Oswald Chambers

My redemption must drive me to the desire to see others redeemed.

I do not pursue holiness to gain redemption. Holiness comes as a result of redemption, and I pursue holiness BECAUSE of my redemption.

God does the redeeming. God grants the holiness. Both are gifts to be received, not rewards to be earned. Beware though, the gift of redemption is given to be shared with others.

Honestly, I’m still working on receiving the gift of holiness. My pursuit of holiness has often fallen short. I’m changing my strategy. I’m going to work on receiving the holiness only Christ can give. Come Holy Spirit!

Friday, February 2, 2024

“Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for salvation.” Oswald Chambers

I count three calls of the Lord in the life of every believer:

1)The call to salvation,

2) The call to discipleship, and

3) The call to preach/evangelism.

Every call goes to every believer, but each call requires deepening levels of obedience, deepening levels of sacrifice and deepening levels of surrender.

In the call to salvation, our Lord says, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).

In the call to discipleship, our Lord says, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men…” (Matt. 4: 19).

In the call to preach, our Lord says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28: 19).

In answering the call to salvation, we say, “Lord, I am a sinner…”

In answering the call to discipleship, we say, “I must follow Jesus…”

In answering the call to preach/evangelism, we say, “I must tell others the Good News of God in Jesus Christ…”

Too many of us stop listening for the call after hearing the call to salvation. Salvation is the easy part. Discipleship and evangelism is when the hard work begins.

My prayer? “Lord, don’t let me be lazy! Let obedience, sacrifice and surrender compel me to answer Your every call in my life.”

If you can’t tell, I’m incorporating Oswald Chambers‘ My Utmost for His Highest into my devotional time this year. This year is actually my fourth time around with Mr. Chambers. I recommend it if you’re looking for an addition to your own devotions. It’s never too late to start.

Overheard this Week…

“Did I offend some of you? I’m sorry. I meant to offend all of you!” The quote wasn’t spoken in this regard, but it prompted me to consider the nature of the Gospel that so many people find offensive. If the message of the Gospel offends you, I’m sorry. I’m called to offend you.

“Why am I comforted by the idea that the Bible is wrong?” A question every progressive (and some not-so-progressive) Christian should ask themselves.

“I don’t know if Jesus smiled at everyone He met. I know He died for everyone who sinned.” Uh! Yeah!

Concluding Thought…

A look inside my mind is never a pretty thing. I’m sorry, but a look inside my heart might be even less pretty. That’s why I need Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus.

Until next time, keep looking up…