Chosen Vessels of God

Ever merciful God, chooses vessels for His glory, honor and praise. We, His children, were sinners saved by grace; we did not choose ourselves, but rather, were chosen of God, according to His will and purpose.  

O, the joy and peace of dwelling in His holy presence, worshipping and serving Him in spirit and in truth; growing in the grace and the knowledge of our Maker, Savior, Redeemer, King of kings and Lord of lords. The more we yield to the Lord, the more His glory fills our lives and is reflected in the world.  

As with Christ, not everyone will be receptive to His gospel. Being a follower of Christ requires much endurance, and there is no lack thereof, for God calls, equips, strengthens and sustains His church, by the power of the Holy Spirit. (See Matthew Chapter 10 about discipleship and its cost.)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)

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, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6; see also Ephesians Chapter 2)

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (John 15:16)

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12; see also Matthew 5:14-16)

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God alone who is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17; see also Acts 9:1-31)

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)

He also chose David His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the ewes that had young He brought him, to shepherd Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance. (Psalm 78:70-71; see also 1 Samuel 16:1-13)

I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. Then the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me, "Go, prophesy to My people Israel." (Amos 7:14-15)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations. (Jeremiah 1:5; see also Jeremiah 18:1-6)

- A Walk In The Garden Devotions

Blessed Assurance

Divine Purpose

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Surrender

Morning Devotion: Do Not Be Afraid

Scripture Meditation (Isaiah 55:10-11)

God's Word:
For as the rain comes down and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Thanking God in Everything

Inspirational Thought For Today

On the Christian journey, we take comfort in knowing that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (See Romans 8:28) That being the case, we can joyfully give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. (See also 1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Time Goes By

Devotional

How the years come and go. Each new year, we celebrate a new beginning. Excitement builds for all the things we hope to accomplish, but so often, we find ourselves procrastinating and before long, we close the book of blank pages. We are workers in God's vineyard, and our Master will require of us a reckoning of what we have done for His kingdom. He also cares about our desires and wants to fulfill them in accordance with His will and purpose for our lives. He's ready and willing to help us get back on track and make a difference in our world.

Time - The old saying that time waits for no man is absolutely true. Daybreak gives way to nightfall, and the hands on the clock keep moving. The days turn into months and the months into years. We celebrate birthdays and each new year brings us hope for a brighter future. That future is embodied in the will of God for our lives. Many times we make our plans for things that would satisfy us here and now, with little consideration as to how it fits into the eternal purpose of God.

We all want to feel useful in the hands of God. That our time spent on earth is used wisely for the greater good. We envision living a long and healthy life and accomplishing the goals we have set. For the child of God who believes in the finished work of Christ, our primary work is to do the will of God, just as Jesus stated of himself.

God has put desires into our hearts that He wants to fulfill. He invites us to ask of the Father anything in His name and He will do it. Again, this speaks of praying His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It's not my will, but His.

Our God-given gifts and talents are intended to bring a blessing to those who would benefit from their use. God is honored as we exercise ourselves in them. Remember the Bible story of the servants who were entrusted with their master's goods and had to give a reckoning of their talents? The servant who hid his talent out of fear, received a scolding and confiscation of the single talent he had received.

Whatever we have been given of God, let us use it for His glory. Not comparing ourselves to others, for God has dispensed to each of us according to His will and purpose. Not being fearful, for the more we use the gift, God will bless it, for it is bringing Him much glory and praise. Amen.

Our life's journey is one of time on our way to eternity. While often beset by various trials and tribulations, our heavenly Father is with us. Rejoice! Our lives and times are truly in His hand. Let Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord." {Matthew 25:21}

-A Walk In The Garden Devotionals

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