Today’s Bible Verse
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.
2 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV)
Holy Calling for His Purpose
The Apostle Paul, now older in age, has been released from prison and is now in Macedonia. He’ll soon be martyred and sends an encouraging, pastoral letter to his young disciple, Timothy, who was pastoring a great work in Ephesus. Timothy, once passionate in building the ministry in Ephesus, ran into some issues that arose in the church he was pastoring. Timothy’s youth no doubt served him well, as he started as an energetic pastor and had a great passion for what was needed to serve the church. However, it also caused some difficulties with older Christians who may not have taken quickly to the leadership of such a young man because of his lack of knowledge and experience in leadership. Because of this, false teachers arose in the church and were leading many young believers astray. It was starting wear Timothy out.
In response to this, Paul writes to Timothy in a trumpet-blast letter to stir up his courage. He reminds him of some things that he might have lost sight of because of the hardship of leading others. In 2 Timothy 1:7, the Apostle Paul addresses the fear factor, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
In 2 Tim 1:8, Paul would address shame and suffering for the gospel, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.”
Then here in 1 Tim 1:9, Paul leans in to remind him of what the call of God is as a believer:
- Saved Us: That is, brought us into salvation, and received that gift by faith.
- With A Holy Calling: It is uncommon, not man made because it is Holy.
- For His Own Purpose: You are called for the Lord’s dream and purpose and his purpose is all about Humanity.
- By His Grace: He gave you the power to fulfill this calling with.
- Through Jesus Christ: It only can be obtained through the Name and merit of Jesus Christ.
What great encouragement to every believer to go back to and remember these truths when we are going through trials or tribulations. The Lord has saved us and given to us a holy calling that is full of grace for His purpose in Jesus. (Pastor Fika Esau)
An Uncommon Life
Early in my walk with God, I was very comfortable talking to and connecting with people from the streets because of my personal upbringing. We shared similar life experiences, street culture, language, and went through similar challenges. A few people would comment about how God has anointed me to reach street kids and I thought that was cool. But along this path, I felt the Lord really challenging me in that. The Holy Spirit was asking me a question I couldn’t answer, “So you can only minister to gangsters and dope dealers and guys from the penitentiary?“
I took it to prayer and I realized, I had put limits on the gospel in my life by allowing myself to have a label that I can only reach homies from the streets. The Holy Spirit confronted me in my comfort because He had a greater purpose for my life. The Lord told me, “If the gospel you are preaching cannot transcend people groups, social and economic boundaries, and culture lines…you better check if that is the true gospel.” I quickly repented and took on a new mindset for all people groups and dying humanity.
I was reminded of His holy calling for His holy purpose which is for all Humanity. God has also given me the grace to fulfill it, regardless of what I may be going through, or limitations the world may have put on me. Amen!
Today’s Declaration
I thank You, Lord, for saving me. I receive Your holy calling upon my life. I embrace Your calling in accordance to Your plan and purpose for our world. I receive Your grace for my call, Lord. I settle this call in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Today’s Bible Reading
Our Bible Reading Plan gives 25 daily readings per month. There is no scheduled reading for today. You can use this time to catch up on any readings you may have missed, or read through previous passages again.
