The Call of God and Call for a Believer

The Call of God

Please read 1 Samuel 3:2-18

   As a young child, Samuel lived in the temple with his mentor, Eli the priest. One night, after hearing his name called, the boy ray to ask Eli what he wanted. The priest, however, hadn't spoken, so he sent the child back to bed. This happened two more times before Eli realized that the Lord was the one calling the boy. Then he instructed Samuel to respond by asking the Lord what He wanted to say.

   Almighty God still speaks to us today. For example, we start hearing Him when He calls us to salvation. The Holy Spirit makes us aware that something is missing in our life, and then He points us to Jesus Christ as the answer.

   Without the Savior, we are lost and hopeless. Everyone is born with a sinful nature that's bent away from God. The Father, who is holy and perfect, requires holiness in His presence. Therefore, the penalty for sin is death—eternal separation from Him. But God loves us, so to correct that situation, Jesus came to earth, lived the perfect life, and died as a substitute for mankind. He took the penalty for our sin.

   Salvation is the greatest gift. To receive it, all we have to do is trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Then, He abides with us and continues to speak, gently guiding and encouraging us toward righteousness.

   Have you sensed the heavenly Father speaking to you? If so, don't delay. Ask Him to forgive your sin; then accept Christ's substitutionary sacrifice on your behalf, and choose to follow Him. Share your decision with a pastor or trusted Christian friend so that you can have guidance on this beautiful new journey.

Stanley, Charles F. "The Call of God." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. Atlanta: In Touch. May 2018. page 10.

The Call for a Believer

Ephesians 4:1+

4 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,. .  

NASB, https://www.biblegateway.com/

 . . . After leading us to salvation, God still has work to do in our life. If we listen carefully, we'll be able to hear our Father directing us in three ways.

   First, THE LORD CALLS US TO SANCTIFICATION. This means being set apart by Him and for Him. Through His Spirit, He continually reminds us to use His power and resources so we can obey and live righteously.

   Second, HE CALLS US TO SERVICE. The Lord has planned good works for us to accomplish (Eh. 2:10), and He gives us abilities, time, and resources for that purpose.

   Third, HE CALLS US TO ACCOUNTABILITY. Romans 14:12 teaches that one day we all will give an account of how we used the resources God gave us to glorify Him. This report will be based on the truth we've heard and the opportunities that were available. So we should be sure to listen daily as our heavenly Father reminds us to utilize it all for His glory.

   Has life become so hectic that God's voice is inaudible? Foster your own ability to listen by spending time in the Word and waiting for answers when you pray. And teach your children to tune in so they can hear God, too. What a shame it would be to tackle life without guidance from above.

Stanley, Charles F. "The Call for a Believer." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. Atlanta: In Touch. May 2018. page 11.