Call: November 24, 2010

Today's Word for Wednesday November 24, 2010

CALL

DEFINITION

To cry out in a loud voice; to summon or invite to come; to announce authoritatively; proclaim; to cause to come.

SCRIPTURE

"Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." Isaiah 55:6.

"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it." I Thessalonians 5:24.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

As Christians we have a most wonderful and reliable source to call on every moment of every day. God has promised to be with us through every trial and tribulation we have. And He has also promised to be with us through all the good times. All we have to do is call on Him and He is there for us. He is near and He can be found as we read in Isaiah 55:6 (above).

When we consider the word "CALL" as referred to in the scriptures there are several considerations for us.

In 1 Samuel chapter three we read of the account of when Samuel was called by God. He was woken up in a dream and was not sure how to respond. He first thought it was Eli, who was very old, who was calling and needed him. But Eli told him to go back to his room and if you are called again, respond by saying: "Speak Lord for your servant hears." And that day Samuel was called to serve God.

Each one that God calls is called according to God's purpose. Those who heed God's call have the assurance that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) And we can be sure that God will accomplish His purpose to which we are called.

In I Thessalonians, Paul tells us that God will do it because He is faithful. When God calls you, are you ready to answer as Samuel did, speak Lord your servant hears?

The scripture also has a lot to say about those that reject God's call. In Isaiah Chapter 65:12 it reads: "Because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke you did not hear." Then the Lord will withdraw His blessings and in Isaiah 65:14 it reads, "You shall cry for sorrow of heart, and wail for grief of spirit." And in Psalms 81:11-12 we are told that when My people would not heed my voice (call), I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels. And finally in Jeremiah 7:13 and 15 we read that the Lord said: "but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, and so I will cast you out of My sight."

God is patient and gives us ample opportunity to respond to His call, but when we continually reject His call, He let's us continue in our stubborn ways satisfying our evil desires. There are always consequences when we turn a deaf ear to God. We not only lose God's blessings on our life, but we bring God's judgment on our lives.

In contrast to those who do not respond to God's call we read about how the disciples responded (Mark 1 and 2) to the call of God. They did not ask questions. They immediately left what they were doing and followed Jesus. They were moved by the power of God to completely commit themselves, not knowing all that Jesus had for them. They responded as Samuel did --- YES LORD, HERE AM I.

And we are told in the book of Acts 16:9-10 how Paul responded to the vision calling him to Macedonia to preach the gospel. Paul answered the call of God without reservation. He got ready at once and left for Macedonia to preach the gospel.

When God calls we can be sure that He is faithful and will do all that He has promised. Now it is your decision as to how you respond when God calls you.

LEARNING

Our memory verse for this week is found in Philippians 4:19.

God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

PRAYER

I commit my life to You today, dear Lord, willing to answer Your call for my life. Give me an open heart to listen and a willing heart to respond. Unite my family to serve You together and to seek Your best for our lives. Bless us, challenge us and lead us in the paths of Your righteousness today.