Devotional for May 9

Standing Before God

24 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Psalm 24:1-6 (KJV)

The Morning Exhortation

Many are called. Few are chosen. The chosen are those who faithfully pursue their calling from beginning to end. Any worthwhile goal is hard in the beginning, tough in the middle, and sweet in the end. We are not called to do what we can do with our natural strength alone. The wise understand this and do not turn back when the seed is still germinating unseen beneath the ground, nor stop watering just because there is no discernable growth in the young tender plant. Depending on the grace of God is the most excellent way of living. Much more joy is to be found in having faith in God then in obtaining all other possible lifetime achievements apart from His grace. Blessed is the one who comes to know that it is only by grace that we can stand before the living God, the almighty maker of heaven and earth.

Question

What is the difference between a job and a calling?

Answer

A job is work done only for money and material benefits (Luke 12:15-21; Psalm 49:18-20; Psalm 62:10-12). A calling is work done for God (John 6:27-30; Revelation 17:14; Matthew 22:14; Isaiah 7:9-14). Believe and go to work (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 2: 13-16; 1 Peter 5:10-11).

The Prayer Appointed for This Week from the Book of Common Prayer

Almighty Father who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give me grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that I may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.