Devotional 210909

Dear brothers and sisters,
Good morning. It is good to be back to my office. But I have to rush to another meeting in Mountain View right away. Since I have been in school for the whole week, I did not have time to write my journal. I had a lot to write during that one week of schooling. It was a good start even though it was very overwhelming. I felt even stronger that this was a right decision to go back to school for my study in Missiology. However, I do covet your prayer for me in this coming year because I will be EXTREMELY busy to try to balance between work and study. If it is His will (I believe so), He will grant me strength to complete this task.

"And now, saith the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be His servant" (Isaiah 49:5). The first thing that happens after we have realized our election to God in Christ Jesus is the destruction of our prejudices and our narrow-minded notions and our patriotisms; we are turned into servants of God's own purpose. The whole human race was created to glorify God and enjoy Him for ever. Sin has switched the human race on to another nail, but it has not altered God's purpose in the tiniest degree; and when we are born again we are brought into the realization of God's great purpose for the human race, that is, “I am created for God, He made me.” This realization of the election of God is the most joyful realization on earth, and we have to learn to rely on the tremendous creative purpose of God. The first thing God will do with us is to "force through the channels of a single heart" the interests of the whole world. The love of God, the very nature of God, is introduced into us, and the nature of Almighty God is focused in John 3:16 - "God so loved the world. . ."

We have to maintain our soul open to the fact of God's creative purpose, and not muddle it with our own intentions. If we do, God will have to crush our intentions on one side however much it may hurt. The purpose for which Christian is created is that he may be God's servant, one in whom God is glorified. When once we realize that through the salvation of Jesus Christ we are made perfectly fit for God, we shall understand why Jesus Christ is so cruel in His demands. He demands absolute righteousness from His servants, because He has put into them the very nature of God.

Beware lest you forget God's purpose for your life. Yes. Have mercy on us O Lord. We are made for your purpose…help us to be committed to seek your plan for our lives instead of what we want for ours. Have a blessed day to be in His service.

Love you in Christ,
Lawrence