Devotions

A New You

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 
 
Most stories of childhood begin with “Once upon a time,” followed by meeting all the characters and their situations and at some point, after all is said and done, the story ends. That’s not how God’s story unfolds. New life keeps springing up in odd places when God is in the picture. Just when you think a story is over, God seems to weave a whole new chapter. People with dead-end lives find fresh purpose in God’s care and things turn around for them. When the least likely to succeed fall on their knees in surrender to the love of Christ, they become new creations. It’s the greatest plot twist ever! The life about to be lost is rescued. Think of your own personal story and remember or discover how God rescues.  
 
This is a new year and God is writing new stories each day. Many of us have gallantly tried again to make one or two resolutions, but few of us will manage to hold on long enough to reap the rewards of transformation. God has better plans for us this year than we know. His peace comes to us through Christ, and the changes he wants us to make are made known to us by his Spirit. What needs to change in your life is something God is deeply interested in for the love of you and your well-being. Get in touch with God’s ongoing story to discover the possibilities of a new you. 

Speak, Lord!

Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The LORD called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Then Eli perceived that the LORD was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Then the LORD said to Samuel, "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make both ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. 1 Samuel 3:7-11 

Something special happens when the word of the Lord is revealed to us. For Samuel, he wondered the proper way to respond to God’s call on his life. The high priest, Eli, had some sound advice for Samuel. When God is calling out to us, our first response should be, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” 

God has not stopped speaking to people, even in these days. God calls out by day and by night with a still small voice. God calls out to people with a message of hope and solidarity. God is ready and able to do a new thing that will make the ears of anyone who hears of it tingle. God desires to partner with you in mission and ministry in this world. This is good news! So listen up and be ready to hear God’s call specifically to you. When you hear it, you can respond in confidence, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”