Called, Empowere, Sent - Daily Devotional June 30th, 2010

Bible Reading - Joshua 2, Psalm 123-125, Isaiah 62, Matthew 10

Called, Empowered, Sent

Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ".

Living the Christian life is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling ways to live on the planet. It is not only one of adventure and freedom but it is one of purpose and power. When you become a Christ follower you not only have a new freedom in Christ but you have a new mission for you life. That mission is seen in Matthew 10 and the great part is that he not only calls you to this life but He empowers you to live it and then sends you out to do it.

Matthew 10:1-5a says, "And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged them, saying, Go...". In this portion of scripture Jesus does 3 dominate things. First He calls His disciples, then He empowers them and lastly He sends them. Jesus not only did that for His disciples back then but he does the same thing for us today.

When Someone comes into a relationship with God they are coming because Jesus is calling them and according to Philippians 1:6 the one who called you is faithful to fulfill all that He has called you to. So many people loose track of the fact that Jesus not only calls but He empowers and sends out also as it shows us here Matthew 10. We are not week people who are looking for some sort of crutch but we are empowered once we are called. That word "power" means to have authority or jurisdiction or governing authority over. This is the power we are given once we are called by Jesus it is a power to be exercised of demonic spirits and sin! This power that He gives us is then intended to be used to lead others to Himself so He sends out. This word sent shows one of purpose and intentionality. All of this shows us that the CALLED life is one of power, potential and purpose. This is the best life to live on the planet.

Next time you start to doubt your walk in Christ just remember you are Called, Empowered and Sent. Lets all take up the challenge today and remember He who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it.

Tomorrows Bible Reading - Joshua 3, Psalm 126-128, Isaiah 63, Matthew 11

Dream Big
Ben