GOD DOESN'T CALL THE QUALIFIED, HE QUALIFIES THE CALLED.

Imagine what the first disciples of Jesus felt when the Messiah came. He was everything they had hoped for and so much more. He had the words of life, and He was wise in ways that challenged the Pharisees. Jesus commanded thunderstorms to stop and healed people from sicknesses, diseases, and handicaps in an instant. He gave hope to a hopeless people who were occupied by the powerful Roman Empire, but He also extended salvation to all outside of His chosen ones. He surprised everyone and was the most wonderful expression of God in the flesh. Then He was arrested and executed a thief’s punishment of crucifixion on a cross.

His disciples witnessed the death of the One who brought them hope and healing, so they fled; fearing for their own lives. Then Jesus was resurrected from the dead, and He appeared to them several times. He commissioned them saying: 

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20

Just a few weeks later, the promise of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled, and those SCARED disciples were EMPOWERED by God to do the work He commissioned them to do! 

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly…With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was powerfully at work in them all.” - Acts 4:31,33

When Jesus gave what we know as The Great Commission, He didn’t say that we should GO only if we meet certain requirements or are born with specific talents, but He commands all to GO while promising to GIVE us exactly what we need to do the work He sets before us. This distinguishes Jesus from all other gods. He can use anyone despite their shortcomings; rather, His power is made perfect in our weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9). Be encouraged, friends! Your life has purpose in His Kingdom, and it’s not about what you can give but what Jesus already gave!

Before I entered college, I had the idea that to be used by God, I had to be like other people I had seen God use in great ways. I compared myself to others around me thinking they simply had gifts I didn’t have and truly believed I would never be able to be used by God, because I didn’t have much to offer. Beginning to grow in relationship with Jesus, He showed me that it wasn’t about me at all. As I focused on Him first and stayed faithful to Him alone, He equipped me with gifts and strengths over time and has used me to serve the people around me! Be assured that YOU are called, and He will qualify YOU for whatever he sets before you!

Practical Challenge: Each day this week, when you get up in the morning, ask Jesus what He wants to do in you and through you that day. Perhaps he will show you a scripture or challenge you to lay down an attitude that has become second nature to you. Or maybe He will bring someone to your mind to reach out to and pray for or serve in some way. 

Our God is alive! He speaks! He has a will and wants it to be known.

Blessings Friends,

-Kait Richey

INTRINSIC VALUE OBLIGATES

As human beings, by nature, we are creatures of value.  It’s why we order from dollar menus, why we love sales, and why we go shopping on Black Friday to buy things we don’t need. It’s why we keep reward cards and love getting things for free. In every decision we make, we are motivated by what is most valuable. Don’t believe me? Given the choice between a one dollar bill and a twenty dollar bill, which would you choose? You would be foolish not to choose the twenty.  Whats the difference? They are both money, made of the same material, ink, and color, but the bills have very different values. Jesus tells a story in Matthew 13 about value. A man is walking through a field, and finds a treasure buried there. The treasure is so valuable that he sells everything that he has just to buy the field. He found something so worth his attention that he was willing to part ways with everything he used to care about to receive it. Jesus says this is the way it is with the Kingdom of Heaven.  When we see who God is, what He has done for us, and how He loves us, it only makes sense to sell everything else to have Him. Whatever we used to care about fades away in comparison to the treasure we have found in Jesus. What is intrinsic value? The phrase intrinsic value means that an object is valuable in and of itself. A diamond is valuable without anyone’s help. It doesn’t need to be attached to a gold ring to be worth something. It has intrinsic value. On the same token, God is the most valuable being in the whole universe. He is the most intelligent, most powerful, most loving being that exists. He made the earth and everything in it and outside of it. He has never broken a single promise. What is it exactly that makes us want to follow Him? Should we listen to Him solely because He is powerful? Or because he is smart? Or loving? No single attribute that God has is enough to warrant following Him. However, when you look at the whole of His character, seeing God for who He is and understanding His heart, the very best decision is to throw out everything you used to live for and live for Him. Just like the man in Jesus’ story who wisely sold all he had to buy a field, give yourself, all of yourself to find the treasure that is knowing Him. You will never find anything or anyone more intrinsically valuable than God.

Practical Challenge

1. Do a value assessment— Sit down in a quiet place and write down this question: “Why do you do the things you do, and who do you do them for?” Just like screen time on your phone breaks down the different ways you spent your phone’s battery life, make a list of what you give your time, thoughts, and money to…Those are all forms of worship and show what you truly value. Take a good look at this list. What is most valuable in your life? What do you give the most time and attention to? Is it Jesus, yourself, your job, your future, your wallet, your grades, your boyfriend/girlfriend? If it is anything besides Jesus, ask God and a close friend to help you change that.

2. Pledge Allegiance to the King— Start every morning for the next two weeks by kneeling beside your bed and saying “Jesus, you are the King of my life. You are in charge, and I am not. I will live today to honor and serve you and your Kingdom.” See how doing this shapes the way you live!

Much love,

Craig Richey