Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 118:22-24
Ps 118:22-24
The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Acts 4:10b-12
It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is "'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.' Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
So often God has used the unlikely to carry out his will. This is true of people, and it is also true of situations and things. A broken stick changed bad water into that which could be used. A shepherd boy became the greatest king of Israel. A rough fisherman became an apostle, alongside one of those “sinner” tax collectors. The supposed son of a carpenter became the Savior of the world!
Because this is true, we too often underestimate what God can do in and through us. A poor farmer and his wife raised five boys (and some girls) during the depression, and all five boys became preachers. Now, some of their sons and grandsons are preachers. There is no way to count the number of people who have been brought to Christ because of this family, not to mention all the other good they have done for so many. In the same way, God can use each of us.
The key to being used by God is for us to not be like Moses who made excuses and said he could not do what God called him to do. We must open ourselves to the bidding and nudging of the Spirit living within us. When we are truly given to the Lord, his Spirit will move us in the right direction and open the doors for us. It is up to us to respond in faith and use the opportunities he provides.
This may be as simple as inviting someone to study with us or inviting them to a service of the church. Remember Andrew. One of the greatest things he did in his life was to bring his brother, Peter, to Jesus. Our calling may be something “great” or it may be a simple act of kindness, a word of encouragement or a compliment.
O Lord God, open my heart to your Spirit and to your bidding. Keep me from making excuses and from procrastinating. Today is the day that you have made, so help me rejoice in it and be glad. Even in the middle of trials and problems, help me trust you enough to rejoice, to give thanks and not worry or be anxious. Use me to encourage others as they seek to live for you. As I reach for greatness, help me be a great friend, even to the friendless. Make me a great husband, father, father-in-law, and granddad. Make me a great listener. In Jesus’ name.
Robert
