Tag: Psalm 3:8
Chosen and appointed
Scripture reading for January 4th: Mark 3, Psalm 3, Proverbs 3
Mark 3:13-16 “And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those whom He desired, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) so that they might be with Him and He might sent them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon, . . .“
As Jesus chose those He wanted to follow Him, He called them out by name. Do you know that God knows our names? He knows where we have been, what we think, and what choices we will make in the future. In spite of what He knows, He loves us and calls us to follow Him. He even chose Judas Iscariot, His betrayer, knowing what would happen! He appointed each one to be an apostle. The word ‘apostle’ means ‘chosen and special messenger.’ It also means ‘sent one.’ They were first called to be with Jesus and see how He lived and ministered. These ‘sent’ ones must be properly trained by following their master. They watched as Jesus preached Good News, cast out devils, and healed the sick. He then sent them out to do the same! That process is still going on today!
Psalm 3:8 “Salvation belongs to the Lord; Your blessing be on Your people!”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for calling each by name to follow You and become Your ‘sent’ one to this lost world. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering me to follow You today. Thank You for Your compassion for the lost and hurting. Teach me further to bring Good News to those in need of deliverance, healing, and release from demons. Use me to multiply ministry, making disciples.
Proverbs 3:21-22 “My son, do not lose sight of these–keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.”
Declared the Son of God in Power!
Scripture reading for May 24th: 2nd Samuel 15-17, Psalm 3, 63, Romans 1
Romans 1:1-6 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, Who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of Holiness by His resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through Whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His Name among all nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.”
As Paul set about to write this letter to Roman believers, He declared Jesus Christ as the prophesied Son of God, descended from David through his flesh, but declared to be God’s Son by His resurrection from the dead. The power of God raised Him up through the Spirit of Holiness–God’s Holy Spirit. Resurrection life had entered Jesus’ body and brought resurrection after three days and three nights in the grave. This same Jesus had met Paul on the Damascus road and called Paul to believe and appointed him an apostle to share the Gospel with all nations. God had done it all and was now calling all men to salvation and holiness through the powerful Holy Spirit.
Psalm 3:8 “Salvation belongs to the Lord, Your blessing be on Your people!”
Psalm 63:2-3 “So I have looked upon You in the Sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You.”
Prayer: Father, Thank You for the amazing salvation brought to us by Jesus Christ, Your Son! Your power displayed in raising Jesus from the dead humbles me and makes me thankful and willing to follow You all the days of my life and for eternity. Use me to declare Your Son to all nations and call all to salvation in the power and anointing of Your Holy Spirit. Where You are my King, there will Your servant be!
2nd Samuel 15:21 “But Ittai answered the king (David), “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.”