In Touch 03-29-05

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Tuesday March 29, 2005

God's Call to Us

1 Peter 2:9-25

God's call on our life extends beyond salvation. He wants to develop Christlike character in us through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This call to sanctification is given to every Christ-follower, and at its heart is the intention for the believer to be "set apart." The Holy Spirit enables us turn from our old styles of action and attitude to give ourselves exclusively to the Lord. Sanctification brings about real freedom from self-centered desires that keep us in bondage. (Titus 3:3-7)

God's call to service requires total surrender. When the Lord revealed His glory to Isaiah, the prophet offered himself up completely (Isaiah 6:8); Paul submitted his whole self to Christ on the Damascus road; even Jesus, our ultimate example, daily surrendered to His Father's will (John 5:19). A life of surrender says, "Lord, whatever You want, whenever, wherever and however You want it, my answer is yes."

A willing response to each of these divine calls will prepare you for His call of accountability. Scripture tells us that every person will experience a Day of Judgment. For those who refused God's invitation to salvation, it will mean wrath and eternal separation from the Lord. For believers, it will be a day in which our response to God's call on our lives will be evaluated. Only those things done at His direction and in His way will matter when that time comes; everything else will count for nothing. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)

Daily, God is calling to you, wanting to speak with you about important matters. Are you listening to Him and responding?

Be sure to tell your teen about Teen Connection - the official teen outreach of In Touch Ministries. This cutting-edge web site is filled with practical content, including articles, interviews, a study guide, and devotionals, for teenagers of all spiritual maturity levels. The featured interview for March is best-selling band Caedmon's Call. Check out Teen Connection today!

http://www.teen-connection.net

Are you looking to take the next step in your spiritual walk? Enroll today in the Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living - a free, virtual one-on-one mentoring program with Dr. Charles Stanley. Register online today at www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.