Online Devotions: Nice or Called?

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Nice or Called?

September 9 (Mark 1:37-38)

When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” (NLT)

Jesus had been healing many people, and suddenly everyone was looking for Him. Wasn’t that a good thing? It was, but it wasn’t why Jesus had come, and He was not going to let anything get in the way of His mission, not even good deeds. As important as the direct healing of sick people was, His principal work was to share the good news that the kingdom of God was at hand, that God was actually on earth making reconciliation with Him possible for all people.

You probably do many good things for those around you, but ask yourself this. How much of your life is spent doing what you were called to do? Now, don’t get this wrong. No one is saying to ignore a need in front of you just to do something you think is grand and important. But seriously, how much of your life is taken up in nice, pleasant, even beneficial activities that are keeping you from what God sent you and only you to do?

And do you even know what that is? Jesus had a clear sense of His mission. He knew what the Father had sent Him to do. Do you? If you do not spend time with God, listening to what He has to say to you, you will spend your life in a flurry of activity, much of it good, but will miss the unique calling He has for you.

Father, rather than asking You to bless my efforts, I come to You today asking what Your will for me is. Show me the tasks to which You have truly called me, and may I be quick to perform them. I ask in the name of Jesus, amen.

3 comments:

UnknownSeptember 9, 2018 at 5:26 PM
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UnknownSeptember 9, 2018 at 5:29 PM
The devil will discourage, life will distract, and many well-intentioned people will give their opinions. It is so crucial to pray for will of God for the day and do it if we are to fulfill our calling. As the preacher said, "Don't let the urgent distract you from the important." Thanks for the reminder, Steve. Great post. God bless.
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Steve PerkinsSeptember 16, 2018 at 3:32 PM
Thanks for your comment, Rachael! You are certainly doing important work with your hosting of #RealFaith!
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While I welcome comments, even those that disagree with something I have written, I will delete any comment that is profane, vulgar, threatening, or in poor taste.

History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.