Daily Devotional For Saturday, May 24, 2025
Good morning Southside. One of the biblical truths we learn from Scripture is that we are a called and chosen people. Look at 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (NASB). I am excited to report that God is moving in remarkable ways across our nation. One of the most encouraging things I’m seeing is the wave of people stepping forward with linked arms to say, “We’re going to honor the Lord. We’re going to lift up the name of Jesus privately and publicly. We’re going to take Him to work again. We’re going to take Him to school again.”
I see this among young people such as high school kids and college students. I really believe after generations of false truth such as behavior modification, relativism and subjectivism, there is a hunger among the young for real truth that lasts and gets you through life. People are making greater efforts to be together, not only to worship but to serve their churches and their communities. They are making the effort to read their Bibles consistently. I encourage you to have that same attitude and determination to honor the Lord.
As Peter reminds us, we are chosen for this purpose. We have been called out of the darkness and into the light so we can declare God’s praises to our friends and neighbors, who are so desperate for a word of hope and encouragement. We are now in Memorial Day Weekend and as you enjoy this weekend and for some of you, an extended weekend, please remember to set up a memorial in your heart to fulfill your calling and your purpose for the Lord.
As flags are being placed on soldiers’ graves, please place the flag of obedience on the soil of your own heart. We have been redeemed and called to be different because once we have come to Christ, we are now different. Our old nature has been crucified and our new nature in Christ thrives. The Bible says this in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (NASB).
It is easy to focus on what’s negative in our world, but God calls us to a different response. Think about the things you are grateful for, especially if you are going through a particularly challenging time. A heart of gratitude will encourage and strengthen you.
Assignment: Take a moment to reflect and then find someone to share your thoughts on these questions: What does it mean to you that you have been called by God? What does it mean that you have been crucified with Christ and the old you no longer lives? Take a sheet of paper or tablet and answer this question: How do you live by faith consistently for the glory of God?
Scripture To Meditate On: 2 Timothy 1:9, “. . . . who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity” (NASB).
Prayer To Pray: “Heavenly Father, blessed be Your name! Thank You that I can see Your Spirit at work throughout the earth today. Help me to focus on the ways You are moving and not on the darkness around me. My heart rejoices in Your strength and truth! In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
I love you Southside! – Pastor Kelly