Welcome to Thursday, July 22nd!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Just Ordinary People

Thanks for listening!

If you desire further information, you may request it from [email protected].

Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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This is Pastor Warren Swanson - creator and host of the Serving Jesus Christ podcast site with your Thursday, July 22nd Cross Talk Daily Devotional.

May these words and thoughts bless you and provide you with ideas to think about as you live out this day!

Today’s episode is titled:

Just Ordinary People

Whom does God use in His kingdom work? The answer is:

Just Ordinary People

Are you one of those ordinary people?

I suspect that you are!

God isn’t looking for the biggest, the best, and the brightest. Instead, he’s looking for ordinary people, like you and me, who will place themselves in His hands to be used.

Your first thought might be, “You’ve got to be kidding.  Me do something big for God?  No way! 

But God does want to use you!

Even the great Apostle Paul relied on God for the strength to face life and to accomplish his ministry.

Philippians 4:13 NAS95

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

As we step up to the plate, God comes alongside and provides an infusion of strength.

This verse can apply to the various circumstances in life but it also applies to helping us fulfill what God asks us to do.

The Bible is full of ordinary people that God used to accomplish great things. The fact is, as I noted a moment ago, that God chooses ordinary, everyday people to accomplish His extraordinary work.

Maybe you are thinking that:

I don’t have what it takes; I’m not talented enough! Don’t you have anyone else who can do it?

I remember a message I preached on the call of Moses. Moses provided all sorts of excuses why he was not the man for the job.

In the end, He believed God’s promise of being there, helping him to accomplish the task that God put before him.

As a believer, I know that you want to be used by God. But, at the same time, you hope that God never calls on you for one of His missions.

Right!

I know that I have felt that way sometimes.

How do we get past that feeling?

I have found that God will start you out slowly if you offer yourself up for His service. This is because He doesn’t want you to fail; so he won’t throw you into the deep end of the pool at the onset.

How about beginning with living out your faith in such a way that everyone knows that you are a committed Christian.

This would be the encouragement that Paul presents in:

Romans 12:1-2 NAS95

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  [2]  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

I think you will find that by living this way, opportunities of ministry will come your way. People are drawn to those who have joy and purpose in living.

You might find yourself doing active ministry without even realizing it.

This does not mean that it is always easy. There will be obstacles and even sorrow and pain at times.

But God promises that as we present ourselves for His service He will provide the strength to accomplish what he has laid before us.

Let’s Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

It is our desire to be used by You.

May the fears we often feel not keep us from engaging in ministry.

Help us to realize that you will be with us every step of the way.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!