Listen to “Live for You” by Cornnersvine while you read today’s devotion

Scripture “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

Observation God is extravagant in his invitations but stringent with his expectations. The king invited anyone to the feast who could walk there. He even gave a free ride for the blind and the lame. But only those who took time to thoughtfully dress could stay for the gala event. There are many wonderful opportunities the Lord opens for us throughout life. The greatest way to show our thanks is by what we make of them. The call of God is not the end of the process, only the beginning. The finish line is being chosen. When the Lord invites us into a new thing (a new job, new investment, new relationship, etc) the clock starts ticking. He will leave us on our own for a period of time and return later to see what we have made of what we have been given. The evidence that we are chosen is usually seen in another opportunity he will give to us after that that is built on the first call.

Application Tomorrow I begin a new role with New Life Church in Colorado Springs. God has called me, but I have not yet been chosen. I have to make my wedding clothes so to speak. It is what I make of the call that I’ve received that will determine God’s choosing. Now is the time to give as much attention to ministry as I would to pressing and dressing for a black-tie event.

Prayer Father, I want to be chosen by you as well as called. Help me to be diligent.