What God Does

Daily Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1-2

Scripture Focus: God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel (2 Thessalonians 2.13b-14a)

Devotional Thought: Recently, I went on a shopping expedition with my son-in-law, Evan. He has an eBay business in which he buys and resells top of the line men's clothing. It was fun watching him choose what to buy. He knew what he wanted, and before long our cart was filled to overflowing - to the point that we even had to get another cart!

God knows what he wants, too, and we have been purchased by God - not for resale, but for inclusion in the family of God. In our verse in 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes how God...

• Selects. The firstfruits are considered as the best that there is, and they are precious to God. We are firstfruits in God's eyes. It doesn't take him long to see and to say, "That's the one I want..." And, he does that to each one of us. We are chosen by God.

• Saves. Having been chosen, God then delivers us from sin. He redeems the souls of men and women with a price. Our salvation cost the blood of God's Son. Aren’t you glad that Jesus shed his own blood in order to save us?

• Sanctifies. God has a purpose for each one of you. While my son-in-law's purchases provide a living for his family, God's purchase provides a family for us to live in. We are set apart to be his chosen possession and his instrument of salvation in a world of darkness and despair.

• Sends. Through his Spirit and the invitation of his family, God is calling people with the good news. God is proactive! Let us be the voice of God to call the lost to him!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you have selected me in your love, saved me through the blood, and sanctified me for your purpose. Now, O Lord, send me to do your will and proclaim your name among the lost! Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 28.6-9

6 Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. 9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.