Sunday, July 29, 2012

     Here I am, Lord: Daily Vocation Devotions 

     Found on
Lifteen's website ,  I have been using these bible verses as daily "Vocation Devotions" to journal with.  Perhaps they can be a benefit to you as well - here they are, as well as my own quick reflections. 



Day 1: Hebrews 10:7
    
" Then I said, 'As it is written of me in the scroll, Behold, I come to do your will, Oh God.'"
      What holds me back? Too many "what-if's," the uncertainty of the right decision? List your top five fears in responding to Christ's call to your vocation.   Today, I give Christ my whole self, even my fears.


Day 2: Hebrews 5:4
     "No one takes this honor upon himself, but only when called by God." 
     This verse reminds us that our vocations are a call from God, and this must be taken with great honor - the creator of the universe is calling us specifically on a life journey with Him. 


Day 3:  2 Timothy 1:9
     "He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works, but according to His own design and grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began."
     How do we respond?  Christ has poured out His very life for us and offers us something: a plan for our lives better than we could ever dream.  We don't have to plan our life according to our will, or stress over every detail - we have to simply accept His gift and live for Christ.  Living by God's will is the only way to experience the abundant life He has planned for us.


Day 4: Isaiah 6:8
     "Then I heard the voice of the Lord say: 'Whom shall I send? Who shall go for us?' 'Here I am,' I said, 'Send me!'"
     So many times we can feel unworthy of the call from Christ our vocation.  Lord, help us realize that your grace is sufficient for our short-failings.  Help us realize the amazing plan you have for our lives.


Day 5: Joshua 24:14-15
     "Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him completely and sincerely.  Cast out the gods your fathers served beyond the river and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you shall serve....as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
     Joshua speaks of the abandoned of false gods.  Help us to rid ourselves of the false gods in our live.s  Perhaps they are the false gods of our own wills, our pride and our tempers.  We will choose to serve the Lord!


Day 6:  2 Timothy 1:8     "So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord...but bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God."
     Lord, help us realize that you will never call us down a path that we cannot bear without your grace and support.  Help us lift up our crosses to you in as a testimony to others.


Day 7:  2 Timothy 2:3
     "Bear your hardships along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
     Lord, help us to bear our hardships with you.  As we ready for battle against the devil and those in this world whose goal it is to turn us away from you, strengthen our areas of weakness so that we may better serve you.


Day 8:  James 5:10
     "Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord."
     Others have had the courage to respond to the Lord's call.  Many seminarians, novices, priests, religious nuns and sisters, married couples, and consecrated singles, have answered Christ's call in their lives.  Help us to recognize His call in our lives and respond, ready to live our live according to your abundant plan.
    Take today to thank someone in your life for responding to their vocation.
 


Day 9:  Hebrews 13:7     "Remember your leaders who spoke to word of God to you.  Consider the outcome of their ways and imitate their faith."
     Thank the Lord today for the examples of faithful priests and religious, strong marriages, and devoted singles.  Burdens are easier when there are so many of Your servants to speak with and look to for examples.  Thank you Lord, for our faith family.
 


Day 10: 2 Timothy 4:%     "But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelists, fulfill your ministry."
     Lord, help us to guard our hearts, bear our crosses, and be dedicated to preaching Your words to the world.  Help us to teach the Gospel, using words if necessary.  Strengthen us in devotion to our present vocations as well as our future life with You.


Do you have a favorite bible verse concerning your vocation?  Do you have a story to share concerning your vocational journey? Or any other suggestions/comments?  Let me know in the below comments!

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