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A Special Purpose

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10, ESV)

Right from the start, God chose you for a very special purpose. In His infinite wisdom, God selected you to be His ambassador, His personal representative here on earth. He removed you from a life without an eternal purpose to carry out His master plan of leading all people to Himself. As a believer in Christ, you are a chosen vessel of God.

In Christ, you have been distinctly set apart to fulfill a specific purpose. Paul wrote, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:3-6).

God has a unique plan for your life. This plan was crafted well before you ever existed. It is a plan that brings true satisfaction and personal fulfillment by living through the starting point of life—Jesus. You may find it hard to believe, but you have been personally chosen by God to be a part of His royal family. Right now, you are royalty. You are a child of the King!

There is no higher calling for your life. If God has chosen you to be His child, there is no higher status. No position can compare with being an heir to the King. You are no longer a slave to your past or a slave to sin. You are a slave of Christ. He is your Savior and Lord. Darkness has no power over your life. Nothing hidden or visible can separate you from your new position.

In Christ Jesus, you are permanently secure! You belong to the King! Paul wrote, “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).

Read:  Open your Bible and read 1 Peter 2:9-10.

Reflect:  Prayerfully consider the following: What can I do today to make God’s name known to others? What skills or resources can I use to minister to others? What can I do right now to live for God’s purposes?

Respond:  As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.

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Starting Point

“He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:2).

Have you ever arrived late to a good movie? You may have prepaid your tickets online, but local traffic, and possibly your small children, obstructed every effort to arrive on time. When you ask the person sitting next to you, “How much did I miss?” They look at you and smile, “Oh, only about thirty minutes.”

By this time you are disappointed and very frustrated. You’re not sure where the story is headed or what key parts were missed because you were not present in the opening scene. You missed the starting point of the entire movie. Why? You were not present in the opening scene.

Jesus has always existed. He is the starting point of life. The title “I AM” was used in the Old Testament to refer to the God of the Hebrews. During one of his teachings, Jesus responded, “I tell you the truth…before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58, NIV).

In other words, Jesus unapologetically declared that He was the eternal God over all of creation! This assertion infuriated the religious leaders of the day. Why? Simply put, it placed Jesus in the same divine category as the God of Israel. It meant that Jesus already existed in eternity past with the Father and Holy Spirit. If Jesus was the great “I am” it meant that He is eternal and shares God’s divine nature.

What these leaders failed to understand was that before time ever existed, before the movie of this world started playing, Jesus was already living. Jesus was present in the opening scene and they were not. Isaiah wrote, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ ” (Isaiah 9:6).

Jesus was an active part of eternity before our world began. Why? Jesus is the starting point of life. One day everyone will bow and recognize Jesus as Lord of all things. The Living Word of God will return to earth, destroy all evil and reign supreme over His creation. John describes our great God and Savior powerfully when he writes, “He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13, NASB).

Read:  Open your Bible and read John 8:48-59.

Reflect:  Prayerfully consider the following: What activities are you involved in that bring glory to God? What two friends need to hear more regarding who Jesus is and what He has done to pay for our sins?

Respond:  As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.

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El punto de partida

“La Palabra estaba en el principio con Dios.” (Juan 1:2)

¿Alguna vez ha llegado tarde al cine a ver una buena película? Desafortunadamente, el tráfico y sus hijos le impidieron llegar a tiempo. Cuando usted llega y le pregunta a la persona sentada a su lado, “¿Perdí mucho?” Ellos sonríen y responden, “Bueno, solamente unos 30 minutos.”

Usted está desilusionado y frustrado. No puede entender la película. No puede devolver la película. Una cosa es segura, usted se perdió el comienzo de esta película. ¿Por qué? Porque usted no estaba presente en el principio. Usted no participó en el gran comienzo de esta película tan especial.

Jesús siempre ha existido. Él es el punto de partida de la vida. Durante una de sus enseñanzas, Jesús dijo: “De cierto, de cierto les digo: Antes de que Abraham fuera, yo soy” (Juan 8:58). Sin disculpa, Jesús declaró que Él era el Dios eterno sobre toda creación. El título, “Yo soy” fue usado en el Antiguo Testamento para referirse al Dios de los Hebreos.

Como se pueden imaginar, esta respuesta enfureció en gran manera a los líderes religiosos de ese día. ¿Por qué? Esta frase ubicó a Jesús en la misma categoría divina que solamente Dios podía ocupar. Significaba que Jesús ya existía en la pasada eternidad con el Padre y con el Espíritu Santo. Si Jesús es el gran “Yo soy”, esto significa que Él es eterno y comparte la naturaleza divina con Dios.

Lo que estos líderes no pudieron entender era que antes de que el tiempo existiera, antes que la película de este mundo empezara, Jesús estaba vivo y presente. El profeta escribe, “Porque un niño nos ha nacido, ¡un hijo nos ha sido concedido! Sobre sus hombros llevará el principado, y su nombre será ‘Consejero admirable’, ‘Dios fuerte’, ‘Padre Eterno’ y ‘Príncipe de paz’” (Isaías 9:6).

Él fue una parte activa de la eternidad antes de que el mundo fuera creado. Un día, todos se van a arrodillar y reconocer a Jesús como el Señor de toda la creación. La Palabra Viva establecerá Su reino en la tierra. ¿Por qué? Buena pregunta. Jesús es el punto de partida de la vida.

Repase:  Abra su Biblia y lea Juan 8:48-59

Reflexione:  Considere lo siguiente: ¿Cuáles actividades en mi vida traen gloria a Dios? ¿Con quién puedo compartir estas verdades esta semana?

Responda:  En oración, pregúntese, “Señor, ¿qué debo cambiar a la luz de estas verdades? ¿Cuáles pasos debo tomar?”

Un Devocional de nuestro libro, Andando con Jesús.

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Keeping it Real

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).

The Kingdom of God is eternal. Jesus Himself had no beginning, and has no end. Before this world was created, He ruled and shared the glory of Heaven’s throne with the Father and the Holy Spirit in eternity past. Although Jesus is a distinct person from God the Father, He always shared God’s qualities and His divine nature.

The author of Hebrews writes, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs” (Hebrews 1:3-4). Imagine experiencing the glory of God forever and ever.

The Apostle John wrote, “The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us” (1 John 1:2). Jesus enjoyed a divine fellowship with the Father, a shared relationship that was spiritually fruitful, relationally profound, and perfectly aligned.

This communion was both unique and transparent. It went far beyond anything that we could possibly create on our own. This powerful relationship produced a unique splendor that radiated throughout all of Heaven. Now we have the opportunity to experience God’s Kingdom everyday as we allow His presence to flow through our lives. Nothing can compare with God’s eternal presence.

Before enduring the cross, Jesus prayed, “And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed” (John 17:5, ESV). In another translation it reads, “Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began” (John 17:5, NLT).

Jesus longed to reunite Himself with the glory of the Father to once again experience the majesty and beauty of their fellowship in Heaven. This idea of a shared relationship is available and extended to every believer. The more you experience God’s presence, the better. What new habits do you need to create to improve your relationship with God and with others around you?

Read:  Open your Bible and read Hebrews 1:3, and Philippians 2:6.

Reflect:  Consider the following: Do you enjoy your relationship with God? What is it that you enjoy the most? Since God is a ruler of an Eternal Kingdom, what encouragement does that provide for your life?

Respond:  As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.

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Manteniéndolo real

“En el principio ya existía la Palabra. La Palabra estaba con Dios, y Dios mismo era la Palabra.” (Juan 1:1)

El Reino de Dios es eterno. Jesús no tuvo principio y no tiene fin. Antes de que este mundo fuera creado, Jesús compartió la gloria del Reino con el Padre y el Espíritu Santo en la eternidad pasada. Aunque Jesús es una persona distinta de Dios el Padre, Él siempre ha compartido las cualidades y la naturaleza divina de Dios (Filipenses 2:6).

El autor del libro de Hebreos escribe, “Él es el resplandor de la gloria de Dios. Es la imagen misma de lo que Dios es. Él es quien sustenta todas las cosas con la palabra de su poder. Después de llevar a cabo la purificación de nuestros pecados por medio de sí mismo, se sentó a la derecha de la Majestad” (Hebreos 1:3).

Juan escribió, “La vida que se ha manifestado, y que nosotros hemos visto y de la que damos testimonio, es la que nosotros les anunciamos a ustedes: la vida eterna, la cual estaba con el Padre, y se nos ha manifestado” (1 Juan 1:2).

Jesús disfrutó de un compañerismo divino con el Padre, una relación compartida que era espiritualmente fructífera, relacionalmente profunda, y alineada perfectamente. Esta comunión era única y transparente. Fue más allá que cualquier cosa que podamos crear o imaginar. Esta poderosa relación produjo un esplendor único que iluminó todo el cielo. Ahora tenemos la oportunidad de experimentar el Reino de Dios personalmente. Esto sucede cuando permitimos que la presencia de Dios fluya constantemente a través de nuestra vida.

Antes de experimentar la cruz, Jesús oró, “Ahora pues, Padre, glorifícame tú al lado tuyo, con aquella gloria que tuve contigo antes de que el mundo existiera.” (Juan 17:5). En otra traducción leemos, “Ahora, Padre, llévame a la gloria que compartíamos antes de que comenzara el mundo.” (Juan 17:5, NTV).

Jesús anhelaba reunirse con la gloria del Padre para experimentar la majestad y la belleza del compañerismo divino. Esta idea de una relación compartida está disponible y extendida a cada creyente. Experimentamos el Reino de Dios cuando aceptamos Su presencia en nuestra vida. ¿Cuáles hábitos necesito crear para mejorar mi relación con Dios y con las personas a mi alrededor?

Repase:  Abra su Biblia y lea Hebreos 1:3; Filipenses 2:6

Reflexione:  Considere lo siguiente: ¿Disfruto de mi relación con Dios? ¿Qué es lo que deseo de mi compañerismo con el Padre?

Responda:  En oración, pregúntese, “Señor, ¿qué debo cambiar a la luz de estas verdades? ¿Cuáles pasos debo tomar?”

Un Devocional de nuestro libro, Andando con Jesús.

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Creando algo de nada

“Dios, en el principio, creó los cielos y la tierra.” (Génesis 1:1)

Los eruditos judíos indistintamente conectaban “la Palabra de Dios” con el Dios de Israel. Usaron esta frase en el Antiguo Testamento para apuntar a las personas al Dios Verdadero y describir el poder creativo de Dios. Este es el poder que crea algo de nada. En otras palabras, da vida y trae toda materia a la existencia, proveyendo la forma perfecta y el ambiente para su supervivencia. Es el mismo poder que hace la vida una realidad. La Palabra es la fuerza, el poder detrás de lo que sostiene toda la vida y provee la estructura necesaria para que la vida prospere abundantemente.

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Creating Something Out of Nothing

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The Jewish teachers interchangeably connected the “word of God” with the God of Israel. They used this phrase to point their people to the One True God. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s creative power is described as the “word of God.”

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A Timeless God and Savior

“In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1). Imagine not having to worry about setting your alarm clock or being on time for your next appointment. Picture what your life would be like if you lived without any time limitations whatsoever. What would you do differently if your life were not governed by the laws of time? What new adventures would you plan? It’s hard to even imagine, isn’t it?  

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Un Dios y Salvador Eterno

“En el principio ya existía la Palabra.” (Juan 1:1)

Imagínese no tener que preocuparse por activar una alarma o llegar a tiempo para su próxima cita. Imagínese si usted pudiera dibujar un cuadro de su vida sin ninguna limitación de tiempo. ¿Qué haría usted diferente si su vida no fuera gobernada por las leyes del tiempo? ¿Cuál nueva aventura pondría en el calendario?  

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Andando con Jesús, Introducción Parte Dos

Este devocional diario fue diseñado para ser leído una vez al día durante cinco días a la semana durante un periodo de un año. Deliberadamente deja dos días libres para que usted pueda hacer algo diferente como revisar toda la semana, memorizar pasajes bíblicos claves, tener un tiempo prolongado de oración, asistir a un grupo pequeño y participar o acudir a un servicio de adoración en vivo.