The Quill and Me—Devotional Blog•Oswald Chambers Reflections

The Quill and Me—Devotional Blog•Oswald Chambers Reflections  Today's Devotional • Back to Home Page Jun 28 Today's Reading: My Utmost for His Highest Philippians 3:12 "I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" Held in the Grip of God Have you experienced the Grip of God? I have... and it is profound. If you have been there, then you are still there... in His grip. Chambers says we do not choose to work for God but we do so because He has "laid hold of" us. And we do not choose what we are called to do, He does. So... you may know the true call of God if this is the case. A true call is from God, God chosen, God ordained. Not chosen by that person, not decided by that person, but by God.  When someone is truly called — when they are in the grip of God — there is a steadiness about them that does not come from personality or ambition. They do not choose the work; the work chooses them. There is a quiet compulsi...

Bible Verse  1 Corinthians 9:16  "Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel." There is a holy ache woven into Paul’s words — not the ache of striving, but the ache of being seized. The call of God is not a hobby, not a preference, not even a ministry we choose. It is a force that grips the soul and redirects the entire horizon of a life. Chambers reminds us that every believer is called to testify to the reality of salvation, but that is not the same as the call to preach. Salvation is God’s sovereign act — simple, immediate, freely given. “Look to Me, and be saved…” (Isaiah 45:22). Discipleship, however, is different. It carries an “if.” It invites surrender. It asks for the whole life. Paul’s cry — “Woe is me…” — is not the cry of a man trying to prove something. It is the cry of a man who has been overtaken. Once the call of God seized him, every other ambition dissolved. Every competing desire fell silent. He became, in Chambers’ language, “broken bread and poured-out wine”...

Daily Bible Verse: Romans 1:1 "...separated to the gospel of God..." (Romans 1:1) There is a quiet but piercing truth woven through Paul’s words: our calling is not first to become holy people, but to become proclaimers of the gospel of God. Holiness is not the starting point — it is the fruit. Redemption is the reality that stands behind everything else. We often imagine that the Christian life begins with our effort, our goodness, our desire to be better. But Scripture turns that idea upside down. Reality is not found in our character or our progress. Reality is found in the redeeming work of Christ — the work that has already been accomplished, already secured, already offered. When Paul speaks of being “separated,” he does not describe something he achieved. He speaks of something God did. “When it pleased God, who separated me…” (Galatians 1:15). His life was not shaped by self-improvement but by surrender. He was not preoccupied with becoming a better version of himself...

Daily Bible Verse: Galatians 1:15-16 "But then something happened! For it pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me, even before I was born! What undeserved mercy! Then he revealed his Son to me so that I could proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When all this happened to me, I did not rush out to consult with anyone else;" For it pleased God to choose me and call me... When God calls you into service, it will eventually become your everyday way of life...it will become second nature for you to serve God. His nature and your nature will become one in service to His higher calling. God's Nature/Our Nature Intertwine Prayer Lord Jesus, Your Holy Spirit is my comforter, healer, and protector. I praise and thank You. Fill my life with love and devotion for You. In Jesus name, Amen. Breath Prayer Your might sustains my life. Benediction Lord...I walk in Your promise,Your truth,Your peace.  Selah. Share God with someone today: The Quill and Me—A Devot...

Daily Bible Verse: Isaiah 6:8 (NLT) "I heard the voice of the Lord..." The call of God is directly related to the nature of God. When you are in the right relationship with Him, you will be tuned into His nature and calling.  God's call will be woven into the patterns of your life, and only you will recognize it. So you need to be listening. If you are only concerned with yourself and the noise around you, you may never hear His call.  The call of God is not a reflection of our own nature or desires. It is a direct line from God about His nature and His desires. It may have nothing to do with your traits or qualifications, or the things you like or have studied. Do not dwell on those things when you are listening. Be tuned into El Shaddai - God Almighty. Prayer Father, we yield to Your power in our lives, in Jesus' name, Amen. Breath Prayer Let my life reflect Your might. Benediction We continue our journey of faith by focusing on El Shaddai. Jesus, The Quill and Me S...

Daily Bible Verse: Isaiah 6:8-9 (NLT) Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?" And I said, "Lord, I'll go! Send me."  And God answered, "Yes, go..." GOD - I AM - Yahweh - Eternal Isaiah overheard the voice of the Lord and volunteered to go. God accepted him.  If you heard Yahweh's call, how would you answer? Matthew 22:14 (NLT) "For many are called, but few are chosen." Chosen : In a relationship with God through Jesus Christ; spiritual condition changed, ears opened. When we allow the Holy Spirit to bring us face to face with God, we will hear His voice. Yahweh will not force us or plead with us; it is our choice to answer or not. So, the next step is up to us. Prayer Lord, draw me near; open my ears that I may hear. Lead me where You want me to go, Let my life reflect Your might, In Jesus' name, Amen. Breath Prayer You are the wind beneath my wings. Benediction Eternal God, ...