Praise & Pray

If someone asked you why you chose the Lord to be your God, what would your answer be? Would it be because He was the God of your ancestors? Or would you be able to provide a personal reason for why He is your God?

Many of us are second, third, or fourth-generation Christians. We have learned to honor the God of our forefathers and mothers. Technically speaking, there's nothing wrong with this. However, remember the story of Gideon, where he challenged the angel sent to him? Gideon asked where the God his ancestors had told him about was, the One who'd brought them out of slavery. To him, he saw no evidence of this God because he and his people were once again living in oppression (Judges 6:13).

Gideon had heard about God but hadn't experienced the Lord, and that is why he spoke the way he did. God doesn't want that for any of His people. He wants us to know Him firsthand. This is why He creates avenues to experience Him directly. He wants all people to have intimate knowledge of who He is and what He can do. That way, each person who claims to belong to Him can give a unique and personal reason for why He is their God. Think about Job. God called him His servant in Job 1. Yet, Job later acknowledged that he hadn't truly known the Lord, saying in Job 42:5 - I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.

Yes, God chose us. Yes, we are predestined. And yet, the God of the universe has set things up so that we get to select Him, too. This may not seem important, but in a time when many feel increasingly helpless due to the growing chaos, what if your ability to show and tell why you believe in the Lord and His Son could transform the world? What if your experience with God is what someone needs to have hope? What if seeing you behave like a true follower of Christ is enough to change the trajectory of an individual and possibly a nation? 

We Christians often forget that our pastors, deacons, and ushers at church can only do so much. We ignore the fact that we, too, are called to serve. That we, too, have been implanted with gifts and talents that God wants released into the world through us. It can be a kind word. A silent prayer. Fasting for someone who has no idea of our sacrifice. The small things have a big impact when they are godly. How do your words show that you picked the Lord to be your God? How do your actions illustrate that you selected to serve Him because you know who He is and what He can do? Does your presence in a place bring the peace of Jesus and the grace of the Lord?

There's so much to consider, but remember this - God wants us to be His representatives on earth. His ambassadors who operate with His authority, bringing the salt that preserves a decaying world long enough for more souls to discover Him and choose Him. For this to happen, we have to pick Him first, and we have to develop a genuine relationship with Him. He has to be the God we know, not just the God of our ancestors, our pastor, or some other person we're connected to in some way.

If you, whether a Christian or not, want to be a part of this, choose Him by giving your life to His Son, Jesus. It is important to do this because Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 15:6). Next, tell Him you want to know Him more and be able to express why you chose Him as your God. Then watch Him introduce Himself to you anew and create opportunities to share your testimony. When this happens, let others know about your God and why you chose Him. Encourage them to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, consider giving your life to Christ with the Altar Call below, reviewing the testimony thread, and reading the following previous P&P messages:

1. Believe First

2. He Has Chosen You

3. Return & Publicly Testify

4. The Power of Testimony

5. Know God's Word & Power

6. Consequences of Rejecting Jesus

7. God's Witnesses

8. Responding to Scoffers

9. God Isn't A One-Hit Wonder

10. What Would God See When He Looks At Your Heart?

11. Don't Reject God's Process With Grumbling

12. The Mockers of Jesus

13. What Fruit Are You Producing?

14. God Isn't A One-Hit Wonder

15. Topic: Kingdom Identity