God’s Recommendation

#HeartForTheWord

I am often tasked with writing college recommendations for my students. Each time I write one, I have to sit and think about that student’s characteristics, what makes him or her special, and why that college should accept him or her. Usually, it’s easy to write glowing comments, but sometimes I have to dig down deep to say favorable things while still telling the truth about the student’s past academic prowess (or lack thereof). The university is looking for qualified applicants, and my words must convince the acceptance committee that this particular student is exactly who them want.

When God needed a helmsman for the ark, He looked for a qualified person as well. We know Noah wasn’t flawless; no human being is. But God found some tendencies and a mindset in Noah that He could applaud. In Genesis 6:8-9; 7:1; and 7:5, God says Noah:

Found grace in His eyes
Was a just man
Was perfect in his generations
Walked with Him
Was righteous before Him
Did according to all He commanded him to do

If God took a look are our tendencies and our mindset, and wrote out our qualifications for service, would He see anything in us that He could use? Would God recommend us for any particular task He might have in mind? Are we not taking grace for granted, realizing that grace is not cheap, and living as best we can as just, perfect, and righteous children of the King? Are we walking closely enough to Him to hear what He wants us to do, and then moving to do it without hesitation?

Let’s stop falling back on the old adage that there is nothing good within us. As an unsaved sinner, that’s true; but as a blood-bought, baptized, Holy Ghost filled saint, God’s Spirit is within us empowering us. That’s very good and makes us qualified for use.

Worship God today for being the gracious One—the Qualifier—who uses us in his service.

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©2014 Sharon Norris Elliott. Feel free to forward this devotion in its entirety, including this copyright line. Leave comments, ask questions, read past devotions, or subscribe to receive these devotions daily in your e-mail at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com. Also, periodically check in at www.LifeThatMatters.net to see what’s going on in the ministry.

Pick up a copy of Sharon’s newest release,

Boomerangs to Arrows: A Godly Guide for Launching Young Adult Children

available from Judson Press (http://www.judsonpress.com/product.cfm?product_id=17387),

at bookstores, and on all major online book buying sites.

Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2JH_gbinMk

Also still available:

Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame

from New Hope Publishers (http://www.newhopedigital.com/2010/08/power-suit/)