06/17/2026
A very good morning Saints. Welcome to a Wonderful Wednesday! I hope that you are doing well as we hit our mid-week point. How is that proverbial “to-do” list coming? How many times has it reprioritized for you so far? Do the best you can, with what you have, and trust the Lord. He’s got you!
On my heart this morning, as I was in prayer, came the word "chosen". I am not always sure why the Lord places certain words or topics on my heart, but He is faithful to do so. As I thought about the concept of being chosen, it occurred to me that there are a few things I was never chosen for. Perhaps you can relate.
I was never chosen first in a competition. I was never chosen to represent an organization as their proverbial poster child. I wasn't chosen as the most talented, gifted, or likely to succeed in high school... although my identical twin brother was selected for "Most Handsome" at his high school! (That one always made me wonder. Talk about a blow to your self-confidence)
I recall one meeting early on in my career where I was in a room with leaders of other divisions within the organization. I was young and talked quite a bit. The CEO pulled me aside later only to tell me that I didn't have to try to prove my worth by talking so much. I was already at the table. My seat was secure. I guess I was chosen after all.
“…having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will…” Ephesians 1:5 (NKJV)
"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." I Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
A mentor and friend, Dr. David Shibley, uses this illustration when he is teaching on the topic of being chosen. While it is typically tied to his teaching from Romans, it stands on solid ground with our devotion today. As children of God, we are grafted in. We are bought at a price. Children do not have a choice as it relates to their earthly parents. Parents, for the most part, choose to have children, whether naturally, or through the process of adoption. Think about the adopted child. Perhaps that is you. You were chosen to be a part of your family. "Handpicked" and special are you.
In the verse I referenced above, good 'ole Peter is laying down some truth for them at that time, and it applies to us today. He is speaking about the "living stone that was rejected" (Jesus) and the fact that we must "believe on him". It is that act of belief that moves us from darkness to light, from unchosen to chosen.
Let me encourage you today. God chose you & I from the very beginning to be called sons and daughters. To move from a place of darkness to light. I am sure that it is reassuring to be chosen by our peers or other leaders and given some noteworthy honor. Yes indeed. Having said that, I take great joy in knowing God chose me. He chose you. May we live like HIs chosen people today. Let's represent the family of God well today.