Chosen – Part 1

“Jacob…whom I [God] have chosen…You are my servant; I have chosen you….” (From Isaiah 41:8-9)
Lord, You chose Jacob (Israel) and You have chosen us also. You chose us to go and bear fruit for Your glory. Thank You. Please help me serve you well today. Amen.
Jesus said in John 15:8 and 16, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last…..”

In Colossians 3:12, Paul calls us “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.” Wow! Holy—set apart for His service—and dearly loved. Not just loved, but dearly loved. What encouragement to live seeking to please God and joyfully serve wherever He directs! Why do I forget so often and start whining? I want to form a new habit. When I hear myself whining or complaining, I want to remind myself that I’m part of a holy people, chosen and dearly loved.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” –1 Peter 2:9

How wonderful to be selected, called! And we’re called for a purpose—not to be pampered or play games. We’re called to serve God even in difficulties, fit into His plans whatever they are, and bring Him glory. It is the path to real life. I didn’t learn this when I was young, but I believe God gives me each new day so I can learn it now.
Thank You, Lord.

[All Scriptures are NIV]

Serve the Lord with Gladness

Psalm 100:2-3, 5—“Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. …For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” New King James

Lord, I will serve You joyfully today. As I go about the tasks set before me, I’ll do them “as unto You.” I’ll sing praises to You because You alone are God. You have created us and claimed us as belonging to You. You’re good and merciful, and You care for us, even for me, as a shepherd looks after His sheep. From everlasting to everlasting, You alone are God. Your truth endures eternally because You are the true God forever.

Making a Difference

In looking at a Christian writers’ website, I noticed that hundreds, maybe thousands, of people write devotionals and post on the internet. I’m tempted to think, What good are mine? Many of those people are well-educated and trained specifically in ministry or are widely published authors. Although I have a college degree, it’s not in ministry. I’m not a professional pastor, counselor, or religion professor. I’ve had a few writing lessons, and a few of my devotionals have been published in print. I’ve written no books, and have had only one article published in a magazine. So, what difference can I make?

But maybe there are some people God can reach through me that He can’t reach through these other people. I’ll obey what I believe is His call, and trust Him to do what He will.

I pray, Jesus, please help me serve You humbly in every way that You’re calling me to do. Amen.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. …so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11 New American Standard)

Copyright Tricia Opitz 8/22/10