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Listen while you read: "Good Christian Men Rejoice"1 (Lyrics) |
Being chosen is a stark contrast to being rejected. Do you remember when you were young, playing a game, and waiting to be chosen for one side or the other? Even later in life, when you applied for an employment position, remember how you longed to be chosen and not rejected. It may be that at festive occasions like Christmas when gifts are shared, you eagerly wait to be the next person chosen to open your gift.
John 15:16 – You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (NIV)
I don't know why God speaks to us as He does. I do know that I have always enjoyed reading the gospel of John, especially the fifteenth chapter. For some reason, He has brought the verse above to my mind again and particularly highlighted the fact that you and I are chosen.
I know a few of my readers personally, but I don't know anything about most of you. However, I believe that God Himself has chosen me to send this message to you — but why?
God speaks to us in many different ways, but one of the best is through reading His written word — the Bible — in all different translations. So, my first suggestion is that you make the effort to learn from Him by reading His Word. Like me, you may be surprised by what He says to you, even if it is something that you have read many times before.
But most importantly, think about Who chose you and why you were chosen.
For years, I have enjoyed singing a song written by Miriam M. Richards (1911-1989) and published in 1956, which includes some reasons why we are chosen. Let them be a powerful challenge!
- What can I say to cheer a world of sorrow?
How bring back hope where men have sorely failed?
Just where I am I'll speak the word of comfort,
Tell how for me Christ's sacrifice availed.
Just where He needs me, my Lord has placed me,
Just where He needs me, there would I be!
And since He found me, by love He's bound me
To serve Him joyfully.
Wow! God Almighty needs me! You can also join me in being thrilled to be chosen. Just think that we can serve Him so joyfully!
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving us the privilege of being one of Your chosen ones. May we always show Your love, helping You and others joyfully. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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Thursday, December 5, 2024 – In Asia — Pray that our students will walk in God's peace and hold fast to His promises. Pray that fear and anxiety would have no hold on them. Instead, they will entrust themselves to God who sees them, hears them and is sovereign over all.
health: "Update December 4, 2024: I am having some problems with my right eye: twitching, feeling of..." 
Amen, Vince.
Hi Vincent,
Thank-you for this.
Thank you, Walter, for a beautiful devotional. It is wonderful to be chosen and needed.
Great post Vincent, may we all help others joyfully this Christmas Season and in the new year ahead!
Thank you, Vincent. I remember those early days of not being chosen! This is a good reassurance.
Thank you, Vincent, what a powerful devotional, the song makes one really think about being chosen. Blessings.
Thank you, Vince, for another of your informative and encouraging devotionals. Blessings for your special writings.
Thank you for today’s devotional. My wife and I always enjoy your devotional so much. So pleased you were “chosen”.
POWERFUL! Thank you, Vince. This speaks to me, and it is so encouraging.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you for your devotional and for highlighting John 15.
I am 90 years old and praise the Lord for these devotionals and good reminders.
Such a beautiful reminder, Vincent. I’m not familiar with that song, so will look it up. Thank you for starting my day with great encouraging words.
Good morning, Vincent,
I am so grateful that you have been chosen to write these devotionals. They are a blessing to so many.
Hi Vincent,
Thanks for penning…er typing that reminder of being chosen.
Merry Christmas!
Peace be with you!
Thank you for your words today.
I look forward for your readings.
I am 93 great health except for arthritis.
Need to be reminded that I must be still here for a purpose.
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing today’s devotional. It’s always a pleasure reading your messages.
Keep up the good work.
Merry Christmas.
Good morning, Vince,
Thank you for the JOYFUL message reminding us that God has chosen us. I am glad that God has “chosen” you to send this message.
May you be blessed with JOY and Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Vincent, for today’s devotional. I have always questioned this verse and my question is if God loves all of his children why are they not ALL chosen?
I am not all that well versed in the Bible. I read it everyday and ponder His words but I never really understood that passage.
Hi friend
We all need to be wanted and if we think we are not; well that could put us in a depression. But we know that Christ wants us and if we go to him, He will help us through everything. It is awesome to get these devotionals every day. It starts my day off in the right direction.
Blessings.
I always look forward to your messages when I see your name! You put your thoughts together in such a way that speaks to me of wisdom and a life well lived. May we all learn from your musings, stories, and references! The poem today brings to mind past experiences and encourages me to read more of God’s word during these busy times. Thank you for your inspirations and may God give you peace and many blessings.
Good morning Mr. Walter,
I love your devotionals.
You were chosen and placed for all the members of this devotional, to hear your stories and share in your writings.
Thank you for always sharing and taking us on your daily journey with you.
God Bless,
Stay healthy and safe.
I needed to hear this. Thank you Mr. Walter.
How do you know you are chosen? Prayer, reading God’s word, relationships, help from the Holy Spirit – many ways we learn we are chosen by God
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us.
Blessings.
Amen. You give me the courage to speak up at my Bible Study Group as I too am a “Senior” living in a Retirement Community. Keep up the good work.
(Texas USA)