God Chooses You
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 (NIV)
He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.”—Luke 9:3 (NIV)
Jesus told his disciples not to bring anything with them on the journey. To leave their belongings—all the outward trappings of life—and come with Him. Perhaps He wanted to show that He was a responsible provider and nothing was necessary and at the same time teach them that their faith journey would be easier without worldly possessions.
Lord, guide me to see how easy life can be when I let go of things that I don’t need. Help me to streamline my life.
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 (NIV)
For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.—Psalm 66:10 (NIV)
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.—Hebrews 6:19–20 (NIV)