All That and a Bag of Chips

Daily Reading: 1 Peter 2

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2.9)

Devotional Thought: Not only are we the elected, exiled and dispersed people of God, we are…

·       A chosen race:  I remember how good it felt to be offered a job when I graduated from college.  How wonderful to be wanted!  But there have been times when I have been passed over.  There have even been times when I was rejected.  But God has chosen us, and nothing can separate us from his love.

·       A royal priesthood: We are sons and daughters of the King of the universe!  And as God’s children, we have been given a special role in the kingdom.  We are his ambassadors.  When you leave your home each morning, you are going out bearing the standard of heaven.

·       A holy nation:  We are not “lone wolves.”  Wolves usually travel and hunt in packs, so a lone wolf is an oddity.  We are part of a pack, too, created to travel and hunt together.  As the old song goes: “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God!”

·       A people for his own possession:  When God looks at you, he says, “She’s mine!” or, “He belongs to me!”  Do you remember the story of Job?  God actually bragged to Satan: “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” (Job 1.8).  Just as we delight in our children, so God delights in having you as his child!

We are all these things so that…

·       We may proclaim his excellencies:  Just as God brags on us, we are privileged to brag on him.  What a blessing to broadcast the praises of our God!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for choosing me, appointing me, adopting me, keeping me, and sending me.  Help me, O Father, that my life might proclaim your excellencies to all whom I encounter today.  In the name of Jesus, amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 62.5-12

5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.

6 He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

7 On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

8 Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

9 Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.

10 Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

11 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,

12 and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.