Well, God is saying to me: “I have chosen you”. This is cool, and it showed up three times. Here it is:
Acts 22:14
Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.
Marsha Burns:
Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns — June 5, 2008:
You are entering a time of advance when you can break through barriers that range from minor issues to significant and momentous change. Be alert and get ready to move forward as hindrances are removed and opportunities present themselves. Pressures that have weighed you down will suddenly lift, and you will experience a sense of release and freedom. Maximize this time of joy with thanksgiving and praise, says the Lord.
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.
Os Hillman:
Getting Picked
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Thursday, June 05 2008
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last” (John 15:16).
I will never forget the day in junior high school when I went to the gymnasium to view the list of those who would make the basketball team. Several of us went excitedly to see who was on the list and who was not. I made it! The feelings of exhilaration were beyond description for a fourteen year old. Those who didn’t make it were sad and downcast.
Most of us growing up either landed on “picked” or the “unpicked” side of life. I often hear my wife say, “I never got picked for anything. I wasn’t very good in sports or music.” (She wanted to play in the marching band but couldn’t play and walk at the same time).
It is awesome to be picked by the God of the universe to be on His team. When God chose you, He knew what He was doing. God doesn’t always pick those who have the greatest skill, the greatest aptitude, or even the greatest personality. However, He always has something in mind for those He picks.
There is one thing He requires of those He picks. They are to be fruit-bearers. They are not to be fruit-makers, but fruit-bearers. Our goal should not be to bear fruit. Our goal should be to know the One who chose us and makes the fruit. When we really know the one who chose us, fruit will be a natural by-product.
Today, as you begin your workday, consider where you will drop some fruit. It might be by praying for a co-worker. It might be by simply greeting someone cheerfully during lunch. It might be by leading someone to the Savior today. Share your fruit freely.